J. Cole Tickets

J. Cole is a singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer who rose to fame after releasing his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in 2007. He released two more mixtapes before releasing his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story in 2011. Cole World hit the number 1 spot on the US Billboard 200, US R&B/Hip Hop Albums, and US Rap Albums chart that same year. J. Cole cites some of raps biggest names as his influences, including Tupac Shakur, Andre 3000, Eminem, and Jay Z. He was also heavily influenced by Nas, who he credits with inspiring his mixtape Friday Night Lights. Cole later wrote a song called “Let Nas Down” to which Nas responded with his own song, “Made Nas Proud”.

J. Cole has been nominated for dozens of awards, winning quite a few. His album Forest Hills Drive won two awards: the Billboard Music Awards Top Rap Album (2015) and BET Hip Hop Awards Album of the Year (2015). “Crooked Smile,” which featured TLC, won the BET Hip Hop Award for Impact Track in 2014, and “Love Yourz” won the same award in 2016. In 2015, J. Cole was also awarded the BET Hip Hop Award for Best Live Performer, which was no surprise to anyone who has seen J. Cole tear up the stage surrounded by his fans.

J. Cole is also a noted philanthropist, giving back to his hometown of Fayetteville, N.C. through several charity events. In 2011, J. Cole established The Dreamville Foundation, a non-profit created to bring opportunities to urban youth. They hold many events to ensure the success of local children, including the yearly distribution of school supplies, and a book club for young men. The Dreamville Foundation also holds an annual weekend event called “Dreamville Weekend” which features the Young Men’s Book Club, the Appreciation Dinner, and a Career Day panel of prominent African-American professionals. J. Cole also purchased his childhood home to convert it into a home for single mothers and their children to live rent-free.