On May 29, 2018, DJ Premier released this remix of J. Cole’s “1985” from his April 2018 album KOD. The original title, “1985,” represents the year Cole was born; Premier aptly titled his remix “1966,” alluding to his own birth year.

Premier wrote in the song bio on SoundCloud that “1985” resonated with him immediately upon hearing it, so he asked Cole for the a cappella version of the track to do a remix. Cole (obviously) sent it to Premier, and he “pieced some stab samples to keep it on some boom bap shit.”

“1985” is a message to up-and-coming rappers, warning them about the realities of the rap game and advising them on how to maintain success. Cole adopts the tone of an older, more experienced mentor. The song is interpreted as targeting a multitude of new rappers, including Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, and 6ix9ine, among others. He compares his experiences to theirs, responding to their sometimes senseless actions with the wish that they learn from their recklessness, just as he did when he was their age.