The Rise of J. Cole, over the years

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The world is just getting to know J. Cole, but the hip hop world has been well aware of Jermaine for over three years. While hip hop fans may know a bit about J. Cole, few know the overall story. J. Cole, while from the South, does not fit the stereotypical mold of being a rapper from the South.

Since the age of fourteen, J. Cole has been rapping. While he grew up in a tough city, J. Cole kept his head in the books. This led to him going to St. John's University on an academic scholarship. During this time, J. Cole often displayed his raps and songs. Upon graduating, he released his debut mixtape.

His debut mixtape, The Come Up, gained acclaim for the single, "Lights Please." The song helped establish J. Cole as an artst and it eventually was heard by Jay-Z. At the time, Jay-Z was preparing to leave his longtime home, Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, for his new label, Roc Nation. One clause in his contract with Def Jam was Jay-Z having to leave his Roc-A-Fella artists behind.

Needing to start fresh, Jay-Z was looking for fresh talent, so he signed J. Cole in 2008. Jay-Z spent most of 2008 establishing his Roc Nation label. In 2009, Jay-Z started working on The Blueprint 3. J. Cole decided to keep himself hot and he released his second mixtape, The Warm Up. The mixtape also contained "Lights Please" and was met with more critical acclaim than most of the albums released in 2009. After releasing two successful mixtapes, many fans were wondering when J. Cole's debut album would be released.

J. Cole promised fans his debut album would be released in 2010. Before the summer, J. Cole released a single, "Who Dat." The song received massive radio play in his native, North Carolina. "Who Dat" also did well in other markets, but no album release date was scheduled. With Roc Nation shifting their focus to the young daughter of Will Smith, Willow Smith, J. Cole released another mixtape. Friday Night Lights was also met with a strong critical reaction, but no album came.

Despite not having an album out, J. Cole's mixtapes were doing very well and he had songs in radio rotation, even music videos. Aside from his own work, many mainstream artists were featuring J. Cole on their albums. While the collaborations and mixtapes were nice, fans still patiently waited on J. Cole to release his debut album. During the summer of 2011, J. Cole said his album would be released on September 27 and not a day later.

But, with no music being released, many were beginning to give up on J. Cole. It was then when J. Cole prepared to release Cole World: The Sideline Story. Now, J. Cole is one of the biggest names in overall entertainment. With his album not even a month old, J. Cole is already working on his second album. Much like his mentor, Jay-Z, J. Cole intends to release a new album every year. On the mixtape level, J. Cole managed to give fans a new release every other year, with his singles keeping the fans entertained.

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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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Album Review: J. Cole - "Cole World: The Sideline Story"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

No more delays, no more rumors, J. Cole has officially released his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. As the first artist signed to Roc Nation, J. Cole had to come out strong. On his debut album, he does just that, as the album immediately drops into "Dollar and a Dream III."

The album opens with J. Cole speaking directly from the heart, which is rare in today's rap game. What the listener will hear is a rapper, new to the game, opening up about how he feels trying to enter the game. With everything against him, he is doing what he can to achieve his dreams. On each track, J. Cole opens up about what he wants out of life and the impact he wants to have on the rap game.

While J. Cole is obviously introducing himself to the game, he comes off with a veteran presence on the microphone. There are few rappers in the game, rookies or veterans, who have the skilled wordplay abilities J. Cole possess. One line, which will likely stick out on the album is "boy you can't out-smart me, I make you feel like the shit, but you can't out-fart." J. Cole has the ability to switch up his flow, as he does several times on his Cole World album.

Cole World: The Sideline Story is true lyricism at its best and it will redefine the way people think about the overall Southern hip hop scene. After listening to this album, critics will realize the South, just like every other region in hip hop, is diverse. Obviously, J. Cole draws inspiration from many of the legends in the game and the competition around him. Following the release of Cole World, J. Cole has separated himself as the best new artist in the game.

Easily, Cole World: The Sideline Story is the best album, so far, of 2011. A familiar voice, over the past few years, in the game delivering his first official offering. While the album is 2011's best-so far, J. Cole could have done without including "Lights Please" on the album. There is nothing wrong with the song, aside from the fact it was recorded and released in 2009. However, J. Cole has still put together a debut album better than albums from veterans released this year.

J. Cole's album is easily a classic and a must-have for hip hop fans.

Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 9/10

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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 talks "Cole World: The Sideline Story" with XXL

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

J. Cole has been one of the hottest topics this summer. After many false starts, J. Cole said his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, would be released on September 27, 2011. Now, with his album coming in a couple of days, J. Cole has been making his rounds.

Last week, his album leaked to the internet. A few days later, J. Cole was floored when he learned the actual copies of his album had been released. During a performance, a fan handed J. Cole their copy of his album. J. Cole is loving the experience of being a superstar and he recently discussed it with XXL.

The Fayetteville rapper is going to be on the cover of the October issue of the magazine.

Read an excerpt of J. Cole's interview with XXL below:

XXL: What do you want people to get from your debut album?
J. Cole: I want them to see the growth. You’ll see that you get flashes of the mixtapes—The Warm Up, Friday Night Lights. But then you also got spots where you’re like, “Oh, my God. What the fuck is this?” I didn’t plan on being a mixtape artist my entire life. Of course, I want them to soak up the stories and the songs, but if there’s one thing I want them to get from it, it’s that, “Yo, this nigga’s not fuckin’ around. He’s not settling for that status.”

How are you able to express that same mentality that you had on the earlier mixtapes, that same hunger that was there, now that you’ve had success?
As much as it might look like, to someone else, that I’m successful, I never feel like I’m anywhere. The further I go, I still feel equally further from my eventual goal. Because as I grow, I get more goals. I’m never content.

It seems like a lot of young artists these days—and maybe it’s because mixtapes are like albums—their debut albums are more about having made it than trying to make it.
I had to fight not making my first album sound like that. Because I’m in two different places. I’m hanging around these types of people sometimes, and I’m seeing these types of things, and I had to make it a point to not talk about that too much. It’s weird. I want to stay true to these topics on the first album and tell that story, without telling too much of, “I’m making money now.” I could have made that album. Exaggerated all that shit.

How much money I’m getting and all the places I go. But it’s the first album. I still feel like this is an important story to tell for my career.

You talk about “the ’Ville,” Fayetteville, a lot in your music. How big a city is your hometown?
[About] 250,000 people. There’s no skyscrapers or anything close to that, but it’s not a small town. It’s not, like, one school, no stoplights.

And it’s a military base?
Yeah, there’s a military base attached right on the outside of the city.

What’s the racial makeup?
I think it’s pretty even. Because of the military, there’s a wide variety of people. Growing up, it seemed split down the middle.

Your mom is White and your dad is Black. How did you deal with—how are you still dealing with—your racial identity?
You know what it is? My mother was White, but to me, I never looked at her like that. I would only become aware of that when we were in public or when she would pick me up from school. I would be like, Oh, man, everybody gonna see my mom is White. I know I’m about to get clowned. You would get clowned on in fourth or fifth grade. I used to get Michael Jackson jokes: “You don’t know if you Black or White.” That was the only time I’d be aware. Not that my mother was acting Black, ’cause she wasn’t, but she’s just my mom.

I can identify with White people, because I know my mother, her side of the family, who I love. I’ve had White friends. I know people from high school that I might not have hung out with outside of high school, but I think I got to know them pretty well, so I know they sense of humor. But at the end of the day, I never felt White. I don’t know what that feels like. I can identify. But never have I felt like I’m one of them. Not that I wanted to, or tried to, but it just was what it was. I identify more with what I look like, because that’s how I got treated. Not necessarily in a negative way. But when you get pulled over by the police, I can’t pull out my half-White card. Or if I just meet you on the street, you’re not gonna be like, This guy seems half-White.

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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 ft. Trey Songz - "Can't Get Enough" OFFICIAL VIDEO

Get More: J. Cole, Music, More Music Videos

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