In a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Jim Jones opened up about passing on signing some of today’s biggest names in music — Drake, J. Cole, and The Weeknd — during his time as Vice President of Urban A&R at Koch Records in 2009.

Reflecting on the missed opportunities, the Dipset veteran explained that he had regular interactions with these future superstars before their careers skyrocketed. Speaking specifically on J. Cole, Jones recalled:

“J. Cole used to be in my studio all the time. I can’t say that wholeheartedly [I saw his potential].”

When it came to Drake, Jim Jones revealed that Koch Records’ VP Alan Grunblatt had introduced him to the Canadian rapper’s early music. Despite recognizing Drake’s talent as a lyricist, Jones admitted he didn’t see the bigger picture at the time.

“I kept telling him [Grunblatt] he [Drake] had no image. I didn’t understand it, it didn’t connect — but he could rap his ass off,” Jones explained.

As for The Weeknd, Jim Jones shared that personal tragedy clouded his judgment during their encounter. On the same day he met with the rising Toronto singer, his close friend Stack Bundles was tragically shot and killed. Understandably, his mind wasn’t fully focused on potential business decisions.

Despite missing out on these future icons, Jones holds no regrets.

“Would it have been nice? Yeah, that might have been dope. But who knows? They might not have had the success they achieved through the channels I had to offer,” he reflected.

Beyond this revelation, Jim Jones has been making headlines for his ongoing commentary on Nas. In recent interviews, Jones questioned Nas’ current relevance and even suggested that his own catalog has aged better.

“What I did for Nas recently probably has never been done in his life,” Jones said during his appearance on the Bagfuel Podcast, claiming that his remarks brought Nas back into viral conversations.
“Last time he was in some viral sht like this was when he was getting at Jay-Z.”