We have Big Sean to thank for the existence of Royce da 5'9" and J. Cole's "Boblo Boat."
Less than two weeks after the single was released, Royce spoke to XXL about the collaborative record as well as Sean Don’s surprising involvement. Royce said it all went down in July 2017, when Cole stopped in Detroit for the 4 Your Eyez Only Tour as well as an appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s Damn Tour. The rapper explained Cole decided to stay in the city for an extra day to squeeze in some studio time, so he hit up Sean to see if he knew of any available facilities.
"He called Big Sean and asked him if he knew of a studio," Royce explained. "So Sean was like, 'Hold on, let me hit Royce'... I'm like, 'Of course he can use my studio.'"
After Royce met up with Cole at the space, he assumed his work was pretty much done; however, as he was about to leave the studio, Cole asked him to play some of his new music.
"He came through and I thought he was just going to use the studio—I was about to leave," Royce said. "He was like, 'Yo, let me hear something. You got some music or something that you're working on?' I played him a few things, he started playing me some beats. One thing led to another and we did a few things."
It was this session that would eventually lead to the "Boblo Boat" record.
"Boblo Boat” is the lead single off Royce’s upcoming album, Book of Ryan. The 20-track project marks Royce’s first full-length release since his and DJ Premier’s joint tape PRhyme 2, and his first studio album release since 2016’s Layers.
"Book of Ryan is my greatest piece of work," the Detroit rapper told Complex last month. "I put everything I had into this album (spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially) and am excited to finally share it with the world. I hope you enjoy.”
Book of Ryan is set to drop May 4. You can pre-order it now on iTunes.
