j. cole Archives

J. Cole Sings an Emotional Song About Michael Brown (Audio)

J. Cole's words speak for themselves on this one: "There was a time in my life when I gave a fuck. Every chance I got I was screaming about it. I was younger. It’s so easy to try to save the world when you’re in college. You got nothing but... Read more

August 15, 2014 Audio

Cozz is One to Watch. Check out How He Goes to Work on Window Shopper (Audio)

Turnabout is fair play. For the last several weeks, G-Unit has been jacking beats and making them their own. Now, Cozz, who recently signed to J. Cole's Dreamville label, hops on the Unit's "Window Shopper" track and works it over. With Bas and now Cozz, Cole is quickly assembling a... Read more

August 13, 2014 Audio

Bas Heads To Paris From JFK To Charles de Gaulle (Video)

When Bas met future label mate J. Cole, he became the first rapper outside of his friends to compliment him on his abilities and went on to sign him as one of the first artists on Dreamville Records. That was in 2009. Bas went on to release a few successful... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cozz Is Still Hustling After Signing With J. Cole (Audio)

South Central MC Cozz, who just a few weeks ago signed with J. Cole's Dreamville, drops his latest single, "Knock The Hustle." Producer Que drops the melodic, saxophone laden instrumentals for Cozz's storyboard lyricism about working towards his dreams. Just a few days ago, Cozz jumped to Number 2 on... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

What’s the Biggest Way the Internet Has Changed Hip-Hop? (Video)

The final installment of BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, discusses how the digital revolution transformed Hip-Hop. Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Mac Miller and many of the Internet's biggest benefactors discuss its impact on their careers and the culture, generally. The episode also features Nas, Wyclef,... Read more

June 23, 2014 Video

This Week Brought Videos From J. Cole, G-Unit, T.I., Ab-Soul, Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, Common & More (Video)

This week was a strong one for video. New visuals rolled in from Common, Ab-Soul, G-Unit, T.I., Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, The Game and more. There were also throwbacks from J. Cole & Michael Jackson. Additionally, Black Thought tackled the Harry Potter theme and Chris Rock announced a new tour.... Read more

June 22, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Five Years Later, J. Cole Drops A Visual For Lights Please & A Letter To Fans (Video)

Time flies. Five years ago yesterday (June 15), J. Cole liberated one of the greatest free projects in recent memory. The Warm Up would be Cole's major introduction to the same masses who would help him reach Gold-status in his albums to come. One stand out track on that '09... Read more

June 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jay Z, ScHoolboy Q, Drake & Eve Among 2014 BET Awards Nominees

The 2014 BET Awards are scheduled to air live from Los Angeles, California's Nokia Theatre on Sunday, June 29. Six weeks ahead, the network has shared its nominees in the respective categories, including Hip-Hop nods to Jay Z, Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Future, Eve, Nicki Minaj, and... Read more

May 14, 2014 Fresh

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April Including Scarface, The Roots, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & More (Audio Playlist)

April brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music featuring Scarface, KRS-One, The Roots, 50 Cent, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & Marvin Gaye, Pharoahe Monch, Big L & Fat Joe, Da Brat, Daz Dillinger, Slum Village & Black Milk, Rapsody, Chance the Rapper, Mobb Deep and much more.... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Scarface, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, The Roots & More (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video featured Scarface discussing how he avoided having a massive heart attack, Kendrick Lamar performing California Love, Danny Brown speaking about the disturbing side effects of sipping lean, new music videos from The Roots, Styles P, J. Cole, and much more. Check out the video... Read more

May 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

J. Cole and Bas Are Celebrating in Their Latest Video (Video)

Despite the low brow title, Bas & J. Cole's collabo from Bas' Last Winter project is aspirational at its core. Cole's hook of "Free your mind and everything will follow" underscores the song's overall message of not letting life's circumstances hold you down. Despite the fact that Bas' mixtape is... Read more

May 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bas Represents J. Cole Well on Charles de Gaulle to JFK (Audio)

J. Cole has been making moves behind the scenes lately, having secured a distribution deal with Interscope for his Dreamville Records. Dreamville artist Bas' album will hit stores on 4/29 and, based on his latest release, sounds like it will represent Cole quite well. Check out Charles de Gaulle to... Read more

April 9, 2014 Audio

The Week in Video Featured Kanye Uncut, Words by Rakim, Redman’s Release & More (Video Playlist)

Last week was a strong one in Hip-Hop video programming. We got a spectacular short film on Rakim, a hilarious promo from Redman, a behind the scenes look at how Ice Cube got his name on the Goodyear blimp, an uncut speech from Kanye West, music videos from Phife, Mac... Read more

February 17, 2014 Playlists, Video

J. Cole Continues To Tell Stories In His Videography. Check She Knows (Video)

In addition to his status as a Hip-Hop double-threat MC/producer, one of J. Cole's greatest skills is his videos. From "Crooked Smile" to "Power Trip," Colematic has given Born Sinner some visual companions that few artists can reach their whole career. Perhaps in the shadows of a crowded 2013 release... Read more

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yo Gotti & J. Cole Release a Video for Their Music with a Message, Cold Blood (Video)

Last year, Yo Gotti and J. Cole released Cold Blood, a melancholy song that painted pictures of some of the world's cold hard realities. Now, they've released a video that makes those grim images even more vivid. Check it out. Related: J. Cole’s Label Partners With Interscope & He Releases... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

Macklemore & Kendrick Lamar: How Hip-Hop (Not The Grammy’s) Turned Sunday Into a Fail (Food For Thought)

The day after the Grammy Awards, the conversation about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ win for Best Rap Album over Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city (G.K.M.C) grew from a buzz to a roar. Social media platforms and the web, generally, were on fire. The frenzy was fueled in part by... Read more

January 29, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

J. Cole’s Label Partners With Interscope & He Releases 11 Track Revenge Of The Dreamers (Album Stream)

J. Cole is making big moves this week. Like collaborators Meek Mill and Mac Miller, Cole is building a label simultaneous to his own expanding career. Dreamville, as his imprint is known, has inked a distribution deal with Interscope Records, home to Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and Eminem. This squad... Read more

January 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamonds Are Forever: Jay Z Gives J. Cole His Original Roc-A-Fella Records Chain On Stage (Video)

While J. Cole did not join his Roc Nation leader at Sunday's Grammy Awards, despite being nominated for Best Rap Album, the two reconvened this week. Last night, while Cole took the stage at Madison Square Garden, his fans were treated to surprise appearances by Kendrick Lamar, and Jay. While... Read more

January 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Timed Perfectly, Wale J. Cole, Rockie Fresh & Meek Mill Release Black Grammys (Video)

A lover of the viral content, Wale timed "Black Grammys" perfectly. Although the Maybach Music Group artist could not have anticipated the Twitter conversations regarding Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' four straight wins (or did he?), the song as is as topically-released as any. J. Cole does not make the video,... Read more

January 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

J. Cole Presents A Complex Speech Honoring Nas At The VIBE Image Awards (Video)

The same night Nas performed "Nas Is Like" and "If I Ruled The World" alongside his Firm collaborator Dr. Dre and Ruffhouse Records label-mates Cypress Hill, he was honored by VIBE. The same magazine that brought Nasir and J. Cole together for a powerful cover-story in 2013, had the Roc... Read more

January 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

This Week in Video Brought New Music From Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar, Method Man & A$AP Mob and More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music from Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar, as well as new videos from Method Man & A$AP Mob, Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper, Talib Kweli, Stalley, Astro and more. Check out the Video Playlist. Related: This Week in Video Was Dominated By Kanye West’s... Read more

December 8, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

J. Cole Has A Problem With Rich People…& He Realizes What That Means For Him. Here’s How He Reconciles The Conflict (Video)

Heads may've heard J. Cole's track "Rich Niggaz." Track 9 from Born Sinner captures Cole's disdain for silver-spoon folks in contrast to his own working-class upbringing. Now with two top-selling albums under his belt, touring, endorsements, and whatnot, Cole reconsiders just six months since the cut released. Jermaine speaks about... Read more

December 2, 2013 Fresh, Video

J. Cole, A$AP Rocky and Pusha T All Head Up a Hip-Hop Remix of Justin Timberlake’s TKO…and J. Cole Goes at Kendrick Lamar for His Control Verse (Audio)

Almost everyone rapper named in Kendrick Lamar's Control verse has responded in one way or another...except J. Cole. Jermaine is featured on the all Hip-Hop remix to Justin Timberlake's TKO, along with A$AP Rocky and Pusha T, and he used the opportunity for a little payback. Check it out below... Read more

November 30, 2013 Audio

AFH: The Week in Video (11/10/13) (Video Playlist)

The past week in video brought Eminem's first ever live performance of Rap God, super creative videos from Vic Mensa and Deltron 3030 featuring Zach De La Rocha, as well as strong interviews with J. Cole and Black Milk. You can check those videos out and more below and, if... Read more

November 10, 2013 Playlists, Video

5 Things We Learned From J. Cole’s Interview With Hard Knock TV (Video)

You gotta love Hard Knock TV's interviews. Nick Huff gets down to the heart of the matter with his subjects in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. J. Cole's cooled off on press as his fame has grown. However, the Roc Nation/Sony sensation opens up to Hard Knock, with his b-boy reflection... Read more

November 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of October 2013 (Playlist)

Here's a look back at some of the Hip-Hop highlights from October. You'll hear new music from Eminem & Kendrick Lamar, Scarface, Jadakiss, Meek Mill, J. Cole, Dead Prez, Tha Dogg Pound, Common, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Large Professor, Childish Gambino, Rapsody, Crooked I, Jean Grae, Game and many, many more.... Read more

November 5, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Take a Look Back at the Best Video Content of the Past Week (Video Playlist)

The past week in video brought new music videos from Ice Cube, Schoolboy Q and DJ Khaled featuring Scarface, Jadakiss, Meek Mill, Akon, John Legend & Anthony Hamilton, dope freestyles from Crooked I and Childish Gambino and pieces on Mike Tyson, J. Cole, Ab-Soul and more. Check out the video... Read more

October 27, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

J. Cole Discusses The Evolution of His Career and The Genesis of Crooked Smile (Video)

Here's a truly inspirational video of J. Cole where he discusses how he has gotten to where he is today and the story behind Crooked Smile. Cole is candid and motivational in detailing his mission to make music to "touch the people." Related: DJ Khaled – Hell’s Kitchen ft J.... Read more

October 24, 2013 Video

DJ Khaled – Hell’s Kitchen ft J. Cole & Bas

Although J. Cole doesn't usually swerve into the DJ Khaled music lane, his flow seems right at home on his latest collab with the We The Best CEO. The track is titled "Hell's Kitchen", and also features Bas on the mic. "Hell's Kitchen" is the latest from DJ Khaled's Suffering From... Read more

October 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

AFH: The Week in Video (9/29/13) (Video Playlist)

This week brought new music videos from Pusha T, A$AP Rocky, Drake and Talib Kweli, as well as performances from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and J. Cole and a freestyle from Slaughterhouse. And, of course, a one of a kind interview from Kanye West. You can watch it all in the video... Read more

September 29, 2013 Featured-homepage, Video

J. Cole Performs Let Nas Down (Video)

In Hip-Hop, there are some songs that just scream potential simply by looking at the title. When J. Cole dropped the track list for his latest album Born Sinner, "Let Nas Down" was definitely one of those songs. And even with all the hype surrounding the track before anybody had... Read more

September 23, 2013 Fresh, Video

J. Cole – Crooked Smile ft TLC (Video)

The second single fromBorn Sinner finally gets its video. J. Cole's orchestrated T-Boz and Chilli reunion of sorts is inspiration to a five-minute mini-movie style video, sneak-released this morning. Related: J. Cole Discusses and Performs Crooked Smile ft TLC (Video)... Read more

September 18, 2013 Fresh, Video

J. Cole & Nas Interviewed Together In New VIBE

Longtime VIBE editor/journalist John Kennedy recently shared a recording space with Nas and J. Cole. No, it wasn't for anymore collaborations, but rather to study one of the breakthrough artists of the early 1990s, and one of his disciples, a breakthrough artist of the early 2010s. On the heels of... Read more

August 13, 2013 Fresh

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of July 2013 (Audio Playlist)

Jay-Z dominated the headlines in July, but there was a LOT of good music from other artists last month, as well. Here's a playlist of the best hip-hop to drop in July. You'll hear music from MC Lyte, Q-Tip, J. Cole, Rapsody, Pete Rock & Camp Lo, Daz Dillinger, Nipsey... Read more

August 4, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists

J. Cole & Wale – Winter Schemes

Wooo! Prepare to get your mean face on. J. Cole and Wale released a joint track where they both got in straight mixtape mode and blacked out on the track. The beat is crazy too. I mean dayum...Check out Winter Schemes. Related: J. Cole Discusses Made Nas Proud (Video)... Read more

July 8, 2013 Audio

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of June 2013 (Audio Playlist)

As we ease into July 4th weekend, here's a look back at the best hip-hop that dropped in June. You'll hear music from J. Cole, Nas, Curren$y, Mac Miller, Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Posdnuos, Kid Tsunami, Drake, LL Cool J, Slum Village, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Joey Bada$$,... Read more

July 3, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

J. Cole Discusses Made Nas Proud (Video)

J. Cole discusses how Made Nas Proud (his remix to Let Nas Down where Nas laid down an INCREDIBLE verse) and more. Check out the video. Related: J. Cole – Let Nas Down (Remix) (Made Nas Proud) ft Nas (Audio)... Read more

July 1, 2013 Video

J. Cole Performs Crooked Smile and Power Trip at the BET Awards (Video)

J. Cole also got his shine on the BET Awards. Check out his performances of Crooked Smile and Power Trip with Miguel. Related: J. Cole Discusses and Performs Crooked Smile ft TLC (Video)... Read more

July 1, 2013 Video

J. Cole Discusses and Performs Crooked Smile ft TLC (Video)

Fresh off selling nearly 300,000 copies of Born Sinner and taking the #2 spot on the album chart, J. Cole sat down to discuss Crooked Smile, his uplifting song featuring TLC. He also did a stirring in-studio performance of the song. Check out the video. Related: J. Cole – Let... Read more

June 29, 2013 Video

J. Cole – Let Nas Down (Remix) (Made Nas Proud) ft Nas

Let Nas Down, one of the standout cuts on J. Cole's stellar Born Sinner album, just got better. Nas jumped on the remix to the song and you know HE RIPPED IT. Check out Let Nas Down (Remix) (Made Nas Proud). Related: J. Cole Freestyles on the Funkmaster Flex Show... Read more

June 22, 2013 Audio

J. Cole Freestyles on the Funkmaster Flex Show (Video)

J. Cole freestyled on the Funkmaster Flex show last night and kinda blacked out about halfway through. Check out the video. Related: J. Cole – New York Times ft 50 Cent & Bas (Audio)... Read more

June 18, 2013 Video

Hip-Hop Super Tuesday – Kanye West – Yeezus + J. Cole – Born Sinner + Mac Miller – Watching Movies With the Sound Off + Statik Selektah – Extended Play

Today is the best Tuesday for hip-hop in a long time. With the release of Kanye West's Yeezus, J. Cole's Born Sinner, Mac Miller's Watching Movies with the Sound Off and Statik Selektah's Extended Play, there is something for all fans of hip-hop. Whether you like underground or commercial, artsy... Read more

June 18, 2013 Audio

J. Cole – New York Times ft 50 Cent & Bas

Here's a bonus cut from J. Cole's upcoming Born Sinner album. Check out New York Times featuring 50 Cent & Bas. Related: J. Cole – Born Sinner (Full Album Stream)... Read more

June 12, 2013 Audio

J. Cole – Born Sinner (Full Album Stream)

J. Cole's Born Sinner album is in stores on 6/18 but you can listen to a full stream now. The project features guest verses from TLC, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel and more. It's a nice step forward from his last album. Check it out below. Related: J. Cole Explains Let Nas... Read more

June 8, 2013 Audio

J. Cole Explains Let Nas Down (Video)

J. Cole had an album listening session in NYC yesterday and during it he explained the story behind his Let Nas Down record. Cole gave a 10+ minute story that provides tremendous insight into the inner workings of the music business, competing with artists like Drake, how difficult it was... Read more

June 7, 2013 Video

J. Cole – Forbidden Fruit ft Kendrick Lamar

Yesterday, J. Cole's tracklist revealed Born Sinner had a song, Forbidden Fruit, with Kendrick Lamar. And just like that...here it is. The freshest part? The track is a hot re-take on the sample A Tribe Called Quest used on Electric Relaxation. Get this goodness. Related: J. Cole – Born Sinner... Read more

June 6, 2013 Audio

J. Cole – Born Sinner Tracklist

J. Cole's Born Sinner is in stores on June 18th. Check out the tracklist below. Related: J. Cole – Crooked Smile ft T-Boz & Chili (of TLC) 01. Villuminati 02. Kerney Sermon (Skit) 03. Land of the Snakes 04. Power Trip f. Miguel 05. Mo Money (Interlude) 06. Trouble 07.... Read more

June 5, 2013 Fresh

J. Cole – Crooked Smile ft T-Boz & Chili (of TLC)

This is kinda dope. J. Cole lays down a collabo with Chili and T-Boz (of TLC) with a bouncy R&B feel. Check out Crooked Smile. Related: J. Cole – Niggaz Know (Audio)... Read more

June 3, 2013 Audio

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of May 2013 (Audio Playlist)

As the year heats up, so does the music. May brought new and previously unheard tracks from Rakim, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, J. Cole, Aasim & Nas, Styles P, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Black Hippy, Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Goodie M.o.B., Prodigy, Havoc, Tito Lopez, AZ, Kanye West and more. You can... Read more

June 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

J. Cole – Niggaz Know

After speaking on fighting through depression, J. Cole drops some new heat. Check out his song Niggaz Know. Related: J. Cole Discusses Fighting His Way Out of Depression (Video)... Read more

May 30, 2013 Audio