There’s always something special when it comes to seeing two worlds collide and this is exactly what happened recently when rap icon J. Cole namedropped Hideo Kojima on one of the verses on his latest album.
The line took Twitter by storm as the subsection of rap fans/gamers appreciated the crossover between the two behemoths of their respective industries.
Now that the dust has settled a little and the world has had a chance to take in the album, Kojima Productions, Hideo Kojima’s development studio, has had its say in response to the bar.
What was the Situation With J. Cole’s Kojima Line?
On Friday, May 14, J. Cole dropped his brand new album,The Off-Season.
After working on it for around three years, Cole teased the album on May 4, before releasing it ten days later.
Twitter was sent into a frenzy when, on the trackApplying Pressure,Cole raps the line “Big Boss, less Rick Ross, more like a wavy Hideo Kojima.”
This is of course a reference to both Kojima, plus his most successful franchise,Metal Gear Solid.
How did Kojima Respond to Being Namedropped?
Kojima’s response was a simple yet effective one.
Replying directly to J. Cole’sTook years to reach this form.The Off-Season. My new album.Available now.https://t.co/sgVCaa62hU— J. Cole (@JColeNC)August 10, 2025">tweetabout the album being available, Kojima Productions simply replied with three flame emojis, signifying that he’s a fan of the verse and presumably the album as a whole.
Took years to reach this form.The Off-Season. My new album.Available now.https://t.co/sgVCaa62hU
This isn’t the first time that Kojima has been involved in a crossover with other releases either. Most recently, the esteemed developer hada cameo in the controversialCyberpunk 2077.
The Off-Season isavailable nowto purchase and can also be streamed on all popular music streaming platforms - including Tidal, Spotify and both Amazon and YouTube Music.
