J. Cole thanks fans for "Cole World" being number one

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J. Cole's "Cole World: The Sideline Story" debuts atop the Billboard 200

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

From the moment he was signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, every move made by J. Cole was legendary. Representing North Carolina, J. Cole was hailing from an undeveloped rap scene. During the early 2000s, Petey Pablo had given buzz to North Carolina. But, following his movement, no mainstream artists came.

J. Cole was unlike the typical Southern rappers, as his drawl is barely heard on his records. Also, J. Cole has a lyrical ability unmated by most current rappers, regardless of genre. The overall style of J. Cole immediately made him one of the brightest new stars in the rap game. Mainstream hip hop fans did not have a chance to hear J. Cole until his verse on "A Star is Born."

Despite being signed to Roc Nation, and featured on The Blueprint 3, J. Cole still did not have a solid release date. Because of this, J. Cole flooded the mixtape scene. In 2010, his Friday Night Lights mixtape proved to be his final one. A little less than a year later, J. Cole has finally released his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album was projected to sell over 200,000 copies in its first week and has done so, debuting on the top of the Billboard Top 200 albums.

With this, J. Cole has had the highest debut for a North Carolina rapper.

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J. Cole speaks on "Cole World" production and Jay-Z's influence

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following numerous delays, J. Cole finally released his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Throughout the month of September 2011, J. Cole has been the most-discussed rapper. During this time, J. Cole has also been doing a lot of talking.

Speaking on the frequent delays, J. Cole said his album was pushed back because of label issues. But, following the release of the album, J. Cole said he had full creative control with the record. While J. Cole had the final say on his album, he did turn to Jay-Z for guidance.

Being with Jay-Z meant J. Cole could have almost anyone provide production for his album. However, J. Cole is also a producer, along with being a rapper. Wanting to show off his full talents, J. Cole produced most of the tracks off his debut album. In the future, J. Cole promised he would reach out to more people, but he had to prove himself on his first album.

Jay-Z's influence led to "Blow Up" and "Can't Get Enough" being included on the album. J. Cole said he would play several tracks for Jay-Z to see how he liked them.

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"Cole World: The Sideline Story" to sell an estimated 250,000 in First Week

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

If things proceed as anticipated for J. Cole, his string of good luck should continue. This week, J. Cole released Cole World: The Sideline Story, his debut album, following years of delays. J. Cole explained these delays were caused by label issues.

With the issues put to the side, J. Cole became the most-discussed rapper in the game, as he prepared his album. J. Cole's debut album is now behind him. Following releasing an album, the next challenge is the actual sales.

Projections have J. Cole prepared to do very well, at least in his first week. J. Cole is projected to sell between 225,000 and 250,000 copies in his first week. Those numbers should translate into J. Cole topping the Billboard Top 200 albums' list. While J. Cole wants to debut on top, he wants to have strong, consistent, sales on his album.

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Big Sean gives J. Cole props on New Album [VIDEO]

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J. Cole speaks on issues between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Today marks the official release of J. Cole's debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. With his album out, J. Cole has been making his promotional rounds. J. Cole spoke with Hot 97 about a number of topics. After talking about his album, the conversation shifted to the "feud" between Jay-Z and Lil Wayne.

Ever since 2009, Birdman has been challenging Jay-Z over both money and music. Birdman recently joined the $100 million club as Jay-Z is closing in on billionaire status. Jay-Z poked fun at Birdman's claims on "H.A.M.," with the infamous "baby money" diss. Lil Wayne hit back on his "It's Good" song.

J. Cole said he does not think things between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z are serious. He acknowledged the two are trading subliminal shots, but he said rappers do this all the time. J. Cole said Lil Wayne recently hit back at a jab Jay-Z made earlier. Because of how bluntly he said it, without saying names, fans automatically knew who Lil Wayne was talking about.

When two rappers are taking subliminal shots and he knows it, J. Cole said he gets very excited. Shifting things back to himself, J. Cole said he also likes to take shots to see who will respond. On his album, Cole does take a shot at Drake, the jab takes place on "Dollar and a Dream III."

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Petey Pablo to serve 35 months Behind Bars

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, Petey Pablo discussed his re-entry into the hip hop game and cleared up a few things. Ten years ago, Petey Pablo put North Carolina on the hip hop map with his "Raise Up" single. The song received much radio play and Petey Pablo quickly became a superstar.

Three years later, Petey Pablo returned to the game with another hit. It was following his 2004 album when Petey Pablo was seemingly gone for good. Currently, North Carolina is behind J. Cole, who released his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story today.

Recently, Petey Pablo discussed his relationship with J. Cole, praising him for his work. He said when he prepares his next album, J. Cole will definitely have a feature. But, his album may not see the light of day as quickly as he would like it to. Recently, Petey Pablo was sentenced to three years behind bars, following an incident on September 11, 2010.

Headed to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Petey Pablo was arrested at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for having a pistol in his bag. In March, Petey Pablo entered a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to possession of a stolen firearm, with the additional charges being dropped. The confident feeling Petey Pablo had is obviously gone, as he will spend 35 months behind bars.

Hopefully, he will have enough time to release his next album, giving North Carolina fans a collaboration between Petey Pablo and J. Cole.

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J. Cole disucusses "Cole World: The Sideline Story" delays

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Tomorrow, J. Cole will finally release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. For well over two years, fans have been patiently waiting on this album. Now, all of the waiting and all of the delays are over. J. Cole is finally ready to deliver fans his debut album.

If 2011 went by without J. Cole releasing his debut album, most fans would have officially stopped waiting on him. Last year, J. Cole released his "Who Dat" single, which generated a little buzz. Many assumed the single would be the first offering from his debut album, but the single lost steam and no album came.

During the summer, many began to wonder where J. Cole had gone and he came back. J. Cole conducted an interview and he promised fans his debut album would be coming out before the end of 2011. In later months, J. Cole boldly announced his album would be released no later than September 27. Now, his album is coming out and J. Cole has two hit singles currently buzzing.

J. Cole said his album was delayed because he wanted to release "Can't Get Enough" with Trey Songz as his first single a year ago. But, when the label denied him, J. Cole instead decided to release his Friday Night Lights mixtape. Now, a year later, "Work Out" is his current hit and "Can't Get Enough" is going to be his second single from the album. Because he could not get "Can't Get Enough" as his single, J. Cole released a lot of his album tracks on the mixtape.

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J. Cole handed copy of his own album [VIDEO]

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J. Cole explains the make-up of a Classic Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

J. Cole has been in the headlines for well over a month. After several delays, the Fayetteville, NC rapper is finally preparing to release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Fans have been expecting the album since 2009.

Last week, J. Cole spoke on his debut album and he compared it to the classic album from Jay-Z, The Blueprint. Stating he was not comparing the actual album, but the overall feeling, J. Cole said his album will stand the test of time.

Recently, J. Cole spoke on what he thinks makes an album classic. It all has to do with the music. J. Cole said a classic album is one that has much which can stand the test of time. When going for a long drive, J. Cole said he knows people have music they will pull out and the music is likely classic.

Aside from speaking on albums, J. Cole said he may also have a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, in the near future.

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J. Cole talks $1 concert and holding Album Signing

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Five days remain until J. Cole releases his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story on Roc Nation. Before the release of his album, J. Cole will be performing in New York City. While it will be a live concert, an admission fee of $1 is required. The performance is properly titled "A Dollar and a Dream."

The show is sponsored by Hot 97 and will be available at three Jimmy Jazz locations in the city. Following the performance, J. Cole will host a signing of his album at J&R Music World. The only way fans will be able to meet J. Cole will be buy pre-purchasing a copy of his debut album.

J. Cole will officially release Cole World: The Sideline Story two days after his performance, on September 27, 2011. Already, a number of his songs are in radio rotation.

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J. Cole speaks on "Cole World: The Sideline Story" leak

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Exactly a week from now, J. Cole will release his long-awaited debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Usually, when an artist prepares to release an album, it ends up being leaked. J. Cole is the latest rapper to suffer from this.

After two years of delays, J. Cole is not upset about his album leaking to the internet. J. Cole said things could have been much worse for him. Other artists have had far worse leaks, having albums leak a month ahead of schedule.

J. Cole feels blessed because his album is actually coming out. He understands album leaks are a part of the game. The most important thing to J. Cole is the people hearing the album. J. Cole said the people who are going to buy the album will still buy and the others will not.

For the most part, J. Cole is excited about his album finally coming out.

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J. Cole - "Dollar and a Dream III"

The third edition of "Dollar and a Dream" will likely appear on J. Cole's debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story.

Listen to "Dollar and a Dream III" by J. Cole below:

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J. Cole - "Cole World"

Exactly a week remains until J. Cole will release his long-awaited debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. With the album right around the corner, a number of songs are leaking from the album. "Cole World," the title track is among the new leaked songs.

Listen to "Cole World" by J. Cole below:

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J. Cole compares "Cole World: The Sideline Story" to "The Blueprint"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In a little over a week, J. Cole will finally release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Three years ago, he was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Over the past few years, J. Cole has been taking pointers from Jay-Z.

Now, J. Cole is gearing up for the release of his debut album and he could not be more excited. When speaking on his new album, J. Cole said the music is timeless. J. Cole said the listeners will have the same feelings in a few months.

J. Cole said his music is timeless, much like the music on Jay-Z's The Blueprint. Without comparing the music, itself, the timeless music is what the albums have in common. J. Cole also stated he produced the bulk of the album.

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J. Cole speaks on Jay-Z's "The Blueprint"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, the world was still in shock after the attacks on the United States. On the same day of the attacks, Jay-Z released his critically-acclaimed The Blueprint. Following the release of the album, the hip hop landscape was forever changed.

Ten years later, Jay-Z is done with Roc-A-Fella Records and is now the head of Roc Nation. Through his new label/management company, Jay-Z has a roster of stars. J. Cole was the first artist signed to the record label.

With his own debut album coming this month, J. Cole reflected on his boss' sixth studio album. J. Cole said he purchased the album from a small CD shop in front of the mall. The album was a classic to J. Cole, but he said he disliked "Jigga that Nigga."

On the other hand, J. Cole often put the Eminem-produced and featuring, "Renegade," on repeat. For years, many have said Eminem's verse on "Reneage" was better than the entire album. This was highlighted by Nas on his Jay-Z-diss track, "Ether." J. Cole, who is a fan of all three rappers, defends Jay-Z, saying his verses on the song were great and he and Eminem pretty much tied on the track.

J. Cole's own debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, will be released on September 27.

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J. Cole denies the Roc Nation rumors

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With J. Cole finally gearing up to release his debut album, there were rumors of him being dropped from Roc Nation. Those rumors stemmed from rumors of the North Carolina rapper having a sextape out with Rihanna. For years, many have accused Jay-Z, the head of Roc Nation, of having an affair with Rihanna.

The rumors stated J. Cole had been dropped from the label, but his debut album would still be released, as planned. J. Cole ignored those rumors and continued pushing. J. Cole starred in the first episode of "Road to Release" on MTV2 last night. The rapper also released his "Mr. Nice Watch" song with Jay-Z.

Just the release of "Mr. Nice Watch" led many to believe the rumors of him being dropped were false. J. Cole stated he was happy to be in the headlines before the release of Cole World: The Sideline Story, but such rumors about him were annoying. Ignoring the haters, J. Cole will continue pushing his music, as his album drops in less than two weeks on Roc Nation, as Cole will not be leaving the label.

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J. Cole ft. Jay-Z - "Mr. Nice Watch"

The long-awaited collaboration, which J. Cole said was partially the reason for the delays in Cole World is here. Earlier this summer, J. Cole announced he finally landed a Jay-Z verse, but said it might not make the album. When the track list was revealed, the song was on it. "Mr. Nice Watch" was released today.

Listen to "Mr. Nice Watch" by J. Cole ft. Jay-Z below:

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J. Cole starring in MTV2's "Road to Release" premiere

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While many expected J. Cole to release his debut album either last year, or the year before, it was well worth the wait. By waiting to release his album, J. Cole has the spotlight all to himself. Not only is he the biggest artist on Roc Nation.

J. Cole's album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, is set for release in a couple of weeks. In preparation for the album's release, J. Cole will be starring in the first episode of MTV2's "Road to Release." It will be very special, indeed, for J. Cole as he is the first star of the show.

"Road to Release" will follow J. Cole from Miami to New York City, as he promotes his album. Not only will fans get an exclusive look at J. Cole, they will also have the chance to see a part of his video, "Can't Get Enough." The episode will air tonight at 10 pm on MTV2.

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J. Cole releasing "Mr. Nice Guy," featuring Jay-Z today

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In two weeks, J. Cole will officially come off the sidelines and enter the game. His long-awaited Cole World: The Sideline Story album will finally be released at the end of this month. When the album was still in the works, J. Cole said he was waiting on a verse from Jay-Z to complete the album.

This summer, J. Cole was able to obtain a verse from Jay-Z. From there, the next step in the process was J. Cole delivering some of the best verses of his career. Feeling good with his own work, J. Cole then billed the song as "Mr. Nice Guy." Fans have been waiting to hear the song all summer.

All of the waiting is almost over, as J. Cole is preparing to release the song. His "Work Out" single was released earlier this summer and has done fairly well. Now, with a little buzz, J. Cole wants to be all over the radio when he releases his debut album. The best way to build buzz is with a Jay-Z feature and J. Cole happens to have one.

"Mr. Nice Guy" featuring Jay-Z will be released later today.

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