J. Cole pressured by possible Jay-Z collaboration

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After over a year's worth of delays, J. Cole may finally be ready to release his debut album. J. Cole became a local celebrity in Fayetteville, NC, when Jay-Z recruited him to become the first artist on Roc Nation. At the time, many people assumed his album would come in 2009.

Despite not releasing an album in 2009, J. Cole had tremendous success on the mixtape level. He also gained exposure through his verse on Jay-Z's "A Star is Born." The major release from J. Cole in 2009, however, was his local hit single, "Lights Please."

Before the summer of 2010, J. Cole released what many assumed was his debut single, "Who Dat." The song received heavy radio play and was well-received by fans and critics. It would land him major television appearances and more exposure. J. Cole was soon receiving comparisons to his idol, Nas. Still, no album came.

Nearly six months since his summer buzz, J. Cole is putting the finishing touches on his Cole World debut album. With the album on the way, many are wondering if Jay-Z will be featured on the album. During his days building Roc-A-Fella, Jay-Z would often lend his voice to the other artists. J. Cole admitted Jay-Z would gladly record on his album. But, in order for the song to be up to par, J. Cole says he would have to advance his lyrical game to new levels.

J. Cole is acclaimed for his lyrical ability, but he feels pressure even thinking about working with Jay-Z. It is unclear if Jay-Z will record with J. Cole on the album.