(AllHipHop News) J. Cole has established himself as one of the premier Hip Hop artist of his generation. Three #1 albums, a platinum LP without any guest features, sold out headlining tours, and songs with music icons such as Janet Jackson has placed the Dreamville Records founder in rare musical company.

[ALSO READ: Janet Jackson Releases Official Video For “No Sleeep” Featuring J. Cole]

Jermaine sat down with Sway Calloway for a rare interview. The videotaped discussion included Cole talking about his Forest Hills Drive Tour with Big Sean, YG, and Jeremih. He also touched on being one of the first mainstream level emcees to break away from the established rules of the music industry.

“I was the example for all these guys, and nobody should have to do it again. I was the one that had to go through it to show everybody this is not the way no more,” stated Cole. “You don’t have to have the features. You don’t have to drop the single. You don’t have to have the radio record before they put your album out. You don’t have to follow those rules. You can put out what you love and still sell records if you’re connecting with people.”

Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive came out in December 2014. The North Carolina born emcee only announced the album a month before it hit stores. He did not officially service any singles to radio until after the LP was released in full. The project was certified platinum earlier this year.