What Album Did J. Cole Say Is Better Than Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller?’

August 13, 2023 12:30 pm

In early May, 50 Cent announced his Final Lap Tour, helping celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his magnum opus debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Earlier this week, Aug. 9-10, he returned to his hometown to perform two consecutive shows at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, for the tour. For the first show, he decided to bring out J. Cole, who went on to play his 2014 hit “No Role Modelz” for the attendees.

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However, what Cole decided to say after the song was even more headline-catching. First, he made it known that he thinks Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is the best album ever.

“Can I say this before I move off stage?” he said. “If y’all don’t make some noise for one of the greatest n****s to ever do this shit. 50 mothafuckin’ Cent, Curtis Jackson. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ the best album of all time. I don’t give a fuck what you talking about, n****a!”

Then, Cole continued by clarifying which album GRoDT beat out to earn that title.

“It’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ at No. 1 and it’s Thriller at No. 2, and I love Michael Jackson,” he said. “But I promise y’all that, Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent, we love you my n****a, for real.”

When stacking them up against each other, tangibly, Thriller‘s claim to being the best album ever has tons of merit, as it is certified 34x platinum by RIAA, an absolutely incredible and unthinkable number. As for GRoDT, the LP is creeping up on diamond status at 9x certified platinum, though it was released 21 years after Jackson’s aforementioned classic.

Cole, a student of hip-hop and well-documented admirer of New York rappers like Nas, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent, has only been able to work with 50 once in his career for “New York Times” off his 2013 album Born Sinner. When speaking about it during a 2013 interview with MTV‘s RapFix Live, Cole said he got 50 on the song because it was inspired by him.

“He just happened to be in L.A. and I had that song,” Cole said. “I’d stolen 50 Cent melodies and was humming it on the hook like, ‘Man, if 50 do this hook, it’ll be so amazing.’ And he came through the studio in L.A., so it was crazy.”

Along with Cole, 50 Cent also brought out Jadakiss, DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Yung Bleu, Flo Rida, Tony Yayo, and Uncle Murda during his first night in Brooklyn.

Check out a recap of the show below.