J. Cole completes his Debut Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Three years of anticipation are seemingly over. In 2008, J. Cole was the first artist signed to Roc Nation. After years of running the powerhouse Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z left the label he built for a new venture. From this venture, Roc Nation was born and Jay-Z began signing artists.

J. Cole was hailed by many as the second coming of Nas. With the marketing power of Jay-Z behind him, he was expected to become one of the big faces of hip hop. But, fate intervened and J. Cole was forced to wait on his new music. It was not until 2010 when he released his first single, "Who Dat."

While the song was a hit in North Carolina, it failed to garner much buzz and was not promoted. As a result, J. Cole was placed on the backburner in favor of Willow Smith. Her song, "Whip my Hair," became a hit and J. Cole was nearly forgotten. After years of delays, J. Cole has now completed his debut album.

The album will be released sometime in September of this year.

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Willow Smith talks "Parents Just Don't Understand" remake

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the final few months of 2010, Willow Smith turned the whole world on its ear. She is the child of Will and Jada Smith and she is making her own mark. Smith came out with the single, "Whip My Hair," and created an anthem. Now, she has to put together an album to house the anthem.

The set release date for Willow Smith's debut album is 2011 and she is making preparations. Despite her goal of topping her father's success, many believe Willow is only a one-hit-wonder. Willow wants to people to think whatever they want to about her. She has major plans.

In an effort to avoid falling into the one-hit-wonder trap, Smith has discussed remaking Will Smith's hit "Parents Just Don't Understand." When he released the song, Will Smith did not have children, now he finds himself being a parent and his own child saying he does not understand. That part may hurt, but seeing his child shine more than makes up for it.

Nothing is set in stone, but Willow Smith would like to remake the song and put it on her upcoming album. If completed, the song would likely become a single sometime in the spring or summer of 2011.

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