J. Cole is an immensely popular rapper, singer, and record producer who shot to fame with his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in 2007. The success of the mixtape eventually led him to sign to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, and over time, he went on to become a successful rap artist in the American pop scene. He released his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, in 2011, which topped the Billboard 200. Cole is perhaps best known for releasing five consecutive number-one studio albums, Born Sinner (2013) and 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014), 4 Your Eyez Only (2016), and KOD (2018. All of his albums debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, eventually going platinum. Without a doubt, Cole is one of the most successful rap artists of his time. So, who is J Cole? Here’s everything we know about the rapper.
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J Cole Biography
J Cole was born on the 28th of January 1985 in Frankfurt, Hesse, West Germany. He is currently 39 years old.
| Birth Name | Jermaine Lamar Cole |
| Nickname | J. Cole, Blaza, Therapist |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Frankfurt, West Germany |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, German |
Family and Education
J. Cole’s father is African-American while his mother is a white American with German roots. He was born in Germany as his father worked in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the time of his birth. His mother worked in the United States Postal Service. Cole was raised along with his older brother, Zach, by his mother after his father turned his back on his family when he was a toddler. The family moved to the United States when he was eight months old and has been there ever since.
Talking about his educational background, Cole was educated at Terry Sanford High School. Graduating high school with a 4.2 GPA, he was offered a full scholarship from St. John’s University in New York City. He accepted and moved to New York City as he thought it was the best place to hone his musical talents. He took computer science as his major but later switched to Communication and Business, graduating magna cum laude in 2007.
J. Cole Personal Life
J Cole started dating wedding planner Melissa Heholt, whilst attending St. John’s University. In 2016, he revealed that they were already married by that time, and in 2018, he confirmed that they had a daughter together. Other than that, not much is known about his love life. There have been rumors that Cole cheated on his girlfriend several times while dating and proposed to her three different times. In addition to their daughter, the couple has another child.
Physical Statistics
Talking about his physical attributes, J. Cole is a tall and handsome rapper with a charismatic personality. He has no tattoos inked on his body.
| Height | Feet – 6 feet 2 inches Centimeters – 188 cm Meters – 1.88 m |
| Weight | Kilograms – 90 kg Pounds – 200 lbs |
| Body Build | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
| Distinctive Features | Tall and Masculine Body Long Face |
Professional Statistics
Singing Career
Cole explored his passion for music when he joined the Terry Sanford Orchestra as a violinist. He began rapping at the age of twelve and started posting his tunes and rhymes to various internet forums before kick-starting his rapping career.
He released his debut mixtape “Come Up” soon after graduating from college in May of 2007. His professional career took off when he got signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
J. Cole released his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, on September 27, 2011, to rave reviews, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album has sold over 855,000 copies in the U.S. The album featured hit singles, “Work Out”, “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Trey Songz, and “Nobody’s Perfect” featuring Missy Elliott.
Cole followed it up with his second studio album “Born Sinner” in 2013, “2014 Forest Hills Drive” in 2014, “4 Your Eyez Only” in 2016, “KOD” in 2018, and The Off-Season in 2021. All of his albums topped the US Billboard and eventually went platinum.
Film Debut
J. Cole landed his first acting role in a comedy documentary Dave Chappelle‘s Block Party in 2005. But, Unfortunately, his role went uncredited.
His first film to hit the screen was Spicy Mac Project in 2009, in which he played the role of Genius Wrapper.
Television Debut
In 2012, J. Cole appeared as himself in the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Significant Works
Ever since the release of his debut mixtape, J. Cole has been unstoppable, releasing five successful albums and numerous other music-related works over the years. He is best known for his successful studio albums, including “Cole World: The Sideline Story”, “Born Sinner”, “2014 Forest Hills Drive” “4 Your Eyez Only” and “KOD”.
Favorite Things
- Artists – Tupac Shakur, Nas, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem
- Drink – Hennessy and Coke
- Food – Lobster mac and cheese at Catch Restaurant on Ninth Avenue
J. Cole Facts
Cole was raised in a multi-ethnic environment and says that his upbringing makes him totally against racism.
He aspired to become a rapper at a young age and by 12, he began rapping by joining small-time groups in his neighborhood.
By 14, he started producing sample tunes and had many books filled with tunes, songs, and ideas.
Cole did several odd jobs such as a file clerk, a bill collector, an advert salesman, and a mascot at a skating rink before cracking it big in the music scene.
J Cole had rapping monikers like Blaza and Therapist during his early career.
He has been unsuccessful many times in trying to meet Jay Z to give a demo of his work. Finally, after many unsuccessful attempts, he became the first rapper signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2009.
In 2010, Beyond Race magazine named him as one of the “50 great breakthrough artists”.
J. Cole is the first rap artist to simultaneously debut three songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, with “ATM” (at 6), “Kevin’s Heart” (8), and “KOD” (10).
His rapping influences include Tupac Shakur, Jay Z, Eminem, Nas, and Andre 3000.
He has his own record label called Dreamvile Records, launched in 2007.
In October 2011, J Cole established The Dreamville Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on empowering Fayetteville youth and supporting them to get better career opportunities. His wife serves as its executive director.
On April 6, 2019, Cole organized a musical feast called Dreamville Festival, which was held at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.
J. Cole has a little short of 18 million followers on both Twitter and Instagram combined.
As of 2024, J Cole has a net worth of $60 million