J. Cole went before the cameras to shoot the video for “Work Out” in Los Angeles over the weekend. The song, which samples Kanye West’s “New Workout Plan” and Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up,” serves as the lead single from his Roc Nation debut Cole World: The Sideline Story, due September 27. The 26-year-old rapper, who’s currently on tour with Rihanna, explained how the glossy visuals, directed by Jake Davis, are a change from what we’ve seen in the past.

“The visuals on the video for ‘Work Out’ are stunning. I’ve never shot a video like this before,” Cole told Rap-Up. “It felt like a real video with the lights and all. With ‘Who Dat,’ the label let me be free and do my artistic thing with the one shot, but this video they wanted a more superstar look. I’ll take it. I think it’s about that time.”

Check out two more on-set pics below and watch Cole perform “Work Out” live at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.