J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamarr Cole, is an American rapper and record producer. His musical journey began with the release of his debut mixtape, 'The Come Up', in 2007. This led to him signing with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2009. He solidified his presence in the music industry with two more mixtapes, 'The Warm Up' and 'Friday Night Lights', both of which received critical acclaim and helped him gain a larger fan base.
January 28, 1985: Birth of J. Cole
Jermaine Lamarr Cole was born on January 28, 1985, at an American military base in Frankfurt, West Germany.
2000: J. Cole Begins His Journey into Music Production
At the age of fifteen, J. Cole received an ASR-X musical sampler as a Christmas gift, which ignited his passion for music production and led him to begin producing under the pseudonym "Therapist."
2000: Release of "Reflection Eternal's Album "Train of Thought
The album "Train of Thought" by Reflection Eternal was released in 2000.
2003: End of Cole's Time in the Terry Sanford Orchestra
J. Cole stopped serving as a first-chair violinist for the Terry Sanford Orchestra in 2003. He had participated in the orchestra throughout his youth.
2006: Appearance in "Dave Chappelle's Block Party"
J. Cole was featured in the audience of the documentary "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" in 2006.
2007: J. Cole Graduates College
J. Cole graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in 2007.
2007: J. Cole Graduates College and Releases Debut Mixtape
J. Cole graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in 2007. His debut mixtape, "The Come Up," was released in early 2007, garnering him initial attention as a rapper.
2007: J. Cole Co-Founds Dreamville Records
In early 2007, while working on his mixtape *The Come Up*, J. Cole, along with Ibrahim Hamad, established Dreamville Records. The label, currently distributed by Interscope Records, was created as an avenue for J. Cole to release his music and for Hamad to pursue his ambition of running a record label.
June 15, 2009: Release of "The Warm Up" Mixtape
J. Cole released his second mixtape, "The Warm Up," on June 15, 2009, receiving positive reviews for his lyrical prowess and production skills.
2009: J. Cole Signs with Roc Nation
In 2009, J. Cole signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, marking a significant step in his pursuit of a musical career.
January 2010: Collaboration on "Just Begun"
J. Cole, alongside Jay Electronica and Mos Def, was featured on Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek's single "Just Begun" in January 2010.
March 19, 2010: Start of J. Cole's College Tour
J. Cole embarked on a college tour on March 19, 2010, connecting with student audiences and showcasing his music to a wider audience.
April 30, 2010: Release of "Who Dat" Single
J. Cole released the single "Who Dat" on April 30, 2010.
June 15, 2010: Release of "The Last Stretch" Freestyle
On June 15, 2010, J. Cole released the freestyle "The Last Stretch" to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his mixtape "The Warm Up."
July 2010: J. Cole Reveals Upcoming Album Tracks
In a July 2010 interview, J. Cole provided a glimpse into his upcoming debut album by revealing the titles of three tracks: "Dreams," "Won't Be Long," and "Never Told."
August 2010: J. Cole Wins UMA Male Artist of the Year
In August 2010, J. Cole was honored with the UMA Male Artist of the Year award at the 2010 Underground Music Awards, recognizing his accomplishments and the impact of his mixtape "The Warm Up."
October 30, 2010: Leak of "I'm Coming Home" Demo
A demo titled "I'm Coming Home," initially recorded by J. Cole as a reference track for Diddy, was leaked on the internet on October 30, 2010.
November 12, 2010: Release of "Friday Night Lights" Mixtape
On November 12, 2010, J. Cole released his third mixtape, "Friday Night Lights." The mixtape featured guest appearances from Drake, Wale, and Omen and showcased Cole's production skills, as he handled a significant portion of the production himself.
2010: J. Cole Releases Mixtapes and Gains Recognition
J. Cole released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, "The Warm Up" and "Friday Night Lights," in 2009 and 2010, respectively. These releases expanded his following and solidified his standing in the music industry.
April 2011: "HiiiPoWeR" Release
April 2011 marked the release of "HiiiPoWeR," a track J. Cole produced for Kendrick Lamar's album "Section.80," signifying the beginning of their collaborations.
May 22, 2011: "Return of Simba" Release
On May 22, 2011, J. Cole dropped the third installment in his "Simba" series, "Return of Simba."
June 15, 2011: "Work Out" Release
J. Cole released "Work Out," a single from his debut album, on June 15, 2011, which sampled Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan" and interpolated Paula Abdul's "Straight Up."
September 14, 2011: "Can't Get Enough" Music Video Release
On September 14, 2011, J. Cole released the music video for "Can't Get Enough," featuring Trey Songz and a cameo by Rihanna, filmed in Barbados.
September 27, 2011: "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Release
J. Cole's debut album, "Cole World: The Sideline Story," hit the shelves on September 27, 2011, and debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200.
October 2011: J. Cole Founds The Dreamville Foundation
In October 2011, J. Cole founded The Dreamville Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between opportunity and underprivileged youth in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Foundation focuses on philanthropic work, including back-to-school drives, book clubs, writing contests, and an annual "Dreamville Weekend" featuring community events and career development initiatives.
October 24, 2011: Work Begins on Second Studio Album
On October 24, 2011, J. Cole revealed he was working on his second studio album, aiming for a June 2012 release.
December 2, 2011: "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Certified Gold
J. Cole's debut album, "Cole World: The Sideline Story," was certified gold by the RIAA on December 2, 2011.
2011: Release of Debut Album: "Cole World: The Sideline Story"
In 2011, J. Cole's debut album, "Cole World: The Sideline Story," was released, marking his official entry into the music scene as a solo artist.
February 7, 2012: "Nobody's Perfect" Release
On February 7, 2012, J. Cole released "Nobody's Perfect," featuring Missy Elliott, as the final single from his debut album.
February 24, 2012: "Grew Up Fast" Release
J. Cole celebrated hitting 2 million Twitter followers by releasing "Grew Up Fast" on February 24, 2012.
March 1, 2012: "Visionz of Home" Release and "Dreamville Weekend"
On March 1, 2012, J. Cole returned to Fayetteville, marking the occasion with "Visionz of Home" and launching "Dreamville Weekend" to inspire youth.
May 6, 2012: Big Brother Africa 7 Performance
J. Cole made his African performance debut at the Big Brother Africa 7 opening ceremony on May 6, 2012.
June 2012: Target Release Date for Second Album
J. Cole initially aimed for a June 2012 release date for his second studio album.
November 13, 2012: "Miss America" Release
J. Cole released "Miss America" as a promotional single for "Born Sinner" on November 13, 2012, aiming to spark a shift in musical direction.
December 31, 2012: "Born Sinner" Release Postponed
On December 31, 2012, J. Cole pushed back the release of "Born Sinner."
2012: NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game Participation
J. Cole participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game in 2012, showcasing his basketball skills on a larger platform.
January 28, 2013: Initial "Born Sinner" Release Date
J. Cole initially planned to release his second studio album, "Born Sinner," on January 28, 2013.
February 12, 2013: "Truly Yours" EP Release
J. Cole dropped the "Truly Yours" EP on February 12, 2013, featuring tracks not included on "Born Sinner."
February 14, 2013: "Power Trip" Release
February 14, 2013, saw the release of "Power Trip," marking J. Cole's second collaboration with Miguel.
April 30, 2013: "Truly Yours 2" Release
J. Cole released the second installment of his "Truly Yours" series on April 30, 2013, featuring guest appearances from various artists.
June 25, 2013: Initial "Born Sinner" Release Date
J. Cole initially scheduled "Born Sinner" for release on June 25, 2013, but later changed it.
August 2013: Altercation at MTV VMAs After Party
In August 2013, J. Cole was reportedly involved in an altercation with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party. The incident allegedly stemmed from a confrontation between Puff Daddy and Kendrick Lamar. While details remain unclear, J. Cole's involvement was confirmed by Ibrahim Hamad, president of Dreamville Records, who denied rumors of Cole being thrown out or physically harmed. The incident was reportedly later resolved between the parties involved.
2013: Sports Illustrated Interview and Perspective on Sports
In a 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated, J. Cole discussed the influence of sports on his life, drawing parallels between the competitive nature of sports and rap, emphasizing how sports shaped his outlook.
2013: Release of "Born Sinner"
J. Cole released his second studio album, "Born Sinner," in 2013.
March 31, 2014: "Forest Hills Drive" Certified Platinum
J. Cole's album "Forest Hills Drive" achieved platinum certification on March 31, 2014.
August 15, 2014: "Be Free" Release
In response to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, J. Cole released "Be Free" on August 15, 2014.
2014: J. Cole Purchases Childhood Home for Single Mothers
In 2014, J. Cole, through his Dreamville Foundation, purchased his childhood home in Fayetteville, North Carolina for $120,000. The home, which had been repossessed from his mother during his college years, was intended to be transformed into a rent-free residence for single mothers and their children.
2014: Release of "2014 Forest Hills Drive"
J. Cole released "2014 Forest Hills Drive," his third studio album, in 2014.
January 2015: Philanthropic Efforts: Housing Single Mothers
Starting in January 2015, J. Cole demonstrated his commitment to giving back to his community by providing rent-free housing to single mothers at his childhood home in Fayetteville.
February 13, 2015: "Forest Hills Drive Tour" Announcement
On February 13, 2015, J. Cole announced the "Forest Hills Drive Tour," which would later serve as the source material for his first live album, "Forest Hills Drive: Live."
March 2015: Jay-Z's Project Panther Acquires Tidal; J. Cole Becomes Shareholder
In March 2015, Aspiro, the parent company of music streaming platform Tidal, was acquired by Project Panther, a company owned by Jay-Z, for a reported $56 million. As part of the deal, J. Cole, alongside other prominent artists like Kanye West, Usher, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, became a minor shareholder in the service.
December 15, 2015: "J. Cole: Road to Homecoming" Documentary Series Announcement
On December 15, 2015, J. Cole announced a documentary series titled "J. Cole: Road to Homecoming," leading up to his HBO special "Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming."
2015: J. Cole and Noname Collaborate on "Warm Enough"
In 2015, J. Cole and Noname collaborated on the song "Warm Enough" for Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment's album *Surf.*
2015: J. Cole Receives College Diploma
J. Cole finally received his college diploma from St. John's University during a homecoming concert in 2015, after settling a debt for a library book that had prevented him from receiving it earlier.
January 9, 2016: Premiere of "Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming"
"Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming," a concert film of the final show of J. Cole's tour, premiered on January 9, 2016.
January 2016: Marriage Revelation
J. Cole revealed his marriage to Melissa Heholt during an interview in January 2016.
January 28, 2016: Release of "Forest Hills Drive: Live" and "Love Yourz" Music Video
On January 28, 2016, J. Cole released "Forest Hills Drive: Live," a live album recorded during his tour, alongside a music video for "Love Yourz."
July 29, 2016: Release of DJ Khaled's "Major Key" featuring J. Cole
DJ Khaled's album "Major Key," featuring J. Cole on "Jermaine's Interlude," was released on July 29, 2016. Cole's lyrics about retirement sparked speculation about his future in music.
November 4, 2016: Performance at Hillary Clinton Rally
J. Cole, alongside other artists, performed at a Hillary Clinton rally in Cleveland, Ohio on November 4, 2016.
November 8, 2016: Release of "Can't Call It"
November 8, 2016, saw the release of "Can't Call It," the official version of "Jermaine's Interlude," featuring J. Cole, EarthGang, Bas, and JID.
December 1, 2016: Artwork and Tracklist Reveal for "4 Your Eyez Only"
On December 1, 2016, the cover art and tracklist for "4 Your Eyez Only" were revealed on iTunes, building anticipation for the album's release.
December 2, 2016: Release of "Eyez" Documentary
J. Cole provided a glimpse behind the scenes of his album creation process with the release of the documentary "Eyez" on Tidal, on December 2, 2016.
December 9, 2016: Release of "4 Your Eyez Only"
J. Cole's fourth studio album, "4 Your Eyez Only," hit the shelves and streaming platforms on December 9, 2016.
December 2016: "Forest Hills Drive" Sales Milestone
By December 2016, "Forest Hills Drive" had sold 1.24 million copies in the US, solidifying its commercial success.
December 2016: Sales Milestone for "Cole World: The Sideline Story"
By December 2016, "Cole World: The Sideline Story" had sold 855,000 copies in the US.
December 2016: Sales Milestone for "Born Sinner"
"Born Sinner" had sold 796,000 copies in the US by December 2016.
2016: Release of "4 Your Eyez Only"
J. Cole's fourth studio album, "4 Your Eyez Only," was released in 2016.
2016: Drake's "Views" Sets Streaming Record
In 2016, Drake's album "Views" set a streaming record, a benchmark later surpassed by J. Cole's "KOD."
January 10, 2017: "Deja Vu" Released as Single
On January 10, 2017, "Deja Vu" from the album "4 Your Eyez Only" was officially released as a single.
January 12, 2017: "4 Your Eyez Only" Certified Gold
J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only" was certified gold by the RIAA on January 12, 2017, marking a significant commercial achievement.
January 16, 2017: Surprise Release of "High for Hours"
J. Cole surprised fans with the release of "High for Hours" on SoundCloud on January 16, 2017, offering a standalone track outside of his album cycle.
February 21, 2017: Announcement of "4 Your Eyez Only World Tour"
On February 21, 2017, J. Cole announced the "4 Your Eyez Only World Tour," expanding his reach to fans across North America, Europe, and Australia.
March 24, 2017: HBO Documentary Announcement
HBO announced a documentary titled "J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only" on March 24, 2017, promising an intimate look into the artist's life and work.
April 7, 2017: "4 Your Eyez Only" Certified Platinum
The RIAA certified "4 Your Eyez Only" platinum on April 7, 2017, as the album's popularity continued to soar.
April 15, 2017: Premiere of "J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only"
The HBO documentary "J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only," directed by Cole himself and Scott Lazer, premiered on April 15, 2017.
April 2018: Lil Pump Teases "Fuck J. Cole" Track
In April 2018, rapper Lil Pump teased a diss track aimed at J. Cole titled "Fuck J. Cole," produced by Smokepurpp.
April 16, 2018: Surprise Listening Session for "KOD"
J. Cole hosted a surprise listening session for his forthcoming album, "KOD," in New York City on April 16, 2018, generating buzz among fans.
April 20, 2018: Release of "KOD"
J. Cole's highly anticipated album "KOD" was released on April 20, 2018, exploring themes of drug abuse, addiction, depression, and greed.
April 27, 2018: Announcement of "The Fall Off" Project
J. Cole revealed he was working on another project titled "The Fall Off" on April 27, 2018, indicating his prolific creative output.
May 4, 2018: J. Cole Addresses Lil Pump at JMBLYA Festival
On May 4, 2018, during his performance at JMBLYA festival in Dallas, J. Cole performed his song "1985," which many speculated to be a response to Lil Pump's diss. While the crowd erupted in chants of "Fuck Lil Pump," Cole swiftly shut them down, urging the audience to refrain from such negativity.
May 8, 2018: "KOD" Single Release
On May 8, 2018, the title track from J. Cole's "KOD" was officially released as a single.
May 11, 2018: J. Cole Performs "1985" at Rolling Loud; Lil Pump Observes
On May 11, 2018, during his set at the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, J. Cole performed "1985." Notably, Lil Pump was spotted among the audience, seemingly enjoying Cole's performance.
May 14, 2018: "KOD" Certified Gold
J. Cole's "KOD" achieved gold certification by the RIAA on May 14, 2018, reflecting its substantial sales and streams.
May 2018: First Child Announcement
In May 2018, J. Cole announced that he and his wife, Melissa, have a son together.
June 24, 2018: Performance at the BET Awards
J. Cole delivered a memorable performance at the 2018 BET Awards on June 24, 2018, showcasing tracks from "KOD" alongside guests.
July 31, 2018: "ATM" Impacts Rhythmic Radio
"ATM," another single from "KOD," was sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations on July 31, 2018.
August 7, 2018: "Album of the Year (Freestyle)" Release and Project Announcements
On August 7, 2018, J. Cole dropped the single "Album of the Year (Freestyle)" with a music video on WorldStarHipHop. He also revealed upcoming projects, "The Off Season" and "The Fall Off."
September 2018: Billboard Interview and 2019 Plans
In a September 2018 Billboard interview, J. Cole shared his intention to dedicate 2019 to finalizing "The Off Season," "The Fall Off," and the "Kill Edward" project, taking a break from touring.
October 10, 2018: Conclusion of "KOD Tour"
J. Cole's "KOD Tour" concluded in Boston on October 10, 2018, after captivating audiences across North America.
2018: Release of "KOD"
J. Cole released his fifth studio album, "KOD," in 2018. The album achieved a record-breaking six simultaneous top-twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
January 6, 2019: Dreamville's "Revenge of the Dreamers III" Announcement
J. Cole announced Dreamville's compilation album, "Revenge of the Dreamers III," on January 6, 2019, via a gold poster-style invitation on Twitter, marking the start of the recording sessions in Atlanta.
January 16, 2019: Conclusion of "Revenge of the Dreamers III" Recording Sessions
After 10 days, the recording sessions for "Revenge of the Dreamers III" concluded on January 16, 2019, having hosted 343 artists and producers, including prominent names like Big K.R.I.T., Mike Will Made It, and DJ Khaled.
January 23, 2019: "Middle Child" Release
J. Cole released "Middle Child" on January 23, 2019, his first lead single since 2013. The song quickly gained popularity, debuting at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 4 the following week, becoming his highest-charting song.
February 17, 2019: 2019 NBA All-Star Game Halftime Performance
J. Cole delivered a memorable performance at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game halftime show in Charlotte on February 17, 2019. He captivated the audience with renditions of his popular tracks, including "Middle Child," "A Lot," "ATM," "Love Yourz," and "No Role Modelz."
April 6, 2019: Dreamville Festival
On April 6, 2019, the first annual Dreamville Festival took place at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, after being postponed from its original date in 2018 due to Hurricane Florence. The festival featured a mix of local and national acts, including all of Dreamville's artists, SZA, Big Sean, Nelly, 21 Savage, 6LACK, Davido, Teyana Taylor, Saba, Rapsody, and Mez. Proceeds from the festival were donated to the Dorothea Dix Park Convervancy and the Dreamville Foundation.
May 23, 2019: Feature on Young Thug's "The London"
J. Cole collaborated with Travis Scott on Young Thug's single "The London," released on May 23, 2019, which served as the lead single for Young Thug's debut studio album, "So Much Fun."
June 12, 2019: "Revenge of the Dreamers III" Dual Singles Release
On June 12, 2019, the first set of dual singles from "Revenge of the Dreamers III" were released: "Down Bad" featuring J. Cole, JID, Bas, EarthGang, and Young Nudy, and "Got Me" featuring Ari Lennox, Omen, Ty Dolla Sign, and Dreezy.
July 1, 2019: Second Set of Dual Singles and Album Release Date Announcement
The second set of dual singles from "Revenge of the Dreamers III," "LamboTruck" and "Costa Rica," dropped on July 1, 2019, alongside the album's release date announcement and limited merchandise sales.
July 2, 2019: "Dreamville Presents: REVENGE" Documentary Release
Dreamville released a documentary titled "Dreamville Presents: REVENGE" on their YouTube channel on July 2, 2019. The film offered a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the "Revenge of the Dreamers III" album during the recording sessions in Atlanta.
2019: Release of the PUMA RS-Dreamer
In 2019, J. Cole and Puma released their first collaborative shoe, the PUMA RS-Dreamer. Cole stated that he wanted to create a shoe that was both stylish and high-performing, suitable for both on-court play and everyday wear. The launch coincided with the restart of the 2019–20 NBA season.
2019: Release of "Revenge of the Dreamers III"
The third compilation album from Dreamville Records, "Revenge of the Dreamers III," was released in 2019, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
2019: Publicly Speaks About Son
In 2019, J. Cole spoke publicly about his son for the first time.
February 2020: Puma Partnership
In February 2020, J. Cole announced a multi-year partnership with Puma, becoming an ambassador for the brand. His role included product creation, marketing campaigns, and cultural guidance. A short film for the reimagined "Sky Dreamer" shoes was released in conjunction with the announcement and the shoes debuted at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
May 2020: Noname Criticizes Silent Rappers Amidst George Floyd Protests
In May 2020, during the height of the George Floyd protests, rapper Noname posted a tweet criticizing rappers who hadn't publicly addressed the protests or the Black Lives Matter movement, despite addressing social injustices in their music.
June 16, 2020: "Snow on tha Bluff" Release and Controversy
On June 16, 2020, amidst the Black Lives Matter movement sparked by George Floyd's murder, J. Cole released "Snow on tha Bluff." This politically charged track sparked debates and criticism from Noname and other rappers.
July 20, 2020: The Players' Tribune Article and Basketball Aspirations
J. Cole penned an article for The Players' Tribune on July 20, 2020, detailing his post-college aspirations of playing professional basketball. He shared his dreams of training, playing overseas, and eventually making it to the NBA.
July 23, 2020: "Lewis Street" EP Release
On July 23, 2020, J. Cole released the promotional EP "Lewis Street," featuring two new tracks, "The Climb Back" and "Lion King on Ice." "The Climb Back" was later included in his album "The Off-Season."
July 31, 2020: PUMA RS-Dreamer Signature Shoe Release
On July 31, 2020, J. Cole and Puma launched his debut signature shoe, the PUMA RS-Dreamer, marking his foray into the world of sportswear and collaborations.
August 2020: NBA Tryout Reports
In August 2020, reports surfaced, fueled by information from Master P, that J. Cole was training for an NBA tryout, further solidifying his commitment to pursuing a career in professional basketball.
December 29, 2020: "The Fall Off Era" Announcement
J. Cole took to Instagram on December 29, 2020, to share a photo of a list titled "The Fall Off Era." The list indicated completed features, "Revenge of the Dreamers III," and upcoming projects like "The Off-Season" and "It's a Boy," hinting at his plans before "The Fall Off."
2020: Grammy Nomination for "Revenge of the Dreamers III"
In 2020, "Revenge of the Dreamers III" received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album, highlighting the critical acclaim and recognition received by J. Cole's label, Dreamville Records.
May 4, 2021: "The Off-Season" Release Date and Artwork Reveal
On May 4, 2021, J. Cole officially announced the release date and unveiled the album art for his sixth studio album, "The Off-Season."
May 10, 2021: Signing with Rwanda Patriots Basketball Club
J. Cole signed a contract with the Rwanda Patriots Basketball Club of the Basketball Africa League on May 10, 2021, taking a significant step toward realizing his dream of playing professional basketball.
May 14, 2021: "The Off-Season" Release and Chart Success
"The Off-Season" was released on May 14, 2021, to positive reviews, marking J. Cole's sixth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Morray, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Bas, and 6LACK.
May 2021: SLAM Magazine Cover Feature
J. Cole's basketball journey continued to gain recognition as he was featured on the cover of SLAM Magazine's May 2021 issue, highlighting his foray into professional basketball.
September 21, 2021: "Heaven's EP" Freestyle Release
On September 21, 2021, J. Cole released "Heaven's EP," a freestyle where he remixed Drake's "Pipe Down" from the "Certified Lover Boy" album.
2021: Release of "The Off-Season"
"The Off-Season," J. Cole's sixth studio album, was released in 2021 and was met with continued commercial success.
March 31, 2022: Appearance on Dreamville's "D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape"
J. Cole's "Heaven's EP" was featured on Dreamville's compilation album "D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape," released on March 31, 2022. Cole also contributed to the songs "Stick" and "Freedom of Speech" on the mixtape.
May 19, 2022: J. Cole Signs with Scarborough Shooting Stars
On May 19, 2022, J. Cole signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
June 8, 2022: J. Cole Takes Break from Basketball for Concert Tour
On June 8, 2022, J. Cole announced an indefinite leave from the Scarborough Shooting Stars to focus on his concert tour commitments. During his time with the team, he played in 4 games and averaged 2.4 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists.
September 2022: NBA 2K23 Cover Feature and MyCareer Appearance
J. Cole was featured as the cover athlete for the Dreamer Edition of NBA 2K23, released in September 2022. He was also integrated into the game's MyCareer mode, further intertwining his passion for basketball with his music career.
2023: Collaboration and Chart-Topping Success
J. Cole's collaborations, including "All My Life" with Lil Durk and "First Person Shooter" with Drake, achieved significant chart success in 2023, with the latter becoming his first song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
April 5, 2024: "Might Delete Later" Release and Kendrick Lamar Diss
On April 5, 2024, J. Cole released the album "Might Delete Later," which included the controversial diss track "7 Minute Drill" aimed at Kendrick Lamar. Cole later issued an apology for the diss at Dreamville Festival and removed the song from streaming services.