J. Cole spits fire about getting the props he's due on "Forbidden Fruit."

J. Cole is rapping like he's got something to prove on "Forbidden Fruit," the next single from his forthcoming sophomore album, Born Sinner, out June 18. But why such a chip on his shoulder? As one of the premier rhymers and producers in the game, along with personal co-signs from Jay-Z, you would THINK that dude had absolutely zero reason to feel insecure. But on this new track, J outright demands the respect he feels he's earned, and even enlists the help of the Hottest MC In The Game of 2012, Kendrick Lamar. Y'know, just for that extra push.

Listen to J. Cole featuring Kendrick Lamar's "Forbidden Fruit" after the jump.

Sampling Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew," which was famously interpolated into A Tribe Called Quest's classic "Electric Relaxation," Cole won't put up with ANY haters on his new track. "Put a price on my head won't make me run/ Try to kill me but it can't be done/ Cause my words gon' live forever/ You put two and two together Cole here forever," he defiantly rhymes.

After Kendrick drops in on the chorus, J goes on to talk about how he's unafraid of competition, and even challenges the throne held by Kanye West (who's also releasing an album June 18): "I'mma drop the album the same day as Kanye/ Just to show the boys the man now like Wanyá/ And I don't mean no disrespect/ I praise legends/ But this what next the boy sick, can't disinfect." OK, J. Cole! Dude is serious about collecting his props, and we're more than proud to give 'em up over here.

+ Listen to J. Cole featuring Kendrick Lamar's "Forbidden Fruit" (NSFW).

Photo credit: Roc Nation