J. Cole fans are reflecting on DMX’s past praise of the rapper after Cole paid tribute to the late hip-hop legend on his latest album, “The Fall-Off”.

A standout homage comes on the track “Life Sentence,” featured as the fifth song on the album’s second disc, “Disc39.” The song incorporates and reimagines the hook from DMX’s classic 1998 track “How It’s Goin’ Down.”

The original chorus from “How It’s Goin’ Down” focuses on a complicated relationship dynamic.

“What type of games are being played? How’s it going down? / It’s on ’til it’s gone, then I gots to know now / Is you with me, or what? Think I’m trying to get me a nut / Just ’cause honeys want to give me the butt, what?”

In contrast, J. Cole’s version shifts the focus to his marriage and commitment, with him singing: “All types of games are being played, how’s it going down? / It’s on ’til it’s gone and I gots to know now / Is you with me or what? A n***a really think he in love / I put this ring on you forever, what’s up?”

The reworked lyrics place an emotional emphasis on love and lifelong dedication to his wife, giving a personal spin to DMX’s classic hook.

This heartfelt nod to DMX sparked conversations among fans, including social media users. Many revisited a 2012 interview on “The Breakfast Club”, during which DMX openly praised J. Cole’s talent.

When asked about artists who were making an impression on him at the time, DMX responded enthusiastically, “J. Cole is nice, J. Cole is nice.”

He recalled hearing one of Cole’s early tracks on the radio and being immediately drawn to it: “I heard his first song on the radio before I even knew who he was. Like, damn, who’s that? Just grabbed my attention like that.”