Showing posts with label j. cole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label j. cole. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Jay-Z and Kanye West sued over "Watch the Throne" sample
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
For a brief moment, Jay-Z and Kanye West breathed new life into hip hop, quickly becoming the focal point. During the summer, the duo released their Watch the Throne album. Their run, however, was short-lived as Lil Wayne released Tha Carter IV weeks later.
Now, Jay-Z is in the news more for Beyonce's baby bump and J. Cole than for his own work. Kanye West has faded into the background, as he continues to unleash Big Sean on the world. The Throne, however, is now back in the headlines.
Their song, "The Joy," contains a sample from soul veteran, Syl Johnson. The song uses elements of his 1967 single, "Different Strokes." Johnson filed his suit in Illinois on October 13. Lawyers for The Throne said they tried to sample the song for Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song ended up not being used on that album, so they kept it for Watch the Throne.
Syl Johnson claimed they never contacted him about sampling the song and he wants to impound all copies of Watch the Throne. Along with stopping distribution of the album, Johnson wants to receive full accounting of sales and publishing proceeds, along with punitive damages. Read more...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
J. Cole talks Storytelling in His Music and Touring
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Only weeks after he released his debut album, J. Cole is respected as one of the best storytellers in the game. In a game, which many critics say, lacks creativiy, J. Cole easily found his niche. Many credit him for bringing the real hip hop back.
J. Cole said he always had a knack for storytelling. Because of this, he always listened to Tupac, Eminem, and Nas. Early in his rapping days, J. Cole decided he wanted to be a storyteller. J. Cole said he could not rap about selling drugs or those things because he never did.
Despite being what many would call a rookie in the game, J. Cole has the stage presence of a veteran. Long before his debut album was released, J. Cole was doing world tours. These tours have helped him with his confidence, J. Cole revealed.
Focusing on the future, J. Cole said he has actually started working on his second album. Following his second album, J. Cole promised he would release an album every year. J. Cole said he wants to release a new album every year. Read more...
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
DJ Drama ft. J. Cole and Chris Brown - "Undercover"
Listen to "Undercover" by DJ Drama ft. J. Cole and Chris Brown below:
DJ Drama - Undercover feat. J Cole and Chris Brown by eOne Music Read more...
J. Cole talks Record Sales and props from Jay-Z and Beyonce
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
J. Cole is living proof of good things coming to those who wait. In 2009, several new rappers emerged in the game, with the focus being on Drake, J. Cole, and Kid Cudi. The first of the three new artists to drop an album was Kid Cudi. Drake followed with his debut in 2010.
Several new artists came and released their debut albums, meanwhile J. Cole continued to wait. At times, this may have been frustrating for J. Cole. Now, two years later, J. Cole has released his album and is currently the most-discussed rapper in the game.
It is safe to say things worked out for the best with J. Cole, as his album debuted at number one. Not only is J. Cole popular, he has also been met with critical acclaim. J. Cole said he received a call from Jay-Z, congratulating him, an email from Beyonce, and the most text messages he had ever received in his life, all giving him props for his sales. Read more...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
J. Cole talks Drake collaborative album and Working with Nas
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Since he released his debut album, J. Cole can no longer be referred to as a new artist. Now, he is officially just like Drake and the other rising talents in the game. Ever since both rappers were signed, the media has been trying to pit them against each other.
Despite the media's best attempts, J. Cole and Drake have become good friends. J. Cole's "In the Morning" single even features the Toronto sensation. J. Cole and Drake have become so chummy, J. Cole said he would not mind doing a full album with him.
There were rumors of Drake returning the favor to J. Cole, by featuring him on his Take Care album. Rumors said Cole would be featured alongside Nas. J. Cole, who would jump at the opportunity, said it has yet to come. The Roc Nation star went on to say it was a good idea and whoever created the rumor should be an A&R. Read more...
J. Cole talks Lil Wayne vs. Jay-Z, who is better
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Before he was a famous rapper, with a number one album, J. Cole was a fan. Among the rappers he admired, growing up, was Jay-Z and he now records for his label. Despite this, J. Cole is still a fan of the rap game.
Evidenced in the title of his album, J. Cole has been on the sidelines, watching the rap game. J. Cole was watching when Jay-Z dropped the "baby money" line in "H.A.M." Like the rest of the world, he was shocked when Lil Wayne hit back on "It's Good."
While the beef was still brewing, J. Cole downplayed the barbs between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. Days later, both Lil Wayne and Jay-Z denied any beef going on. Both rappers are known for their subliminal lines.
Once again, J. Cole discussed Lil Wayne vs. Jay-Z, but this time the focus was not on the beef. DJ Absolut spoke with the Fayetteville rapper, asking him how he felt was the better rapper. Staying out of the line of fire, J. Cole said both rappers are great. J. Cole also said it is not about who is the better emcee, as he does not think that matters.
J. Cole has also already started working on his sophomore album, which should be released sometime next year. Read more...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
J. Cole's "Cole World: The Sideline Story" debuts atop the Billboard 200
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...
On the Rise: V!RTU
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The North Carolina hip hop scene is unlike many other hip hop scenes in the South. Because of the influx of people, from the military, people come from all over the place. Current, North Carolina rap star, J. Cole, moved to North Carolina through the military.
V!RTU is among the rappers in the North Carolina hip hop scene. Currently, he is based in Durham, but he is originally from Southern California. Earlier this year, V!RTU and his family of six moved from the West Coast to Durham, because of his work.
Quickly, V!RTU has found work in Durham with several rappers and he has a gig, hosting a radio show in the area. Hip Hop Vibe ran across V!RTU this summer and is now posting the interactions in an interview.
Read the entire interview below:
How long have you been rapping?
Seriously, I have been doing this for ten years. Ever since 2006, I have been doing numerous recordings, going real hard.
Where are you originally from?
Southern California, we moved around a lot so I can’t really say where I am from, exactly. I stayed near Lancaster until I graduated from high school.
How did you find your way to North Carolina?
I came here through my job, but I have joined the hip hop scene.
How long have you been in North Carolina?
I have been in North Carolina for nearly six months.
Have you teamed up with any local artists?
I worked with DJ Flash, SkyBlew, and Chris Sutton. They all worked with me on my album, I Work Harder Than You!
I Work Harder Than You!, can you tell us more about the album?
The reason I called the album this is because I have not seen anyone who works harder than me, both in hip hop and out. Read more...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Album Review: 9th Wonder - "The Wonder Years"
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Outside of J. Cole, not many people are aware of the hip hop scene in North Carolina. Because North Carolina is in the South, most expect the typical Southern sound. However, this is not the case. 9th Wonder was among the many North Carolina rappers releasing their debut albums.
9th Wonder continues to buck the trends, on his album. Already a famous producer, 9th Wonder proves he is no slouch behind the microphone either. While his album likely will not receive the same commercial support as other artists, it is definitely worth a listen. 9th Wonder's best talent is his ability to fuse different genres of hip hop together.
One of the best tracks off The Wonder Years is "Enjoy," which features Warren G, Murs, and Kendrick Lamar, as 9th Wonder is able to switch it up and come with a West Coast flow. 9th Wonder proves he is one of the most-versatile rappers in the game with his debut album. Many rappers love rapping over R&B beats, but few actually master this. Not only does 9th Wonder master rapping over an R&B beat, he also holds his own against veteran rappers, Raekwon and Masta Killa.
The Wonder Years is a creative opus and it is obvious 9th Wonder put in the quality time and effort in order to make this album happen. While other albums may be better, few will have the sheer sincerity of the debut album from 9th Wonder. Years from now, or possibly sooner, hip hop critics will hail The Wonder Years as one of hip hop's classic albums.
Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 8/10 Read more...
Friday, September 30, 2011
J. Cole speaks on "Cole World" production and Jay-Z's influence
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. Read more...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
"Cole World: The Sideline Story" to sell an estimated 250,000 in First Week
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. Read more...
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