J. Cole to release official lead single Next Week

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For two years, fans have been eagerly waiting on J. Cole to release his debut album. He excited fans in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina when he was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation. In 2009, he released "Lights Please," many thought it was the first single from his debut album.

During the summer of 2010, he released "Who Dat" and the song became a cult hit. When an official video was filmed, fans thought it was the first single from his new album. However, when no album came, fans were left disappointed. Recently, there were rumors of friction between J. Cole and Jay-Z.

J. Cole brushed these rumors off and his "Disgusting" song was announced as his debut single. Recently, J. Cole announced his official debut single. J. Cole said he and Roc Nation finally agreed on a true lead single and it will be coming out next week. While the song does not sample Jay-Z, it will involve someone from the family, according to J. Cole.

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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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