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.

Read more...

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.

Read more...

Petey Pablo - "Raise Up"

Read more...

Petey Pablo speaks on J. Cole, Timbaland, New Album, and Suge Knight

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, North Carolina was excited, as they were finally being placed on the hip hop map. The first rapper to represent North Carolina was Petey Pablo. Following two albums, which spawned two memorable anthems, "Raise Up" and "Freek-a-leek," Petey Pablo disappeared.

Ten years later, North Carolina is again excited, as a new rapper is coming through. J. Cole turned heads when Jay-Z signed him. In less than a week, he will release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. With J. Cole ready to take the world by storm, Petey Pablo is far from done.

Petey Pablo has launched his own record label and is determined to return to the forefront of the rap game. The launch of Carolina Music Group comes after his stint with Jive and Death Row Records. With J. Cole currently in the headlines and all over the television screens, Petey Pablo is proud. Last year, when J. Cole performed at A&T's Homecoming in Greensboro, North Carolina, Petey Pablo was his surprise guest, coming out in a helicopter. Petey Pablo said he was surprised the college kids remembered his "Raise Up" single from many years ago.

Aside from his performance with J. Cole, Petey Pablo said the two rappers have also discussed collaborating. Petey Pablo confirmed the two rappers are working on some classic material. Continuing to speak on J. Cole, Petey Pablo said he has paid homage to him several times, as the original rapper to put North Carolina on the map. Petey Pablo also paid his respects to J. Cole, saying he follows his movement and Jay-Z's Roc Nation movement. Currently, Petey Pablo is working with Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" producer, Timbaland, on his upcoming album, A&R: Anticipated Recordings?.

Early in his career, Petey Pablo worked with Timbaland. After all these years, Petey Pablo said the two stayed in contact and now Chris Brown is working with him. Petey Pablo said he wanted to do his own thing, while Timbaland continued to build his career and a family. During this time, Petey Pablo linked up with Death Row Records. Timbaland grew very concerned when Petey Pablo began working with Suge Knight and his company. Petey Pablo told him the late Pimp C advised him to leave Jive Records, but despite the lack of promotion, he still had a gold album and a hit single.

Contrary to what many believed, Petey Pablo said he was never signed to Death Row. However, he admitted to being friends with Suge Knight and hanging out with him. Aside from friendship, there was nothing going on between Death Row Records and Petey Pablo. When asked what happened between he and Suge Knight, Petey Pablo said they simply grew apart, much like between he and Timbaland a few years prior.

Read more...

Can J. Cole put North Carolina on the map and Keep them There?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Petey Pablo, a rapper representing Greenville, NC put the entire state on the map with his "Raise Up" single. The song came out in 2001 and Petey Pablo was embraced by the entire South. Following a three-year hiatus, Petey Pablo returned in 2004 with his biggest hit yet, "Freek a Leek."

It was following his 2004 run when Petey Pablo's career took a turn for the worst. Petey Pablo teamed up with Suge Knight and began representing Death Row Records. When he began representing Death Row, Petey Pablo placed North Carolina in the background.

When he turned on his home state, Petey Pablo lost the local support and he is still working to gain it back. J. Cole has been on the scene in Fayetteville for years. Three years ago, he landed the opportunity of a lifetime when he was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Many expected his debut album to come before the end of the year.

After two years of delays, J. Cole will finally release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story later this month. There are rumors of the rapper being dropped from Roc Nation, but even if the rumors are true, it is said to have no impact on the release of the album. Assuming things go well, J. Cole will remain signed to the Roc Nation label and release more albums. Because he is from a small market and on his first album, all the momentum is going J. Cole's way. But, following this, will he be able to keep things going?

Read more...

Petey Pablo ft. Wizz Dumb - "Get Low"

Petey Pablo is still in the game, teaming with Wizz Dumb for his new track, "Get Low."

Listen to "Get Low" by Petey Pablo ft. Wizz Dumb below:

Read more...