I think they were always clearly cool even back then. Mal was just the “cool” guy so he didn’t brag about it. Now he flexes it for content sake which is smart. His J. Cole opinion got me to start listening again and I actually like the show and the other two people they have on there.
He never mentioned it or brought it up if he did, Especially with how on/off Drake & Joe always areHe did.. there's pics of Mal hanging with Drake while he was still on the pod