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.

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J. Cole is motivated by Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa's success

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2008, Jay-Z made a power move when he left Def Jam to form a new super-label, Roc Nation. He surprised the world when he signed Fayetteville, NC rapper, J. Cole, and made him the focal point of the label. Many expected him to fill the label up with established stars.

Early on, it appeared as if J. Cole was going to be on the fast track to success. Things took off quickly for J. Cole, while other mixtape rappers, such as Drake and Nicki Minaj were still waiting. J. Cole received his big break on "A Star is Born" and gained a national following.

Jay-Z announced J. Cole's album would follow in October, but the day came and went without an album. Later, J. Cole was set up with a 2010 release date. Meanwhile, Drake had become the face of Young Money and hip hop, while Nicki Minaj landed high-profile collaborations with major artists.

During the summer of 2010, J. Cole landed a minor hit with "Who Dat." Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa had received the green light from Atlantic Records to begin recording his album. Before J. Cole event got to hit the studio good, Wiz Khalifa had a national tour and a hit single. J. Cole soon found himself overlooked when Roc Nation added Willow Smith to the roster and focused all of the energy on her. Smith's debut album is set to be released before J. Cole's now.

Despite being overlooked, J. Cole remains calm. Coming into the game, he knew it would not be easy for him to get where he wanted to be. Instead of being upset by watching Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa, he looks at them as inspiration for where he wants to be. J. Cole said their success has inspired him so much on his debut album. Their level of success is where J. Cole has motivated himself to be when he finally does release Cole World.

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J. Cole lands Trey Songz collaboration

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2008, when he was hand-picked by Jay-Z as the first artist on Roc Nation, J. Cole was excited. After Jay-Z finished his business with Def Jam, J. Cole was sure he would be recording his album. However, things did not work out that way.

Instead, J. Cole found himself helping Jay-Z with his comeback, The Blueprint 3. The album went on to become the highest-rated album of 2009. His verse on the song, "A Star is Born," would stick out. After the release of "Light's Please," fans thought J. Cole's album was on the way.

However, it was announced that J. Cole's album would be released in the summer of 2010. In the spring, J. Cole provided an anthem, "Who Dat." A video was filmed for the song, but still no release date was set for the album, which he titled Cole World. Before long, the fall was approaching and Jay-Z was making plans for Willow Smith and her debut album.

J. Cole was signed in 2008 and told he was the flagship artist of the new label. Despite what he was told, he has been on the backburner most of the way. Currently, his debut album, Cole World, is slated for release sometime in 2011. In preparation for this album, J. Cole has decided to record a single that will be undeniable. He is teaming up with R&B fan favorite, Trey Songz, who is also the face of Rocawear's ad campaign for 2010/2011, a hopeful win-win.

While he is eager for people to hear his second collaboration with Trey Songz, J. Cole said he does not want to give a release date. J. Cole does not want to end up letting the fans down again.

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J. Cole pegs Debut Album for December release

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Late last year, J. Cole's single, "Lights Please," gained him national attention. After his verse on Jay-Z's "A Star is Born," interest in Cole was at an all-time high. When "Lights Please" was released, Roc Nation said his debut album would come early in 2010.

For a brief moment, J. Cole was just as popular as Drake and some thought Cole would be more successful in 2010. After both rappers were pushed back, it appeared as if they would receive the "Saigon treatment." But, Drake dropped in June and took over the game while J. Cole waited.

Early in the summer of 2010, J. Cole heated up the streets with his anthem, "Who Dat?" The song gained traction and an album was expected to soon follow. But, the summer came and went without a J. Cole release. Now, with the year almost over, nothing has come from J. Cole. If he does not soon get an album out, J. Cole may miss his turn because the label is focusing on Willow Smith.

Months have passed since J. Cole has had any news about his debut album, Cole World. Recently, however, the rapper said his debut album may finally see the light of day this December. The album will be released on Roc Nation through Columbia Records.

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