J. Cole – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts - Top40weekly Skip to content Newsletter           Search for: J. Cole – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts J. Cole is one of the most respected and introspective voices in hip-hop. Known for his thoughtful lyricism, raw vulnerability, and do-it-yourself mentality, Cole has built a career on honesty over hype. He’s not just a rapper — he’s a producer, storyteller, label executive, and cultural thinker. Whether he’s addressing systemic injustice, personal struggles, or the pitfalls of fame, Cole delivers music with substance and soul. With multiple platinum albums (all without features), a fiercely loyal fan base, and a reputation for artistic integrity, J. Cole has carved out a legacy on his own terms. He’s become known as one of the most humble rappers in the game, avoiding both rap and personal drama throughout his career. Early Life and Background Jermaine Lamarr Cole was born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army. After his father left, Cole and his older brother were raised by their mother in Fayetteville, North Carolina—a city he often references as “The Ville.†They moved to 2014 Forest Hills Drive, an address that would soon be the title of one of his most iconic albums. Cole began rapping at age 12 and producing beats by 15. He graduated high school with honors and moved to New York City to attend St. John’s University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications. Hungry to be heard, Cole famously stood outside Jay-Z’s studio for three hours trying to hand off his demo. It worked — in 2009, he became the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Before his debut album, J. Cole built a loyal fanbase through a trio of acclaimed mixtapes: The Come Up (2007), The Warm Up (2009), and Friday Night Lights (2010). His lyrical ability, grounded wisdom, and college-kid relatability made him an underground hero. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Cole World: The Sideline Story, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It featured hits like “Work Out†and “Can’t Get Enough.†But Cole truly found his voice with 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014), a self-produced, deeply personal album that went double platinum — with no features — and solidified his standing as one of hip-hop’s elite. He followed with 4 Your Eyez Only (2016), KOD (2018), and The Off-Season (2021), each exploring themes of addiction, capitalism, fatherhood, and self-awareness. Known for his thoughtful albums and low-key persona, Cole remains a quiet giant in a loud industry. Albums and Discography Studio Albums: Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011) Born Sinner (2013) 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014) 4 Your Eyez Only (2016) KOD (2018) The Off-Season (2021) Collaborative Albums: Revenge of the Dreamers III (2019, with Dreamville artists) Key Singles: “No Role Modelz†“Power Trip†(ft. Miguel) “Work Out†“Middle Child†“Love Yourz†“G.O.M.D.†“Motive†(ft. Ari Lennox, 2024) “First Person Shooter†(ft. Drake) Legacy and Cultural Influence J. Cole is often described as the “conscience of hip-hop.†He’s never chased trends — he’s built his brand on consistency, depth, and authenticity. He’s also one of the most successful DIY rappers, famously producing the majority of his own music. Beyond the mic, Cole is a powerful executive and mentor. His Dreamville label has nurtured artists like JID, EarthGang, Ari Lennox, and Bas. His “Dollar & A Dream†tours, affordable shows, and festival presence have further ingrained him into the hearts of fans. In a genre sometimes dominated by excess, Cole reminds listeners of the beauty in humility, growth, and purpose. Fascinating Facts About J. Cole He was the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. 2014 Forest Hills Drive went multi-platinum with no features, a rare feat in hip-hop. He played professional basketball in Africa for the Rwanda Patriots in 2021. Cole produces much of his own music under the alias Therapist. He founded the Dreamville Festival, one of the most popular hip-hop festivals in the country. Most Popular J. Cole Songs No Role Modelz Middle Child Power Trip (ft. Miguel) Love Yourz Wet Dreamz The Climb Back Work Out Fire Squad Top Videos “No Role Modelz† “Middle Child†“Power Trip†(ft. Miguel) 🎥 “Fire Squad†– Frequently Asked Questions 1. How many Grammy Awards has J. Cole won? As of 2025, J. Cole has won 2 Grammy Awards and has been nominated over 15 times. 2. Why does J. Cole not feature many artists on his albums? Cole prefers to tell complete, personal stories with full creative control, though he has started collaborating more frequently in recent years. 3. What is Dreamville? Dreamville is J. Cole’s record label and creative collective, home to artists like JID, Ari Lennox, and Bas. 4. Did J. Cole really play pro basketball? Yes — he briefly played in the Basketball Africa League in 2021. 5. What’s J. Cole’s most successful album? 2014 Forest Hills Drive is widely considered his masterpiece — both commercially and critically. J. Cole’s evolution from a mixtape kid in Fayetteville to one of hip-hop’s most revered lyricists is a testament to vision, patience, and substance. Whether he’s speaking truth to power or reflecting on his own shortcomings, Cole’s music connects because it’s human, honest, and unfiltered. In an era of noise, J. Cole remains a clear, steady voice. RECENT TOP 40 CHARTS TOP 100 SONGS TOP ARTISTS TOP ALBUMS TOP GENRE HIGHLIGHTS Top40Weekly is your ultimate source for music history, rankings, and trends – from timeless hits to today's charts. RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT TOP 100 ALBUMS SONG MEANINGS © 2012-2025, Top40Weekly.com ™ All Rights Reserved Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu Toggle child menu , Jermaine Lamarr Cole (Frankfurt, 28 de janeiro de 1985), [1] mais conhecido simplesmente como J. Cole, é um rapper e produtor norte-americano nascido na Alemanha. Cole recebeu reconhecimento em 2007, após o lançamento de seu primeiro mixtape The Come Up., Veja as letras de J. Cole e ouça "No Role Modelz", "She Knows (feat. Amber Coffman & Cults)", "Wet Dreamz", "Love Yourz" e muito mais músicas!.