J. Cole has written many songs about growing up in North Carolina and later moving to New York City as an adult. Cole, who was born in Germany, is gifted in showing unique perspectives on culture through his revealing writing. Songs like “Ville Mentality” and “A Tale Of 2 Citiez” are not the typical Rap narrative, and J has seemingly found millions who can relate. Now he hopes to find others with extraordinary experiences and help them bring forward their stories and point of views.

Following in the footsteps of mentors and inspirations such as Nas and JAY-Z, Cole is moving into film production. According to 2DopeBoyz, this month, the Fayetteville, North Carolina representative is executive producing Raising Bertie. The Margaret Byrne-directed film spent six years documenting the lives of three Bertie, North Carolina residents: Reginald “Junior” Askew, David “Bud” Perry, and Davonte “Dada” Harrell. All three young Black men are filmed growing up in the rural town. In the trailer, these teens are introduced, navigating school, work, and their own identities in society as just some of the challenges they face.

J. Cole Reveals The Beat For “Neighbors” Is 1 Of His Other Songs Played Backwards (Video)

Raising Bertie airs August 28 on PBS.

#BonusBeat: Last week, Ambrosia For Heads captured a fan-moment-gone-wrong while Cole stopped in Brooklyn, New York on August 1:

Two self-proclaimed die hard fans blanked on the “Lights Please” lyrics in front of more than 20,000 show-goers.