Known for rapping about his struggles in the hood as a smart kid, family issues, chasing his dreams, money, America and love, rapper Jermaine Cole (J. Cole) has a gift for storytelling, connecting and relating with people. His music aside, J. Cole's interviews he partakes in are just a bonus to where he's at mentally, emotionally and just how intelligent and talented he is. What's admirable is that one learns so much from these conversations, and walks away inspired forever. These conversations are needed among the rap and hip-hop community. The community needs role models, substance, positivity, and most importantly, love. Here are a few inspirational and well-needed conversations.

1. The Angie Martinez Show Interview

Having her own morning show on a nationally syndicated radio station, Angie is nicknamed, “The Voice of New York." Martinez has a very comforting interview style that allows her guests to open up, just like in this interview with J. Cole.

Cole was honest and opened up about capitalism; speaking his mind and feelings through music; his views on the world and America; his observations on how jazz music has changed from being black in its origins to mostly white talent; his opinion on reality TV, newspaper and blog headlines and why they exist; his thoughts on running for office, politicians and voting; working and surviving in America, and how he learned to be more thankful and appreciative of family, friends, accomplishments and the simple things. This interview is an inspiring wake-up call

2. PBS Interview On The Tavis Smiley Show

Four months after releasing his third studio album, "2014 Forest Hills Drive," Cole was a guest on "The Tavis Smiley Show" to talk about his album, his gift of storytelling, being a "bedroom artist," adolescence, losing his home on Forest Hills Drive, graduating college with magna cum laude, having a competitive spirit in the rap game, finding a way to make his dreams come true, insecurity in his life while growing up, the importance

of being well-informed, enjoying reading, and realizing the blessings he has all around him like his family, mom and friends.

3. Combat Jack Show Podcast Interview

A 2-hour conversation seems like too much, but Cole shares a lot of meaningful, personal experiences, and importantly, observations about police brutality, the world, America, love, success, and happiness. Topics of holding on to attachment and expectations, not worrying, enjoying the present, making wiser decisions with age, knowing who he is, buying his first home, the importance of reading and being well informed, existing in a black and white world of being biracial, Ferguson, controlling our own destiny, advice for aspiring musicians, and more.

4. Wall Street Journal Interview with Journalist Lee Hawkins

This interview was completed three months after releasing his sophomore studio album, "Born Sinner in 2013." Lee Hawkins from The Wall Street Journal did his research on Cole, bringing up a lot of thoughtful, overlooked observations when asking him personal questions about how he handled situations in life, the music business and college. Hawkins can relate and has a certain level of understanding for Cole and how he grew up, his state of mind and business moves he has made, which makes the conversation and interview that much more fluid. Topics discussed include handling offensive rap verses, upholding a positive image in the media, being a military kid, establishing and keeping a good relationship with his father, his emotions and business behind the music while working with Jay-Z, the art of signing a record deal and getting a smashing, chart-winning radio hit, how he's different from other rappers, dreaming big, and others things discussed.

5. NPR Interview on Microphone Check with Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley

This was the first interview of a few that Cole did regarding his latest album. He didn't do too much promotion, discussion or press, as he wanted the music to speak for itself. Cole discusses growing up with a stepfather, the concept of being mentally free and happy, his worst and best days of thinking bitter or better, being subconsciously aware of the true things that matter like family, friends, love, being a voice for the younger generations, capitalism in America, and more.

6. Complex Interview in Ferguson, Missouri

Cole visited Ferguson last year due to the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. With him just being there and opening up about it, he gave people hope.