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At a listening session for Cole World: The Sideline Story earlier this year, J. Cole told a group of journalists that he finished a track with Missy Elliott, but was still waiting on the final go-ahead to add the song to his album. We had to keep quiet -- until now. With Cole World's release a week away -- and leaked release earlier this week -- looks like the Elliott collaboration made the final cut.
Those hoping to hear her rhyme, though, may be disappointed, as Elliott only contributes sung vocals to the track that rhymes "Your son out in Barbados" with "My mind workin' like Plato's." "Nobody's Perfect," produced by J. Cole himself, loops a soulful guitar riff into one of the most soothing tracks on the album. While Cole showcases his own vocal skills, Elliott steals the song, with her hip-hop influenced style of R&B vocally nodding to mid-'90s R&B singers such as Aaliyah and TLC.
J. Cole seems to be hitting as many bases as possible with the release of each new single. "Can't Get Enough" nabbed the club demographic. "Mr. Nice Watch" used an experimental dance beat and fulfilled his long-anticipated Jay-Z appearance. And now "Nobody's Perfect" covers the smooth R&B tip. All we need is a New Jack Swing and hip-house track, and he's got the entire hip-hop spectrum covered. Fingers crossed.
Cole World is out Sept. 27 on Roc Nation.
+ Listen to J. Cole's "Nobody's Perfect" featuring Missy Elliott.