Jim Jones Reveals He Had the Chance to Sign Drake, J. Cole, Meek Mill, and The Weekend

By Marissa Alvarez

Rapper Jim Jones revealed in a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue that he could have signed Drake, J. Cole, Meek Mill, and The Weekend, but the timing and fit were not right.

Regarding J. Cole, Jones didn't provide much detail, only mentioning that the rapper used to spend time in his studio.

However, Jones revealed that Drake let him hear some of his music, but he didn't sign the Canadian artist because he didn’t understand him, and he lacked an image at the time. Jones explained, “He had no image. I didn’t understand it. It didn’t connect, but he can wrap his a** off.” Although he didn’t understand at the time, he didn’t hesitate to praise him for his talent and successful career. 

Following up with the next big Canadian artist, The Weekend, Jones explained that he wasn’t in the right headspace in 2007 when the opportunity to work with the artist arose. This was largely due to the passing of an up-and-coming rapper at the time, Sack Bundles.

Although it was a missed opportunity, he gave a shoutout to The Weekend, Amir "Cash" Esmailia, his manager, and the artist’s record label XO, stating, “Those are my brothers till this day.”

He also mentioned that he had the chance to work with Meek Mill, but he decided to instead assist the Philly rapper in deciding which label to sign with. Jones believed that Rick Ross would be the best fit, and as a result, Meek Mill ended up signing with Ross' label, Maybach Music Group.

Although Jones wasn't able to sign Drake, J. Cole, The Weekend, or Meek Mill, he expressed his happiness for the success these artists have achieved. "I’m grateful to see how big of artists they have become," Jones said. He expressed his gratitude for being involved in the early stages of many artists' careers and having the opportunity to help shape their careers.