J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamar Cole, is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. Born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, he grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended St. John’s University in New York where he earned a degree in communication and business. He first gained recognition in the music industry with his mixtapes, which led him to sign a record deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. His debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, was released in 2011 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Throughout his career, J. Cole has released several critically acclaimed albums and has won numerous awards, becoming one of the most successful rappers of his generation. He is known for his introspective and socially conscious lyrics, and his dedication to social justice causes.
