J. Cole

Jermaine Lamarr Cole was born on January 28, 1985, at an American military base in Frankfurt, West Germany.{{cite web|author=Fitzgerald, Trent|url=http://popcrush.com/j-cole-celebrates-27th-birthday/|title=J. Cole Celebrates His 27th Birthday In New York City|publisher=PopCrush|date=January 27, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304195840/http://popcrush.com/j-cole-celebrates-27th-birthday/|archive-date=March 4, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Ramsey|first=John|title=J. Cole: Fayetteville is the roots of his rap|url=http://www.fayobserver.com/living/life/j-cole-fayetteville-is-the-roots-of-his-rap/article_97ed13ff-7a8d-5841-93fc-2bf0efcd1590.html|work=Fayetteville Observer|date=October 10, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624212557/http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/10/09/1127955|archive-date=June 24, 2013}} His father is an African American veteran, who served in the US Army,{{cite web|last=Einhorn|first=Zack|title=J. Cole: Roc Nation's Young Gun|url=http://allhiphop.com/2009/06/15/j-cole-roc-nations-young-gun/|work=AllHipHop.com|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=June 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110015439/http://allhiphop.com/2009/06/15/j-cole-roc-nations-young-gun/|archive-date=November 10, 2014|url-status=live}} and his mother, Kay, born in Michigan,{{cite web|url=https://esme.com/single-moms/sons-daughters/jermaine-cole-be-sure-you-tell-my-story|title=J. Cole Honors His Solo Mom by Telling Her Story in His Songs|date=July 13, 2016|website=ESME|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505155212/https://esme.com/single-moms/sons-daughters/jermaine-cole-be-sure-you-tell-my-story|archive-date=May 5, 2019|url-status=live}} is a white American who was a postal worker for the United States Postal Service.{{cite magazine | url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/06/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-cole/ | title=25 Things You Didn't Know About J. Cole | magazine=Complex | access-date=March 16, 2016 | author=Insanul Ahmed | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326130925/http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/06/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-cole/ | archive-date=March 26, 2016 | url-status=live }} Cole's father later abandoned the family during his youth. At the age of eight months his mother moved with him and his older brother Zach to the United States, to Fayetteville, North Carolina.{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Annika|title=J Cole: Life and Beats|date=October 24, 2011|url=http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/j-cole-life-and-beats/|publisher=Flavour Magazine|access-date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903145459/http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/j-cole-life-and-beats/|archive-date=September 3, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Muhammad|first=Latifah|title=J. Cole Announces New Album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive|website=BET|url=https://www.bet.com/article/n3krja/j-cole-announces-new-album-2014-forest-hills-drive|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109101045/http://www.bet.com/news/music/2014/11/17/j-cole-announces-new-album-2014-forest-hills-drive.html|archive-date=January 9, 2015|url-status=live}} Cole grew up in a multi-ethnic environment,{{cite web|last=Kemp|first=Mark|title=CD Review: J. Cole, "Cole World: The Sideline Story"|date=October 12, 2011 |url=http://m.clclt.com/vibes/archives/2011/10/12/cd-review-j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story|publisher=Vibes|access-date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232207/http://m.clclt.com/vibes/archives/2011/10/12/cd-review-j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story|archive-date=December 2, 2013|url-status=live}} and when asked about how closely his ethnicity impacts him, Cole commented, "I can identify with white people, because I know my mother, her side of the family, who I love. But at the end of the day, [I've] never felt white. I can identify [with white people] but never have I felt like I'm one of them. I identify more with what I look like, because that's how I got treated [but] not necessarily in a negative way."{{cite web|url=http://slumz.boxden.com/f87/j-cole-i-never-felt-white-i-dont-know-what-feels-like-1621284/|title=J. Cole: "I Never Felt White. I Don't Know What That Feels Like"|date=September 25, 2011 |publisher=Boxden|access-date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313032754/http://slumz.boxden.com/f87/j-cole-i-never-felt-white-i-dont-know-what-feels-like-1621284/|archive-date=March 13, 2013|url-status=live}} During his youth, Cole expressed an affinity for basketball and music, and served as a first-chair violinist for the Terry Sanford Orchestra until 2003.

Cole began rapping at the age of twelve, and saw it as an ideal profession in 2000, when his mother purchased an ASR-X musical sampler as a Christmas gift. During this period, Cole heightened emphasis on improving his production skills, later beginning initial production under the pseudonym Therapist.{{cite magazine | last = Markman | first = Rob| title = Hand It Down | magazine = XXL Magazine|date=October 2009| page = 58}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/06/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-cole/bomm-sheltuh |title=As a teenager in Fayetteville, J. Cole was down with a rap duo called Bomm Sheltuh. — 25 Things You Didn't Know About J. Cole |magazine=Complex |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613041900/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/06/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-cole/bomm-sheltuh |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |url-status=live }} Cole later collaborated with local group Bomm Sheltuh, rapping and producing as a member of the group.{{cite web|author1=AKAASH|title=J. Cole: The Untold Story|url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2015/06/j-cole-the-untold-story/|website=hiphop-n-more|access-date=August 6, 2016|date=June 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820160140/http://hiphop-n-more.com/2015/06/j-cole-the-untold-story/|archive-date=August 20, 2016|url-status=live}} Cole can be seen in the crowd of the 2006 documentary Dave Chappelle's Block Party.{{cite web|author=Stone, Rolling|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-recalls-dave-chappelles-block-party-the-most-awesome-show-247395/|title=J. Cole Recalls Dave Chappelle's Block Party: 'The Most Awesome Show'|publisher=Rolling Stone|date=June 27, 2014|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023613/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-recalls-dave-chappelles-block-party-the-most-awesome-show-247395/|url-status=live}}

Upon graduating high school with a 4.2 GPA,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/12/j-cole-reminisces-on-mtvs-when-i-was-17/|title=J. Cole Reminisces on MTV's 'When I Was 17'|access-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105032316/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/11/12/j-cole-reminisces-on-mtvs-when-i-was-17/|archive-date=November 5, 2016|url-status=live}} Cole decided that his chances of securing a recording contract would be better in New York City. He moved there and accepted a scholarship to St. John's University. Initially majoring in computer science, Cole later switched to communications after witnessing the life of a lonely computer science professor.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/j-cole-harvard/#_ | title=J. Cole's Tales Out of School | magazine=Interview Magazine | access-date=March 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324130112/http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/j-cole-harvard/#_ | archive-date=March 24, 2016 | url-status=live }} At the college, Cole was the president of Haraya, a pan-African student coalition.{{cite web | url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/04/jcole-st-johns-university-show/ | title=St. John's University Welcomes Back Its Hero, J. Cole | publisher=Vibe | date=April 10, 2015 | access-date=March 16, 2016 | author=Adelle Platon | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323184958/http://www.vibe.com/2015/04/jcole-st-johns-university-show/ | archive-date=March 23, 2016 | url-status=live }} He graduated magna cum laude in 2007, with a 3.8 GPA.{{cite web|title=GermanRhymes.de – Interview with J. Cole| date=April 18, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oovaKXIttoo|publisher=GermanRhymes|access-date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303044526/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oovaKXIttoo|archive-date=March 3, 2012|url-status=live}}Stephanie Wash (September 19, 2009). [https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cole-jay-zs-protege-attended-college-closer-idol/story?id=8605048 Jay-Z Protege J. Cole Takes Unusual Path to Stardom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213133317/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cole-jay-zs-protege-attended-college-closer-idol/story?id=8605048 |date=February 13, 2011 }}. ABC News. Despite graduating, Cole would officially receive his degree during a homecoming concert in 2015, revealing that he had owed money for a library book, causing the university to hold back from granting him his degree.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/11/j-cole-gets-diploma-from-st-johns-university/ |title=J. Cole Gets Diploma From St. John's University |publisher=BallerStatus.com |date=April 11, 2015 |access-date=August 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918022752/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/11/j-cole-gets-diploma-from-st-johns-university/ |archive-date=September 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Cole later worked in various part-time jobs in Fayetteville, including a working ad salesman for a newspaper, a bill collector, a file clerk, and a kangaroo mascot at a skate rink.{{cite web | url=http://www.feelingsuccess.com/j-cole/ | title=J Cole | publisher=Feeling Success | access-date=March 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920182845/http://www.feelingsuccess.com/j-cole/ | archive-date=September 20, 2016 | url-status=dead }}

His mother struggled with addiction after his stepfather left.{{Cite web |title=J. Cole Reveals Who Kill Edward Is And It's Deeper Than RapAmbrosia For Heads |url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2018/04/j-cole-reveals-who-kill-edward-is/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=ambrosiaforheads.com|date=April 26, 2018 }}

File:J. Cole logo.jpg

After becoming musically inspired by Canibus, Nas, Tupac, and Eminem, Cole and his cousin worked on developing their basic understanding of rhyming and wordplay. As well as this, they began to learn how to interpolate storytelling within their lyrics.{{cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/j-cole/051810-j-cole-says-he-was-inspired-by-eminem-and-canibus-in-his-early-days-watch-here-click-now.html |title=J Cole Inspired By Eminem & Canibus (Video) |work=Rap Basement |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128103506/http://www.rapbasement.com/j-cole/051810-j-cole-says-he-was-inspired-by-eminem-and-canibus-in-his-early-days-watch-here-click-now.html |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |url-status=live }} By 14, Cole had various notebooks filled with song ideas, however, was unable to produce beats further than sampling. Cole's mother later purchased him the Roland TR-808 drum machine in order to further Cole's understanding of production. Over the next three years, he began posting songs on various internet forums under the moniker Blaza, but later switched to the name Therapist.{{cite web|url=http://www.lattisawtapes.com/2011/05/j-cole-aka-therapist.html/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910113413/http://www.lattisawtapes.com/2011/05/j-cole-aka-therapist.html/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |title=J. Cole AKA Therapist |access-date=May 9, 2011 }}

Cole later expanded his production to create an entire CD's worth of instrumentals, and traveled to Roc the Mic Studio, hoping to play it for Jay Z while he was in recording sessions for American Gangster. Cole waited for over three hours, before being dismissed by Jay Z.{{cite web|title=Nardwuar vs. J. Cole|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pDb1Tj9b8|work=Youtube|publisher=GrimeDaily|access-date=January 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809020737/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pDb1Tj9b8|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live}} Cole later used the CD as the backdrop for his debut mixtape, The Come Up.

{{Main|The Warm Up|Friday Night Lights (mixtape)}}

File:Jay-Z @ Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter Foundation Carnival (crop 2).jpg's Roc Nation in 2009.]]

J. Cole released his second mixtape, The Warm Up, on June 15, 2009, to positive reviews. Cole appeared on Jay Z's album The Blueprint 3 (2009), on the track "A Star Is Born".{{cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/jay-z/081909-jay-z-back-cover-tracklist-for-his-new-blueprint-3-leaks.html |title=Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Tracklist & Back Cover |work=Rap Basement |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128103503/http://www.rapbasement.com/jay-z/081909-jay-z-back-cover-tracklist-for-his-new-blueprint-3-leaks.html |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |url-status=live }} He is featured on both Wale's debut album, Attention Deficit (2009) and mixtape Back to the Feature (2009), respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmDAWHhysw |title=J. Cole @ Berlin – Last Call |publisher=YouTube |date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128103502/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmDAWHhysw |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |url-status=live }} In January 2010, Cole, along with label mate Jay Electronica and Mos Def appeared on Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek's single, "Just Begun" for the follow-up of Reflection Eternal's album Train of Thought (2000), titled Revolutions Per Minute (2010).[http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/01/reflection-eternal-just-begun-feat-jay.html Reflection Eternal – "Just Begun" feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole, & Mos Def] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521092027/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/01/reflection-eternal-just-begun-feat-jay.html |date=May 21, 2010 }}. thatsthatish.com (January 2010) Cole also appeared on B.o.B's mixtape May 25 (2010), on the song "Gladiators", produced by The Alchemist.{{cite web |author=VoodooChild |url=http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/02/j-cole-knock-on-wood-x-gladiators-w-bob.html |title=J. Cole – "Knock On Wood" X "Gladiators" w/ B.o.B |publisher=Thatsthatish.com |date=April 20, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215521/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/02/j-cole-knock-on-wood-x-gladiators-w-bob.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}File:J. Cole 2010.jpg in 2010]]

In early 2010, Cole was chosen as one of Beyond Race magazine's "50 Great Breakthrough Artists". He ranked 49, resulting in the cover story of the publication's #11 issue, as well as a Q&A for the magazine's site.{{Cite web|url=http://beyondrace.com/articles/features/2245-j-cole|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212225000/http://beyondrace.com/articles/features/2245-j-cole|url-status=dead|title=Beyondrace.com|archive-date=February 12, 2010|access-date=April 7, 2020}} He was also featured in XXL Magazine's 2010 version of the Top Ten Freshmen, a yearly publication focusing on new rappers. Cole began a college tour from March 19, 2010, to April 30, 2010, concluding in New Brunswick, NJ at Rutgers University's annual Rutgersfest. The tour also featured a stop at Syracuse University for a show with fellow rapper, Wiz Khalifa.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyorange.com/feature/rapper-wiz-khalifa-set-to-perform-at-su-after-incarceration-1.1815889 |title=Rapper Wiz Khalifa set to perform at SU after incarceration – Feature |publisher=The Daily Orange |date=December 2, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927004106/http://www.dailyorange.com/feature/rapper-wiz-khalifa-set-to-perform-at-su-after-incarceration-1.1815889 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }} On March 31, he performed a new song titled "Who Dat" and released the song as a single on April 30, 2010.{{cite web |author=VoodooChild |url=http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-who-dat.html |title=J. Cole: 'Who Dat' |publisher=Thatsthatish.com |date=April 27, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215602/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-who-dat.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live }} Cole was also featured on Young Chris' song "Still The Hottest" as well as Miguel's debut single "All I Want Is You".{{cite web |author=VoodooChild |url=http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-still-hottest-wyoung-chris-x-all.html |title=That's That...: J. Cole – "Still The Hottest" (w/Young Chris) x "All I Want Is You" (w/ Miguel) |publisher=Thatsthatish.com |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215855/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-still-hottest-wyoung-chris-x-all.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live }} Additionally, Cole was featured on a track titled "We On", a song that failed to make the final track list for DJ Khaled's Victory LP.{{cite web |author=VoodooChild |url=http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-we-on.html |title=J. Cole – "We On" |publisher=Thatsthatish.com |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215634/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/04/j-cole-we-on.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}

To celebrate the anniversary of the release of The Warm Up mixtape, J. Cole released a freestyle entitled "The Last Stretch" on June 15, 2010. On June 21 of that year, J. Cole premiered the music video to his first single "Who Dat" on the BET program 106 & Park.{{cite web|title=Tune in to BET's 106 & Park TODAY 6:00 PM EST to see J. Cole debut the "Who Dat" video!|url=https://www.facebook.com/JColeMusic/posts/126677024036692|publisher=Facebook|access-date=August 11, 2012|date=June 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128103502/https://www.facebook.com/JColeMusic/posts/126677024036692|archive-date=January 28, 2016|url-status=live}} In August 2010, Cole was awarded the UMA Male Artist of the Year thanks to his heralded The Warm Up mixtape and a high-profile deal with Jay Z's label Roc Nation at the 2010 Underground Music Awards. In a July 2010 interview, J. Cole revealed three songs that would appear on his debut album: "Dreams", "Won't Be Long", and "Never Told", which was produced by No I.D.{{cite web |url=http://www.jcole.org/2010/video-j-cole-speaks-on-final-album-selections/ |title=J. Cole reveals Debut Album Song Titles |publisher=Jcole.org |access-date=October 12, 2011 |date=July 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726202723/http://www.jcole.org/2010/video-j-cole-speaks-on-final-album-selections/ |archive-date=July 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }} On October 30, 2010, a demo titled "I'm Coming Home" was leaked onto the Internet. Cole recorded the song as a reference track for Diddy, which later became "Coming Home" off Last Train to Paris (2010).{{cite web |author=VoodooChild |url=http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/10/j-cole-im-coming-home-demo.html |title=J. Cole - "I'm Coming Home (Demo)," thatsthatish.com |publisher=" thatsthatish.com |date=October 30, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809110518/http://www.thatsthatish.com/2010/10/j-cole-im-coming-home-demo.html |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |url-status=live }} On November 12, 2010, J. Cole released his third official mixtape titled Friday Night Lights.{{cite web|title=DOWNLOAD "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"! |url=http://www.jcolemusic.com/news/download-friday-night-lights |publisher=JColeMusic |access-date=May 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713092437/http://www.jcolemusic.com/news/download-friday-night-lights |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }} The tape included features from Drake, Wale, and Omen with most of the production being handled by Cole himself.

{{Main|Cole World: The Sideline Story}}

File:J.ColeLondon2011.jpg during Cole World... World Tour in 2011]]

Cole served as a supporting act for Drake on the Light Dreams and Nightmares UK Tour, from January 5–21, 2011. In April 2011, "HiiiPoWeR", a song Cole produced for Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 (2011) was released. The single was the first of many collaborations to come from the two. On May 22, 2011, Cole released a song entitled "Return of Simba", the third in the "Simba" series of songs, following "Simba" and "Grown Simba".[http://www.mostlyjunkfood.com/j-cole-return-of-simba/ J. Cole – Return of Simba] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107141606/http://mostlyjunkfood.com/j-cole-return-of-simba/ |date=November 7, 2011 }} Mostly Junkfood Cole purposely avoided releasing his debut album's title for fear of inconsistency, only announcing that Jay-Z would be featured on his debut album.{{cite web|title=GRIME DAILY MEETS J. COLE [INTERVIEW 2011]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pDb1Tj9b8|publisher=GrimeDaily|access-date=January 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809020737/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pDb1Tj9b8|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live}} Cole then released his follow-up single to "Who Dat", the album's lead single, "Work Out" on June 15, 2011, in honor of the second anniversary of his highly acclaimed mixtape The Warm Up.[http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/j-cole-delivers-the-first-single-work-out-off-his-upcoming-debut-album/ J. Cole Debuts His First Single “Work Out”, Off His Upcoming Debut Album] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614040513/http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/j-cole-delivers-the-first-single-work-out-off-his-upcoming-debut-album/ |date=June 14, 2013 }} MissInfo.tv The song, produced by Cole himself, samples "The New Workout Plan" by Kanye West and interpolates "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul.[http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/101875/J.%20Cole-Work%20Out_Kanye%20West-The%20New%20Workout%20Plan/ J. Cole's Work Out sample of Kanye West's The New Workout Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926110926/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/101875/J.%20Cole-Work%20Out_Kanye%20West-The%20New%20Workout%20Plan |date=September 26, 2011 }} WhoSampled[http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/101874/J.%20Cole-Work%20Out_Paula%20Abdul-Straight%20Up/ J. Cole's Work Out sample of Paula Abdul's Straight Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924004615/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/101874/J.%20Cole-Work%20Out_Paula%20Abdul-Straight%20Up/ |date=September 24, 2011 }} WhoSampled The song later became a hit single, topping several music charts.{{Cite magazine |title=J. Cole |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/j-cole/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

On July 31, Cole took to Twitter to announce Any Given Sunday, reminiscent of Kanye West's GOOD Fridays, a weekly free music giveaway. Cole wrote: "Every Sunday til the album drops I'll be back with something. Maybe just 1 song, maybe a video, depending on how I'm feeling." For the 3rd installment of the series, Cole took to Ustream to update fans about the album and play a select few tracks that didn't make the final track list. On August 15, the music video for "Work Out" premiered on YouTube, Vevo, and 106 & Park. On August 22, Cole released his debut album's cover art, designed by Alex Haldi for Bestest Asbestos, whom Cole recorded a song for, titled "Killers", for Haldi's mixtape The Glorification of Gangster.{{cite web |url=http://lifepulseblog.com/2011/03/15/dope-project-alert-the-glorification-of-gangster-art-exhibit/ |title=DOPE PROJECT ALERT: The Glorification Of Gangster Art Exhibit " LIFE Pulse Blog |publisher=Lifepulseblog.com |date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920034734/http://lifepulseblog.com/2011/03/15/dope-project-alert-the-glorification-of-gangster-art-exhibit/ |archive-date=September 20, 2011 }} For the fourth installment on August 29, he released his debut album's track list, once again through Twitter.[http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2011/08/29/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story-tracklist/ J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story (Tracklist)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007050024/http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2011/08/29/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story-tracklist/ |date=October 7, 2011 }} 2DopeBoyz.com

On August 30, after an unfinished version had previously leaked, "Can't Get Enough" featuring R&B singer Trey Songz was released as the album's second single. While in Barbados for his last performance as the official opening act for Rihanna's Loud Tour, Cole shot the music video for "Can't Get Enough" with Songz and Rihanna, who provided a cameo appearance.{{cite web |url=http://vibe.com/photo-galleries/peep-rihanna-hangs-out-j-cole-and-trey-songz-cant-get-enough-shoot |title=Peep This: Rihanna Hangs Out With J. Cole And Trey Songz At The 'Can't Get Enough' Shoot |publisher=VIBE |date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301052657/http://www.vibe.com/photo-galleries/peep-rihanna-hangs-out-j-cole-and-trey-songz-cant-get-enough-shoot |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |url-status=live }} The video, directed by Clifton Bell, was released on September 14, 2011. In addition, early on September 25, two days before his album's release, Cole released the music video for the iTunes bonus track "Daddy's Little Girl".

Cole World: The Sideline Story was released September 27, 2011, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, with 218,000 copies in its first-week of sales.{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/466817/j-cole-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-blink-182-snags-no-2|title=J. Cole Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200, Blink-182 Snags No. 2|date=October 5, 2011|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501123643/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/466817/j-cole-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-blink-182-snags-no-2|archive-date=May 1, 2013|url-status=live}} {{as of|2011|December|2|df=US}}, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments and sales of 500,000 copies.{{cite magazine |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17819/title.j-cole-receives-gold-certification-for-cole-world-the-sideline-story |title=J. Cole Receives Gold Certification For "Cole World: The Sideline Story" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |magazine=HipHopDX |date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106195500/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17819/title.j-cole-receives-gold-certification-for-cole-world-the-sideline-story |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On February 7, 2012, the third and final single from Cole's debut album was released. The song, titled "Nobody's Perfect", features renowned female rapper Missy Elliott, marking her return to music. {{as of|2016|December|}}, the album had sold 855,000 copies in the United States.{{cite magazine|last1=Diep|first1=Eric|title=From Hometown Hero to Superstar Status: How High Can J. Cole Climb?|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7632425/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-superstar-status|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 23, 2016|date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223115245/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7632425/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-superstar-status|archive-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=live}}

On October 24, 2011, during an interview with Hot 106's Rise & Grind morning show, Cole revealed he had begun working on his second studio album, with hopes of releasing it in June 2012. He also stated that the album would consist of songs that failed to make his debut, saying "I don't know how many, but I got songs that didn't make the last album that are automatically going to make this one," he said, revealing the release date: "June. End of June, maybe June."Steven J. Horowitz, [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17358/title.j-cole-says-his-sophomore-album-will-arrive-in-june-2012 J. Cole Says His Sophomore Album Will Arrive In June 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026201801/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17358/title.j-cole-says-his-sophomore-album-will-arrive-in-june-2012 |date=October 26, 2011 }}. hiphopdx.com. October 24, 2011. From November 6 to 8, Cole served as the supporting act for Tinie Tempah, appearing at Bournemouth International Centre; Liverpool Echo Arena, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales; LG Arena, Birmingham, England; SECC Arena, Glasgow, Scotland; and MEN Arena, Manchester.

{{Main|Born Sinner|Truly Yours (EP)|Truly Yours 2 (EP)}}

Cole was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2012 Grammy Awards. Cole played for the Eastern Team in the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game. On February 24, 2012, Cole reached two million followers on Twitter, and celebrated by releasing the song "Grew Up Fast".[http://hiphop2day.com/j-cole-grew-up-fast/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405045454/http://hiphop2day.com/j-cole-grew-up-fast/|date=April 5, 2012}} On March 1, 2012, Cole returned to his home town, Fayetteville, North Carolina. To celebrate his return, he released the song "Visionz of Home", and launched an event titled "Dreamville Weekend" to inspire the youth of his hometown to achieve great things.[http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/02/j-cole-dreamville-weekend-north-carolina/ J. Cole Returns To North Carolina For 'Dreamville Weekend'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304152018/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/02/j-cole-dreamville-weekend-north-carolina/ |date=March 4, 2012 }}. rapfix.mtv.com. March 2, 2012. Cole performed for the first time in Africa during the Big Brother Africa 7 opening ceremony on May 6, 2012, alongside Camp Mulla, P-Square, Naeto C, Flavour N'abania, Davido, and Aemo E'Face.{{cite news |title=J Cole To Perform At Big Brother Africa Launch |url=http://www.momix.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=756:j-cole-to-perform-at-big-brother-africa-launch&catid=41:news&Itemid=69 |publisher=momix.co.za |date=March 13, 2012 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124305/http://www.momix.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=756:j-cole-to-perform-at-big-brother-africa-launch&catid=41:news&Itemid=69 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Namibia: J Cole to Perform at Big Brother Africa |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203140184.html |publisher=allAfrica.com |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731151306/http://allafrica.com/stories/201203140184.html |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |url-status=live }}

On May 14, Cole announced that he was working on a collaborative album with Kendrick Lamar, saying in an interview with Bootleg Kev that "I just started working with Kendrick the other day. We got it in, finally, again. We got maybe four or five [songs] together", also saying that the project would be more focused on and eventually released once Born Sinner had been released.{{cite web|title = Kendrick Lamar Says Word Of Mouth Helped Album Sales, Refers To Shyne As Being A "Good Dude"|url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21931/title.kendrick-lamar-says-word-of-mouth-helped-album-sales-refers-to-shyne-as-being-a-good-dude|publisher = Hiphopdx.com|access-date = November 19, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121121214130/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21931/title.kendrick-lamar-says-word-of-mouth-helped-album-sales-refers-to-shyne-as-being-a-good-dude|archive-date = November 21, 2012|url-status = dead}} On July 26, he returned to Twitter after a 100-day absence and went on to reveal and release his new song, "The Cure", in which he hinted at a new album. On October 20, he announced at a live show that his second album was complete and that he was waiting until after Lamar released Good Kid, M.A.A.D City to reveal it.{{cite web|url=http://www.allcitychessclub.net/2012/10/video-j-cole-performs-new-verses-live.html |title=Video: J. Cole Performs New Verses Live In Hollywood ~ All City Chess Club |publisher=Allcitychessclub.net |date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018035229/http://www.allcitychessclub.net/2012/10/video-j-cole-performs-new-verses-live.html |archive-date=October 18, 2013 }}

File:WDMCTourCole.jpg

On November 5, Cole revealed the title of his second album, Born Sinner, as well as a scheduled release date of January 28, 2013, via Ustream.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/265664751957327872|title=J. Cole on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=November 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025230843/https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/265664751957327872|archive-date=October 25, 2013|url-status=live}} On November 13, 2012, Cole released a promotional single for the album, titled "Miss America".{{cite web | title = J. Cole "Miss America" Single Cover Art | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21850/title.j-cole-miss-america-single-cover-art | publisher = Hiphopdx.com | access-date = November 13, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017213751/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21850/title.j-cole-miss-america-single-cover-art | archive-date = October 17, 2013 | url-status = dead }} Cole stated that he hoped "Miss America" would shift music in a different direction, adding that he knew it wouldn't be a big radio hit. He elaborated further, saying: "To me, 'Miss America' shifts things a little bit, it changes the conversation, it takes it in a more aggressive direction, more raw, more social commentary... Any type of commentary is good compared to what a normal single is these days. That's my aim, is to shift culture slightly, change the conversation. Nobody expects that for your first single."{{cite magazine | title = AMAs 2012: Watch Red Carpet Videos With J. Cole, Linkin Park + More – American Music Awards | url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474094/amas-2012-watch-red-carpet-videos-with-j-cole-linkin-park-more | magazine = Billboard.com | access-date = November 19, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130218175417/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474094/amas-2012-watch-red-carpet-videos-with-j-cole-linkin-park-more | archive-date = February 18, 2013 | url-status = live }}

On December 31, 2012, Cole revealed that Born Sinner would not be released on January 28, 2013, as previously expected. Cole said that he "needed a little more time than that to get things done". In promotion of Born Sinner, Cole released an EP titled Truly Yours on February 12, 2013. The project consisted of five tracks Cole knew would not appear on Born Sinner.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Trevor|title=J. Cole - Truly Yours EP [New Mixtape]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-truly-yours-ep-new-mixtape.76055.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 8, 2016|date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120223204/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-truly-yours-ep-new-mixtape.76055.html|archive-date=November 20, 2016|url-status=live}} On February 14, 2013, he released the artwork for the first single via Instagram. "Power Trip" was released on February 14, 2013, marking Cole's second collaboration with R&B recording artist Miguel.

Cole had announced a release date of June 25, 2013, for Born Sinner. However, when it was announced that Kanye West's Yeezus would be released just one week earlier on June 18, Cole moved the release date of Born Sinner up a week in order to compete with West. He later commented, "This is art, and I can't compete against the Kanye West celebrity and the status that he's earned just from being a genius... But I can put my name in the hat and tell you that I think my album is great and you be the judge and you decide."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1709365/j-cole-kanye-west-born-sinner-yeezus-competition.jhtml|title=J. Cole Went Head-To-Head With Kanye Because 'My Album Is Great'|work=MTV News|access-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717171319/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1709365/j-cole-kanye-west-born-sinner-yeezus-competition.jhtml|archive-date=July 17, 2013|url-status=dead}} Cole released the second installment in the Truly Yours series on April 30, 2013, the EP featured guest appearances from Bas, Young Jeezy, and 2 Chainz.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=J. Cole - Truly Yours 2 [New Mixtape]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-truly-yours-2-new-mixtape.83341.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=July 9, 2017|date=April 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709230408/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-truly-yours-2-new-mixtape.83341.html|archive-date=July 9, 2017|url-status=live}} Born Sinner sold 297,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, finishing approximately 30,000 copies short of Kanye West's Yeezus.{{cite magazine |author=Dan Hyman |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/j-coles-new-album-im-all-the-way-inspired-20130502 |title=J. Cole's New Album: 'I'm All the Way Inspired' | Music News |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605015710/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/j-coles-new-album-im-all-the-way-inspired-20130502 |archive-date=June 5, 2013 |url-status=live }} He released three more singles in support of the album, "Crooked Smile" featuring TLC, "Forbidden Fruit" featuring Kendrick Lamar, and "She Knows". {{as of|2016|December|}}, the album had sold 796,000 copies in the US.

{{Main|2014 Forest Hills Drive}}

File:J.Cole GovsBall14.jpg]]

On August 15, 2014, Cole released "Be Free" in response to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Three days later, he visited the city in order to meet with protesters and activists who were gathered at the site of his shooting, discussing the civil unrest that was taking place within the city. He performed the track with an additional verse at the Late Show with David Letterman on December 10.{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|title=J. Cole Mourns Michael Brown in Somber New Song 'Be Free'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/j-cole-mourns-michael-brown-in-somber-new-song-be-free-20140815|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 25, 2016|date=August 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816183519/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/j-cole-mourns-michael-brown-in-somber-new-song-be-free-20140815|archive-date=August 16, 2016|url-status=live}}

On November 16, Cole released a video announcing that his third studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, would be released on December 9.{{cite web|title=J. Cole to let single mothers live rent-free in childhood home|date=January 28, 2015 |url=http://www.wral.com/j-cole-to-let-single-mothers-live-rent-free-in-childhood-home/14399292/|publisher=WRAL|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306135435/http://www.wral.com/j-cole-to-let-single-mothers-live-rent-free-in-childhood-home/14399292/|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live}} The video featured footage regarding the album's composition, as well as revealed that the album's name was derived from the address of Cole's childhood home. He announced that the album would include no lead singles and have little promotion, but was supported by four promotional singles; "Apparently", "Wet Dreamz", "No Role Modelz", and "Love Yourz".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/11/16/j-cole-announces-new-album-2014-forest-hills-drive/|title=J. Cole Announces New Album '2014 Forest Hills Drive'|work=Rap-Up|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307014922/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/11/16/j-cole-announces-new-album-2014-forest-hills-drive/|archive-date=March 7, 2015|url-status=live}} The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 upon release, selling 353,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-rumors|title=Is J. Cole Dropping A New Album Next Month?|work=Vibe|date=November 16, 2014|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004050842/http://www.vibe.com/article/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-rumors|archive-date=October 4, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6319871/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-album |title=J. Cole Reveals '2014 Forest Hills Drive' Album Coming By End of Year |first=Erika |last=Ramirez |website=Billboard.com |date=November 17, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121003143/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6319871/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-album |archive-date=January 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Cole announced the Forest Hills Drive Tour on February 13, 2015. The tour served as the backdrop for his first live album, Forest Hills Drive: Live. The album recorded during the Fayetteville shows of the tour, and was released on Cole's 31st birthday.{{cite web|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|title=J. Cole Plans to Release Live Album on His Birthday|author=Kat Boehrer|date=January 28, 2016|work=Complex CA|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308005252/http://ca.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|archive-date=March 8, 2016|url-status=live}}

On March 31, 2014 Forest Hills Drive was certified platinum.{{cite web|title=Bravo: J.Cole's '2014 Forest Hills Drive' Album Goes Platinum|url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/03/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-album-goes-platinum/|website=Vibe|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150747/http://www.vibe.com/2015/03/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-album-goes-platinum/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}} {{as of|2016|December|}}, the album had sold 1.24 million copies in the US. 2014 Forest Hills Drive won Top Rap Album at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards and Album of the Year at the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2348948/bet-hip-hop-awards-winners-list-2015/|title=Here's The Full List Of 2015 BET Hip-Hop Awards Winners|date=October 13, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2015|publisher=MTV|last=Fleischer|first=Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018002137/http://www.mtv.com/news/2348948/bet-hip-hop-awards-winners-list-2015/|archive-date=October 18, 2015|url-status=dead}} The album was nominated at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. The single "Apparently'" was also nominated for Best Rap Performance.{{cite web|last1=Menconi|first1=David|title=J. Cole's three Grammy nominations lead North Carolina|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/on-the-beat-blog/article48423135.html|website=The News & Observer|access-date=August 25, 2016|date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417023203/http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/on-the-beat-blog/article48423135.html|archive-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=live}}

On December 15, 2015, Cole announced a documentary series titled J. Cole: Road to Homecoming, ahead of his HBO special Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming. The series included five episodes as well as featuring guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Rihanna, Pusha T, Big Sean, Jay Z, and Drake.{{cite web|last1=Augustin|first1=Camille|title=J. Cole Releases Part One Of Mini-Documentary Series Ahead Of HBO Special|url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/12/j-cole-releases-part-one-of-mini-documentary-series-ahead-of-hbo-special/|work=Vibe|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223070821/http://www.vibe.com/2015/12/j-cole-releases-part-one-of-mini-documentary-series-ahead-of-hbo-special/|archive-date=December 23, 2015|url-status=live}} All episodes were released weekly and were available for free on Vimeo until January 9.{{cite web|author1=J. Cole|title=J. Cole (@JColeNC)|url=https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/677184315063578624|publisher=Twitter|access-date=January 6, 2016|date=December 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105110859/https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/677184315063578624|archive-date=January 5, 2017|url-status=live}} The concert film Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming aired on January 9, 2016, which was filmed during the final show of his Forest Hills Drive Tour at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina.{{cite web|last1=Boehrer|first1=Kat|title=J. Cole Plans to Release Live Album on His Birthday|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|work=Complex|access-date=January 28, 2016|date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131192303/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|url-status=live}} On January 28, 2016, Cole released Forest Hills Drive: Live as well as the music video for "Love Yourz", from concert film.{{cite web|author1=Kat Boehrer|title=J. Cole Plans to Release Live Album on His Birthday|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|website=Complex|access-date=February 2, 2016|date=January 26, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308005252/http://ca.complex.com/music/2016/01/j-cole-releases-live-album-on-his-birthday|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author1=Big Homie|title=NEW VIDEO: J.COLE "LOVE YOURZ (LIVE)"|url=http://rapradar.com/2016/01/29/new-video-j-cole-love-yourz-live/|work=Rap Radar|access-date=30 January 2016|date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131204155/http://rapradar.com/2016/01/29/new-video-j-cole-love-yourz-live/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|4 Your Eyez Only}}

On July 29, 2016, DJ Khaled released his ninth studio album,{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Dj-khaled-major-key-tracklist-album-art-annotated|title=DJ Khaled – Major Key [Tracklist + Album Art]|access-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128114441/http://genius.com/Dj-khaled-major-key-tracklist-album-art-annotated|archive-date=November 28, 2016|url-status=dead}} Major Key. Cole is featured on the track "Jermaine's Interlude".{{cite web|last1=Schwartz|first1=Danny|title=DJ Khaled - Jermaine's Interlude Feat. J. Cole & EarthGang [New Song]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dj-khaled-jermaines-interlude-feat-j-cole-and-earthgang-new-song.1970792.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=July 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106062219/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dj-khaled-jermaines-interlude-feat-j-cole-and-earthgang-new-song.1970792.html|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}} "Said all I could say, now I play with thoughts of retirement" is a direct quote from the track that caused some of Cole's fans to worry about him and his music career.{{cite web|last1=Fleischer|first1=Adam|title=Could J. Cole's Retirement From Rap Be On the Way?|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2912226/j-cole-jermaines-interlude-retire/|website=MTV News|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106122901/http://www.mtv.com/news/2912226/j-cole-jermaines-interlude-retire/|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=dead}} In an interview with Genius, Doctur Dot of the Atlanta duo EarthGang explained that the song was originally a nine-minute posse cut, he said, "We were just trying to get Bas to fuck with the song, but Cole was like, 'I can't resist this beat,' so he hit the weed for the first time in a long time." He overthinks on weed but we were in the garage smoking a blunt, the beat was running in the background. We stacked the hook up, we all had verses on it, it was a posse record and was like, nine verses long."{{cite web|last1=Nostro|first1=Lauren|title=EARTHGANG EXPLAINS HOW A NINE MINUTE POSSE CUT BECAME J. COLE'S "JERMAINE'S INTERLUDE"|url=https://genius.com/a/earthgang-explains-how-a-nine-minute-posse-cut-became-j-cole-s-jermaine-s-interlude#annotations:10225056|website=Genius|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106063251/http://genius.com/a/earthgang-explains-how-a-nine-minute-posse-cut-became-j-cole-s-jermaine-s-interlude#annotations:10225056|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}} On November 4, 2016, Cole performed at Jay Z and Beyoncé's Hillary Clinton Rally in Cleveland, Ohio, along with Big Sean and Chance the Rapper.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Trevor|title=Watch J. Cole, Big Sean, Chance The Rapper Perform At Jay Z & Beyonce's Hillary Clinton Rally|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/watch-j-cole-big-sean-chance-the-rapper-perform-at-jay-z-and-beyonces-hillary-clinton-rally-news.25245.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106062657/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/watch-j-cole-big-sean-chance-the-rapper-perform-at-jay-z-and-beyonces-hillary-clinton-rally-news.25245.html|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}} On November 8, 2016, Spillage Village released the official version of "Jermaine's Interlude", called "Can't Call It". The song features Cole, EarthGang, Bas, and JID.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=J. Cole, Bas, EarthGang & J.I.D - Can't Call It [New Song]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-bas-earthgang-and-jid-cant-call-it-new-song.1971855.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 8, 2016|date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021654/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-bas-earthgang-and-jid-cant-call-it-new-song.1971855.html|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Cole2017 2.jpg during 4 Your Eyez Only Tour in 2017|alt=]]

On December 1, 2016, the artwork and a track list for Cole's fourth album, titled 4 Your Eyez Only, were shown on iTunes available for pre-order, with a release date for December 9, 2016.{{cite web|last1=Clark|first1=Trent|title=J. Cole's New Album Announcement Got The Internet Going Nutty|url=http://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.3561/title.j-coles-new-album-announcement-got-the-internet-going-nutty|website=HipHopDX|access-date=December 1, 2016|date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202031740/http://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.3561/title.j-coles-new-album-announcement-got-the-internet-going-nutty|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=4 Your Eyez Only - J. Cole|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/4-your-eyez-only/id1181530769|website=iTunes|access-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202165930/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/4-your-eyez-only/id1181530769|archive-date=December 2, 2016|url-status=dead}} On December 2, 2016, Cole released a 40-minute documentary titled Eyez, on Tidal. It features behind-the-scenes footage of Cole and collaborators working on the album,{{cite web|last1=Bundy|first1=Will|title=Watch Cole's Surprise-Released Short Documentary Eyez Now|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/02/j-cole-eyez-documentary-tidal-stream|website=The Fader|access-date=December 2, 2016|date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203144615/http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/02/j-cole-eyez-documentary-tidal-stream|archive-date=December 3, 2016|url-status=live}} including two music videos for the tracks "Everybody Dies" and "False Prophets"; neither song was included on the album.{{cite web|author1=Dreamville|title=False Prophets - J. Cole|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvFDXV0VBg4|website=YouTube|access-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209072317/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvFDXV0VBg4|archive-date=December 9, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author1=Dreamville|title=Everybody Dies - J. Cole|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5slZHLSnow|website=YouTube|access-date=December 6, 2016|date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209151329/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5slZHLSnow|archive-date=December 9, 2016|url-status=live}} On December 5, "False Prophets" and "Everybody Dies" were released as singles to iTunes store and other streaming services.{{cite web|last1=Schwartz|first1=Danny|title=J. Cole's "False Prophets" & Everybody Dies" Now On iTunes & Streaming Services|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-false-prophets-and-everybody-dies-now-on-itunes-and-streaming-services-news.26003.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=December 9, 2016|date=December 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082303/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-false-prophets-and-everybody-dies-now-on-itunes-and-streaming-services-news.26003.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live}} 4 Your Eyez Only debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 492,000 album-equivalent units, of which 363,000 were pure album sales, becoming Cole's fourth number one album.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7625536/j-cole-fourth-no-1-billboard-200|title=J. Cole Scores His Fourth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart, With Third-Largest Debut of 2016|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=December 19, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229075510/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7625536/j-cole-fourth-no-1-billboard-200|archive-date=December 29, 2016|url-status=live}} The track "Deja Vu" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 7 without being released as a single, becoming J. Cole's highest charting song. All 10 songs from 4 Your Eyez Only debuted in the top 40 of the Hot 100, after only having four top 40 hits as a solo artist. "False Prophets" and "Everybody Dies" both charted also. Cole achieved twelve simultaneous Hot 100 entries in a single week.{{cite magazine|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Rae Sremmurd Tops Hot 100, Zayn & Taylor Swift, J. Cole Debut in Top 10|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7625602/hot-100-rae-sremmurd-sixth-week-zayn-taylor-swift-j-cole|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 19, 2016|date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222081838/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7625602/hot-100-rae-sremmurd-sixth-week-zayn-taylor-swift-j-cole|archive-date=December 22, 2016|url-status=live}} "Deja Vu" was released as the album's first single on January 10, 2017.{{cite web|author1=NavJosh|title=J. Cole To Release 'Deja Vu' As First Single From '4 Your Eyez Only'|url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2017/01/j-cole-to-release-deja-vu-as-first-single-from-4-your-eyez-only/|website=HipHopNMore|access-date=January 5, 2017|date=January 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106012216/http://hiphop-n-more.com/2017/01/j-cole-to-release-deja-vu-as-first-single-from-4-your-eyez-only/|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}} On January 12, 2017, 4 Your Eyez Only was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).{{cite web|last1=Feig|first1=Zakk|title=J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only" Officially Goes Gold|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-4-your-eyez-only-officially-goes-gold-news.27381.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=January 14, 2017|date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113161655/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-4-your-eyez-only-officially-goes-gold-news.27381.html|archive-date=January 13, 2017|url-status=live}} On April 7, 2017, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).{{cite web|author1=Roc Nation|title=Congrats! @JColeNC's "4 Your Eyez Only" has been certified platinum by @RIAA Listen on @TIDALHiFi|url=https://twitter.com/rocnation/status/850395015893442561|website=Twitter|access-date=April 7, 2017|date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422060900/https://twitter.com/rocnation/status/850395015893442561|archive-date=April 22, 2017|url-status=live}}

On January 16, 2017, Cole surprisingly released a track titled, "High for Hours" via his SoundCloud. The song was produced by Elite and Cam O'Bi.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=J. Cole - High For Hours [New Song]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-high-for-hours-new-song.1972568.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 23, 2017|date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131185634/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-high-for-hours-new-song.1972568.html|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}} The song was released on the iTunes store as a single on January 18.{{cite web|title=High for Hours - Single by J. Cole|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/high-for-hours-single/1196095781|website=iTunes Store|date=January 18, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131194521/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/high-for-hours-single/id1196095781|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}} Cole announced the 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour on February 21, 2017,{{cite web|author1=J. Cole|title=4 Your Eyez Only Tour. On sale Friday. See you in a few.|url=https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/834054281259057152|website=Twitter|access-date=February 21, 2017|date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313020453/https://twitter.com/jcolenc/status/834054281259057152|archive-date=2017-03-13|url-status=live}} the tour included 62 dates across North America, Europe, and Australia.{{cite web|last1=Simmons|first1=Ted|title=J. Cole Reveals 4 Your Eyez Only Tour Dates|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/02/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-tour-dates/|website=XXL|access-date=February 21, 2017|date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222112047/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/02/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-tour-dates/|archive-date=February 22, 2017|url-status=live}} On March 24, 2017 HBO announced a documentary titled, J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only, the film aired April 15, 2017.{{cite web|author1=HBO|title=J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only premieres April 15 at 10:00PM on #HBO. #JColeOnHBO|url=https://twitter.com/HBO/status/845304238628487168|website=Twitter|access-date=March 24, 2017|date=March 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402232444/https://twitter.com/HBO/status/845304238628487168|archive-date=April 2, 2017|url-status=live}}

The film was directed by Cole and Scott Lazer.{{cite magazine|last1=Romano|first1=Nick|title=HBO announces second J. Cole documentary coming in April|url=http://ew.com/tv/2017/03/24/j-cole-documentary-hbo/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 24, 2017|date=March 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325055545/http://ew.com/tv/2017/03/24/j-cole-documentary-hbo/|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live}} It is now available on YouTube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atNwE-uOfE|title=4 Your Eyez Only, Dreamville|website=YouTube|date=May 2017 |access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227183948/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atNwE-uOfE&gl=US&hl=en&has_verified=1&bpctr=9999999999|archive-date=February 27, 2020|url-status=live}}

{{Main|KOD (album)}}

On April 16, 2018, J. Cole announced a surprise free event for fans at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City.{{cite web|last1=A.|first1=Aron|title=J. Cole Announces Free Show In New York City|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-free-show-in-new-york-city-news.47964.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=April 18, 2018|date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417005509/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-free-show-in-new-york-city-news.47964.html|archive-date=April 17, 2018|url-status=live}} The event turned out to be a listening session for his forthcoming album,{{cite web|last1=NYC|first1=Miabelle|title=Fans React to J.Cole's Listening Session + Album Announcement! [Photos]|url=https://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/fans-react-jcole%E2%80%99s-listening-session-album-announcement-photos|website=Hot97|access-date=April 18, 2018|date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418005143/http://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/fans-react-jcole%E2%80%99s-listening-session-album-announcement-photos|archive-date=April 18, 2018|url-status=live}} titled KOD, which was released on April 20, 2018.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8342466/j-cole-new-album-kod-release-date|title=J. Cole Announces New Album 'KOD' Out Friday|magazine=Billboard|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417093509/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8342466/j-cole-new-album-kod-release-date|archive-date=April 17, 2018|url-status=live}} Cole held a second listening session in London the next day.{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|title=J. Cole Announces Listening Session In London Tonight|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-listening-session-in-london-tonight-news.48025.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=April 18, 2018|date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417223459/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-listening-session-in-london-tonight-news.48025.html|archive-date=April 17, 2018|url-status=live}} The album's cover and tracklist show twelve tracks and two features, both by Cole's alter ego, Kill Edward.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8347892/j-cole-kill-edward-kod-album|title=Who Is KiLL Edward, the Lone Feature on J. Cole's 'KOD' Album?|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418230925/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8347892/j-cole-kill-edward-kod-album|archive-date=April 18, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/986670086290333696|title=J. Cole on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419181134/https://twitter.com/JColeNC/status/986670086290333696|archive-date=April 19, 2018|url-status=live}} Cole had mentioned that KOD has 3 meanings, Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, and Kill Our Demons.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8357501/j-cole-kod-album-best-songs-ranking|title=The Top 7 Songs From J. Cole's 'KOD': Critic's Picks|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805090324/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8357501/j-cole-kod-album-best-songs-ranking|archive-date=August 5, 2018|url-status=live}} The cover art for KOD was done by a Detroit artist named Kamau Haroon who goes by the name Sixmau.{{Cite news|url=https://spec.hamilton.edu/review-j-cole-releases-new-album-kod-2a38399ceaea|title=Review: J. Cole releases new album KOD|date=May 3, 2018|newspaper=Medium|access-date=August 5, 2018}} The album touches on many topics including drug abuse, addiction, depression, and greed.{{cite web|title=The North Carolina MC returns to form and tackles the topics of drug abuse, addiction, depression and Black America.|url=https://medium.com/@northsource/review-j-cole-kod-1f23a9724c9b|website=Medium|access-date=April 22, 2018|date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423101855/https://medium.com/@northsource/review-j-cole-kod-1f23a9724c9b|archive-date=April 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

In the US, on the day of its release, KOD broke the previous record for Views by Drake in 2016 by receiving 64.5 million streams on Apple Music. It accumulated 36.7 million streams on Spotify in its first 24 hours as well. Additionally, the titled track also surpassed Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" by 0.4 million streams on its first day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2018/04/23/j-cole-kod-streaming-records-biggest-sales-week-2018/|title=J. Cole's 'KOD' Shatters First-Day Streaming Records, Pacing For Biggest Sales Week of 2018|last=Rolli|first=Bryan|work=Forbes|access-date=April 24, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424013119/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2018/04/23/j-cole-kod-streaming-records-biggest-sales-week-2018/|archive-date=April 24, 2018|url-status=live}} The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, earning 397,000 album-equivalent units, including 174,000 in pure sales, making it Cole's fifth number one album. J. Cole also became the first act to simultaneously debut three songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, with "ATM" (at 6), "Kevin's Heart" (8), and "KOD" (10). The remainder of the album also debuted in the Hot 100, totaling to twelve songs on the chart.{{cite magazine|last1=Zellner|first1=Xander|title=J. Cole Is First Act to Debut 3 Songs in Hot 100's Top 10, As All 12 'KOD' Tracks Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8412994/j-cole-debut-three-songs-hot-100-top-10-kod|magazine=Billboard|date=April 30, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502042413/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8412994/j-cole-debut-three-songs-hot-100-top-10-kod|archive-date=May 2, 2018|url-status=live}} "KOD" was released as the album's first single, on May 8, 2018.{{cite web |last=Findlay |first=Mitch |title=J. Cole's "K.O.D" Will Be His Next Single |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-kod-will-be-his-next-single-news.49292.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=June 3, 2018 |date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710071311/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-kod-will-be-his-next-single-news.49292.html |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |url-status=live }} Cole released music videos for the songs "ATM" and "Kevin's Heart", both of which were directed by Cole and Scott Lazer.{{cite web|last=Cowen|first=Trace William|title=J. Cole Highlights the Pitfalls of Chasing Money in "ATM" Video|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2018/04/j-cole-atm-video|website=Complex|access-date=April 20, 2018|date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031804/http://www.complex.com/music/2018/04/j-cole-atm-video|archive-date=April 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Parizot|first=Matthew|title=J. Cole Recruits Kevin Hart For The Aptly-Titled "Kevin's Heart" Video|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-recruits-kevin-hart-for-the-aptly-titled-kevins-heart-video-new-video.43612.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=April 24, 2018|date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425032218/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-recruits-kevin-hart-for-the-aptly-titled-kevins-heart-video-new-video.43612.html|archive-date=April 25, 2018|url-status=live}} "ATM" impacted US rhythmic contemporary radio on July 31, 2018, as the album's second single.{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases |publisher=All Access Music Group |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301091131/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |archive-date=March 1, 2015 |url-status=live }} Songs from the album were featured in the official 2018 NBA Playoffs and the NBA Finals promotion for ESPN.{{cite web|last=A.|first=Aron|title=J. Cole's "ATM" Features In New NBA Playoffs Commercial|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-atm-features-in-new-nba-playoffs-commercial-news.48351.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=April 20, 2018|date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421041053/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-coles-atm-features-in-new-nba-playoffs-commercial-news.48351.html|archive-date=April 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Hamilton |first1=Xavier |title=J. Cole Performs Lyrical Exercise In New NBA Playoffs Commercial |url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/04/j-cole-new-music-nba-commercial/ |website=Vibe |access-date=July 9, 2018 |date=April 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010521/https://www.vibe.com/2018/04/j-cole-new-music-nba-commercial/ |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |url-status=live }} On April 27, 2018, it was announced that Cole was working on another project titled The Fall Off, Cole said that he planned to release The Fall Off before he recorded KOD. Cole also confirmed that he is working on a Kill Edward album.{{cite web|last1=Mansell|first1=Henry|title=J. Cole Teases "KOD" Deluxe, "The Fall Off" Project & KiLL Edward Album|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46634/title.j-cole-teases-kod-deluxe-the-fall-off-project-kill-edward-album|website=HipHopDX|access-date=May 13, 2018|date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514141455/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46634/title.j-cole-teases-kod-deluxe-the-fall-off-project-kill-edward-album|archive-date=May 14, 2018|url-status=live}} On May 14, 2018, KOD was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 album-equivalent units in the US.{{cite news|last=Zisook|first=Brian Z.|title=J. Cole's 'KOD' Certified Gold in 24 Days|url=https://djbooth.net/features/2018-05-15-j-cole-kod-gold-certifiation|newspaper=Djbooth|access-date=May 15, 2018|date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516174133/https://djbooth.net/features/2018-05-15-j-cole-kod-gold-certifiation|archive-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live}} The album has since been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) with one million album-equivalent units in the US.{{cite web |last1=Findlay |first1=Mitch |title=J. Cole Once Again Goes Platinum With No Features |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-once-again-goes-platinum-with-no-features-news.67302.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=December 20, 2018 |date=December 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041515/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-once-again-goes-platinum-with-no-features-news.67302.html |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}

Cole announced the KOD Tour on May 8, 2018,{{cite web|last1=Cowen|first1=Trace William|title=J. Cole Announces KOD Tour With Special Guest Young Thug|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2018/05/j-cole-announces-kod-tour-with-young-thug|website=Complex|access-date=May 13, 2018|date=May 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511075345/http://www.complex.com/music/2018/05/j-cole-announces-kod-tour-with-young-thug|archive-date=May 11, 2018|url-status=live}} Young Thug, Jaden Smith, EarthGang, and Kill Edward served as the supporting acts.{{cite web |first=Aron |last=A. |title=J. Cole Adds Jaden Smith & Earth Gang To "K.O.D" Tour |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-adds-jaden-smith-and-earth-gang-to-kod-tour-news.56154.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=July 30, 2018 |date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234932/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-adds-jaden-smith-and-earth-gang-to-kod-tour-news.56154.html |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |url-status=live }} The tour will include 34 North American dates, starting in Miami, on August 9 and concluding in Boston, on October 10, 2018. Cole performed "Intro" and "Friends" at the 2018 BET Awards on June 24, 2018. Singer Daniel Caesar performed part of "Intro" and the chorus to "Friends", rapper Wale was also part of the set.{{cite web |last1=P. |first1=Milca |title=J. Cole Recruits Daniel Caesar and Wale For BET Awards Performance |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-recruits-daniel-caesar-and-wale-for-bet-awards-performance-news.53445.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=June 25, 2018 |date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625065934/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-recruits-daniel-caesar-and-wale-for-bet-awards-performance-news.53445.html |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=BET Networks |title=J. Cole Mixes Old & New With His Performance of 'Intro' & 'Friends' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwzkwVDP90g |website=YouTube |access-date=July 8, 2018 |date=June 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128124057/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwzkwVDP90g |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |url-status=live }}

On August 7, 2018, Cole released a single titled, "Album of the Year (Freestyle)".{{cite web |last1=Goddard |first1=Kevin |title=J. Cole Drops A Freestyle Over Nas' "Oochie Wally" Called "Album Of The Year" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-drops-a-freestyle-over-nas-oochie-wally-new-song.1979817.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=August 8, 2018 |date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808045257/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-drops-a-freestyle-over-nas-oochie-wally-new-song.1979817.html |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |url-status=live }} The single was accompanied by a music video, which premiered on WorldStarHipHop.{{cite web |author1=WORLDSTARHIPHOP |title=J. Cole "Album Of The Year (Freestyle)" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ohmJtsUYs |website=YouTube |access-date=August 8, 2018 |date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809020113/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ohmJtsUYs |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |url-status=live }} Cole also announced a new project titled, The Off Season, which he plans to release ahead of his next studio album, The Fall Off. In the description to the video, it reads: "The Off Season coming soon... All roads lead to The Fall Off - Cole". In an interview for Billboard in September 2018, Cole said he plans to take off 2019 from touring to finish work on The Off Season, The Fall Off, and the Kill Edward project.{{cite magazine |last1=Lockett |first1=Dee |title=J. Cole Speaks Out On Cancel Culture, The Trouble With Fame and Schooling Young Rappers |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8476757/j-cole-interview-billboard-cover-story |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 6, 2018 |date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006203527/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8476757/j-cole-interview-billboard-cover-story |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Revenge of the Dreamers III}}

On January 6, 2019, Cole took to Twitter to announce Dreamville's compilation album Revenge of the Dreamers III by uploading a gold poster-like invitation. Recording sessions took place in Atlanta beginning January 6 through January 16, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Jose |title=J. Cole Announces 'Revenge of The Dreamers III' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/01/j-cole-announces-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii |website=Complex |access-date=January 11, 2019 |date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121740/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/01/j-cole-announces-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=live }} Throughout the 10-days of recording, invitations were shared by the entire Dreamville roster, among other artists and producers outside of Dreamville.{{cite web |last1=P |first1=Milca |title=J. Cole & Dreamville Announce "Revenge Of The Dreamers III" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-dreamville-announce-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-news.68544.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=January 7, 2019 |date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107091255/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-dreamville-announce-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-news.68544.html |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} A total of 343 artists and producers were invited to the sessions including, Big K.R.I.T., Mike Will Made It, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Tay Keith, T.I, Rick Ross, 9th Wonder and Wale, among others.{{cite web |last1=Sanfiorenzo |first1=Dimas |title=Here is a List of Every Major Rapper & Producer Confirmed to Be Working on J. Cole's 'Revenge of The Dreamers III' Album |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/j-cole-dreamville-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-guest-list.html |website=Okayplayer |date=January 9, 2019 |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121658/https://www.okayplayer.com/music/j-cole-dreamville-revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-guest-list.html |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=live }} On January 23, 2019, Cole released his first lead single since 2013 titled, "Middle Child".{{cite web |last1=Findlay |first1=Mitch |title=J. Cole Announces New Single "Middle Child" Dropping Wednesday |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-new-single-middle-child-dropping-wednesday-news.69989.html |website=HotNewHipHop |date=January 21, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127152615/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-new-single-middle-child-dropping-wednesday-news.69989.html |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |url-status=live }} With only one day of tracking, "Middle Child" debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The following week, the song peaked at number 4, making it Cole's highest charting song.{{cite web |title=J. Cole's "MIDDLE CHILD" Is Now the Highest-Charting Billboard Hot 100 Song of His Career |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/j-cole-middle-child-climbs-to-no-4-on-billboard-hot-100 |website=Complex |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208141636/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/j-cole-middle-child-climbs-to-no-4-on-billboard-hot-100 |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} Cole performed at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game for its halftime show on February 17, 2019, in Charlotte. He performed "Middle Child", "A Lot", "ATM", "Love Yourz" and "No Role Modelz".{{cite web |first=Aron |last=A |title=J. Cole Performs "Middle Child, "A Lot" & More During 2019 NBA All-Star Game |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-performs-middle-child-a-lot-and-more-during-2019-nba-all-star-game-news.72223.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=February 17, 2019 |date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218071736/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-performs-middle-child-a-lot-and-more-during-2019-nba-all-star-game-news.72223.html |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |url-status=live }} On May 23, 2019, Cole was featured alongside American rapper and singer Travis Scott on American rapper Young Thug's single "The London", which would become the lead single from Thug's debut studio album, So Much Fun. "The London" would later reach number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.{{cite magazine|last1=Spencer|first1=Talley|title=Young Thug Drops New Track 'The London' Feat. J. Cole & Travis Scott: Listen|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/young-thug-j-cole-travis-scott-the-london-listen-8512975/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 23, 2019|date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=May 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524041900/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/hip-hop/8512975/young-thug-j-cole-travis-scott-the-london-listen|url-status=live}}

On June 12, 2019, the first of two sets of dual singles from Revenge of the Dreamers III were released: "Down Bad" featuring Cole, JID, Bas, EarthGang, and Young Nudy{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Dreamville Delivers "Down Bad" Single Ft. J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, EarthGang, & Young Nudy |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dreamville-delivers-down-bad-single-ft-jid-bas-j-cole-earthgang-and-young-nudy-new-song.1983348.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=June 13, 2019 |date=June 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613055543/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dreamville-delivers-down-bad-single-ft-jid-bas-j-cole-earthgang-and-young-nudy-new-song.1983348.html |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} and "Got Me" featuring Ari Lennox, Omen, Ty Dolla Sign, and Dreezy.{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Dreamville Drops R&B Jam "Got Me" Ft. Ari Lennox, Ty Dolla $ign, Dreezy, & Omen |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dreamville-drops-randb-jam-got-me-ft-ari-lennox-ty-dolla-sign-dreezy-and-omen-new-song.1983350.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=June 13, 2019 |date=June 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613063446/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dreamville-drops-randb-jam-got-me-ft-ari-lennox-ty-dolla-sign-dreezy-and-omen-new-song.1983350.html |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} On July 1, 2019, the second set of dual singles from the album were released: "LamboTruck" featuring Cozz, Reason, and Childish Major{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Cozz, Reason, & Childish Major Bring Dreamville & TDE Together On "LamboTruck" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cozz-reason-and-childish-major-bring-dreamville-and-tde-together-on-lambotruck-new-song.1983621.html |website=HNHH |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702063019/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cozz-reason-and-childish-major-bring-dreamville-and-tde-together-on-lambotruck-new-song.1983621.html |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |url-status=live }} and "Costa Rica" featuring Bas, JID, Guapdad 4000, Reese Laflare, Jace, Mez, Smokepurpp, Buddy, and Ski Mask the Slump God.{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Bas, J.I.D, Guapdad 4000, Reese LAFLARE, Jace, Mez, Smokepurpp, Buddy, & Ski Mask The Slump God Link For Dreamville's "Costa Rica" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/bas-jid-guapdad-4000-reese-laflare-jace-mez-smokepurpp-buddy-and-ski-mask-the-slump-god-link-for-dre-new-song.1983619.html |website=HNHH |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702062731/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/bas-jid-guapdad-4000-reese-laflare-jace-mez-smokepurpp-buddy-and-ski-mask-the-slump-god-link-for-dre-new-song.1983619.html |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |url-status=live }} Dreamville announced the album's release date on the same day and was selling limited merchandise on July 1, related to the album. On July 2, 2019, Dreamville Presents: REVENGE was released on the label's official YouTube account, a film documenting the album's recording sessions in Atlanta.{{cite web |last1=Zidel |first1=Alex |title=J. Cole & Dreamville Unveil Trailer For "Revenge Of The Dreamers 3" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-dreamville-unveil-trailer-for-revenge-of-the-dreamers-3-news.84181.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=June 26, 2019 |date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626192559/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-dreamville-unveil-trailer-for-revenge-of-the-dreamers-3-news.84181.html |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Revenge of the Dreamers III debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 115,000 album-equivalent units, of which 24,000 were pure album sales, earning Cole his sixth consecutive number-one album in the country.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8519786/revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-no-1-billboard-200|title='Revenge of the Dreamers III' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=July 14, 2019|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203181555/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8519786/revenge-of-the-dreamers-iii-no-1-billboard-200|archive-date=December 3, 2019|url-status=live}} The album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, while "Middle Child" and "Down Bad" were nominated for Best Rap Performance. Cole's collaboration with 21 Savage "A Lot" received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, making this his first Grammy Award win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/j-cole|title=J. Cole|date=November 26, 2019|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421010547/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/j-cole|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Main|The Off-Season}}

On June 16, 2020, J. Cole released his first song of 2020, "Snow on tha Bluff", a politically-charged track released soon after the murder of George Floyd that led to disagreements with and criticism from Noname and other rappers.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-snow-on-tha-bluff-1016341/|title=J. Cole Discusses Black Lives Matter Discourse in 'Snow on Tha Bluff'|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=June 17, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=McKinney |first1=Jessica |title=Noname Said What Needed to Be Said |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/noname-j-cole-response-essay |website=Complex |access-date=29 September 2020 |date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919195615/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/06/noname-j-cole-response-essay |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Patrick |title=Chance The Rapper, Earl Sweatshirt, Jean Grae and More Criticize J. Cole's "Snow On Tha Bluff" |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/chance-the-rapper-earl-sweatshirt-jean-grae-and-more-criticize-j-coles-snow-on-tha-bluff?amp=1 |website=Hypebeast |access-date=29 September 2020 |date=June 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002165451/https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/chance-the-rapper-earl-sweatshirt-jean-grae-and-more-criticize-j-coles-snow-on-tha-bluff?amp=1 |url-status=live }} On July 23, 2020, Cole released a promotional EP titled Lewis Street featuring two new songs, "The Climb Back" and "Lion King on Ice".{{cite magazine|title=J. Cole Previews Upcoming 'The Fall Off' LP With Singles 'The Climb Back,' 'Lion King on Ice'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-the-climb-back-lion-king-on-ice-new-songs-1032255/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919223234/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-the-climb-back-lion-king-on-ice-new-songs-1032255/|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|number=1285654774239633409|user=JColeNC|title=The Climb Back - produced by me. Lion King on Ice - produced by J. Cole, T-Minus, and Jetson. First 2 songs from The Fall Off. Dropping tomorrow night 10pm. No date for the album yet, taking my time, still finishing...|date=July 21, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2020}} The former later appeared on The Off-Season.

On December 29, 2020, Cole took to Instagram to post a photo where he documented a list titled, "The Fall Off Era". On the list crossed out, was features and Revenge of the Dreamers III. Also listed, but not crossed out was two projects, The Off-Season and It's a Boy, which he announced would be released ahead of The Fall Off. The caption of the post read: "I still got some goals I gotta check off for' I scram..."{{cite web |last=Marie |first=Erika |title=J. Cole Shares "The Fall Off Era" Timeline, Fans Believe He's Hinting At Retiring |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-shares-the-fall-off-era-timeline-fans-believe-hes-hinting-at-retiring-news.123816.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=December 30, 2020 |date=December 29, 2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230020015/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-shares-the-fall-off-era-timeline-fans-believe-hes-hinting-at-retiring-news.123816.html |url-status=live }} On May 4, 2021, J. Cole officially revealed the release date and album artwork of The Off-Season, his sixth studio album. The album's lead single, "Interlude", was released on May 7.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Aaron |title=J. Cole Announces His New Album 'The Off-Season's Release Date |url=https://uproxx.com/music/j-cole-off-season-release-date/ |website=Uproxx |date=May 4, 2021 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504181456/https://uproxx.com/music/j-cole-off-season-release-date/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |title=J. Cole Finally Announces 'The Off-Season' Album Cover Art + Release Date |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.61937/title.j-cole-finally-announces-the-off-season-album-release-date#signup |website=HipHopDX |date=May 4, 2021 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504200501/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.61937/title.j-cole-finally-announces-the-off-season-album-release-date#signup |url-status=live }}

The Off-Season was released on May 14, 2021. The album was co-executively produced by T-Minus and featured guest appearances from Morray, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Bas, and 6LACK. It received positive reviews from critics and topped the US Billboard 200, selling 282,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, earning Cole his sixth consecutive number-one album in the country.{{Cite magazine|title=J. Cole Collects Sixth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'The Off-Season'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9576787/j-cole-the-off-season-billboard-200-chart-number-one/|access-date=2021-05-23|magazine=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524004932/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9576787/j-cole-the-off-season-billboard-200-chart-number-one/|url-status=live}} Four songs from The Off-Season debuted in the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100, with "My Life" (at 2), "Amari" (at 5), "Pride Is the Devil" (at 7), and "95 South" (at 8). "Interlude" debuted at number eight the previous week giving the album five top ten singles.{{cite web |last1=Blake |first1=Cole |title=J. Cole Lands 4 Of Top 5 Spots On Billboard's Most-Streamed Songs This Week |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-lands-4-of-top-5-spots-on-billboards-most-streamed-songs-this-week-news.132508.html |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=May 24, 2021 |date=May 24, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524191024/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-lands-4-of-top-5-spots-on-billboards-most-streamed-songs-this-week-news.132508.html |url-status=live }}

On September 21, 2021, J. Cole released a freestyle titled "Heaven's EP", remixing the beat of "Pipe Down" from Drake's Certified Lover Boy.{{Cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=2021-09-22|title=J. Cole Hits Vegas Strip in Video for 'Heaven's EP'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-heavens-ep-song-video-1230410/|access-date=2021-09-24|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-09-22|title=J. Cole Returns With New Track "Heaven's EP" That Builds on Drake's "Pipe Down"|url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/9/j-cole-heavens-ep-new-song-music-video|access-date=2021-09-24|website=HYPEBEAST|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924061825/https://hypebeast.com/2021/9/j-cole-heavens-ep-new-song-music-video|url-status=live}} On March 31, 2022, the song later appeared on the Dreamville compilation D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape, with Cole also appearing on the songs "Stick" and "Freedom of Speech".{{cite web |title=J. Cole and Dreamville drop new mixtape with DJ Drama |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/03/31/j-cole-dreamville-dj-drama-gangsta-grillz-mixtape |website=The Fader |access-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424142249/https://www.thefader.com/2022/03/31/j-cole-dreamville-dj-drama-gangsta-grillz-mixtape |url-status=live }}

On October 6, 2023, Drake's album For All The Dogs was released; on it, J. Cole was featured on the eventual single "First Person Shooter", which would debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first song to top the chart.

On April 5, 2024, Cole released the mixtape Might Delete Later after teasing the project through a series of vlogs posted on a YouTube channel with the same name.{{cite news |title=J. Cole Answers Kendrick Lamar Diss on Surprise New Album Might Delete Later |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-answers-kendrick-lamar-diss-on-surprise-new-album-might-delete-later-listen/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=Pitchfork |date=5 April 2024 |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406132411/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-answers-kendrick-lamar-diss-on-surprise-new-album-might-delete-later-listen/ |url-status=live }} On the song "7 Minute Drill", J. Cole retaliated Kendrick Lamar in response to his song "Like That" with Future & Metro Boomin in which Lamar raps "motherfuck the big three, nigga, it's just big me", which in itself was a response to "First Person Shooter" in which Cole raps "Love when they argue the hardest MC / Is it K-Dot (Lamar) is it Aubrey (Drake) or me / We the big three like we started a league", amidst the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud. Two days after the album's release, Cole apologized for the diss track at Dreamville Festival,{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=2024-04-08 |title=J. Cole Says He Regrets Kendrick Lamar Diss: 'The Past Two Days Felt Terrible' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/j-cole-7-minutedrill-kendrick-lamar-diss-regret-1235963619/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418174052/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/j-cole-7-minutedrill-kendrick-lamar-diss-regret-1235963619/ |url-status=live }} and the track was subsequently removed from streaming platforms.{{Cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |date=April 12, 2024 |title=J. Cole Removes "7 Minute Drill" From Streaming Services |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-removes-7-minute-drill-from-streaming-services/ |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Pitchfork Media |language=en-us |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511023518/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-removes-7-minute-drill-from-streaming-services/ |url-status=live }}

On November 17, 2024, Cole announced the limited podcast series Inevitable, hosted by Cole himself, alongside his longtime manager Ibrahim Hamad and frequent collaborator Scott Lazer.{{Cite magazine |last=Diaz |first=Angel |date=November 18, 2024 |title=J. Cole Announces New Audio Series 'Inevitable,' Calls Process 'Therapeutic' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/j-cole-inevitable-podcast-1235832571/ |access-date=February 14, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}} The first season of the podcast consisted of 10 episodes, with the debut episode premiering on November 18, 2025, and subsequent episodes releasing in every two days on the Inevitable website. The podcast's release was accompanied by the release of the Cole's mixtapes,The Come Up, The Warm Up, and Friday Night Lights on streaming platforms, along with some unreleased material being played in episodes of the podcast.{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=November 22, 2024 |title=J. Cole Releases 2009 'The Warm Up' Mixtape to Streaming Services for First Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/j-cole-the-warm-up-mixtape-streaming-1235837257/ |access-date=February 14, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Surej |date=November 27, 2024 |title=J. Cole previews old unreleased songs with Kendrick Lamar during podcast appearance |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/j-cole-previews-old-unreleased-songs-with-kendrick-lamar-during-podcast-appearance-3816218 |access-date=February 14, 2025 |website=NME}}

Cole played basketball at Terry Sanford High School in North Carolina. With an academic scholarship, he tried out as a walk-on at St. John's University and was one of 10 call-back players during his sophomore year.{{cite web |last1=Gleeson |first1=Scott |title=Rapper J. Cole to play for Rwanda in pro basketball league in Africa |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/05/10/rapper-j-cole-to-play-rwanda-basketball-africa-league/5020796001/ |website=USA Today |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512130056/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/05/10/rapper-j-cole-to-play-rwanda-basketball-africa-league/5020796001/ |url-status=live }} In 2012, Cole played for the Eastern Team during the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game.{{cite web |title=NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Grades: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly |url=https://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/14769543/nba-all-star-celebrity-game-grades-good-bad-ugly |website=ESPN |date=February 13, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416025749/http://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/14769543/nba-all-star-celebrity-game-grades-good-bad-ugly |url-status=live }} In 2013, Cole told Sports Illustrated, "Sports is where it started for me. It parallels my life. Rap is such a competitive thing. That's why I have to watch sports. I got to keep up. It's my life in just another form."{{cite magazine |title=J. Cole On His Hoop Dreams, And Why The World Won't Allow LeBron To Be As Great As MJ |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2013/06/12/j-cole-on-his-hoop-dreams-and-why-the-world-wont-allow-lebron-to-be-as-great-as-mj |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512084654/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2013/06/12/j-cole-on-his-hoop-dreams-and-why-the-world-wont-allow-lebron-to-be-as-great-as-mj |url-status=live }}

On July 20, 2020, Cole released an article for The Players' Tribune, writing about his goals after graduating college to eventually playing professional basketball saying "if I can blow up in the next three years, that means I'll only be 27. That still might give me enough time to train and pursue a professional basketball career. I'll work hard enough to go play overseas and then try to work my way to the NBA."{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=J. |title=The Audacity |url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/j-cole-the-audacity |website=The Players' Tribune|date=July 21, 2020 }} On July 31, 2020, Cole released his debut signature shoe in collaboration with Puma called the PUMA RS-Dreamer.{{cite web |title=J. COLE X PUMA RS-DREAMER BASKETBALL SHOE DROPS TODAY |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/j-cole-puma-rs-dreamer-release-date-price/ |website=HighsNobiety|date=July 31, 2020 }} In August 2020, it was also reported by Master P that Cole was training to tryout for the NBA.{{Cite web|last=Coleman II|first=C. Vernon|title=J. Cole Is Training to Be an NBA Player, Says Master P|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-cole-training-nba/|access-date=2020-08-05|website=XXL Mag|date=August 2020 |language=en}}

In September 2022, J. Cole was named as the cover athlete for NBA 2K23 on the Dreamer Edition, and was featured in the game, as well as a character in the game's "MyCareer" mode. Cole said in a press release, "NBA 2K has long been a place to discover new musical talent through their game and continues to be a gold standard for showcasing all things basketball culture. It's been an amazing journey to not only appear on a cover of this year's game, but to be part of the MyCareer storyline, soundtrack and bring the Dreamer brand into NBA 2K."{{cite web |title=J. Cole Revealed as the Cover Star for NBA 2K23, Appears in the Game |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-revealed-as-the-cover-star-for-nba-2k23-dreamer-edition/ |website=Pitchfork |date=September 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909220429/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-revealed-as-the-cover-star-for-nba-2k23-dreamer-edition/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Rapper J. Cole Featured on NBA 2K23 Cover |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/09/01/rapper-j-cole-featured-on-nba-2k23-cover |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909220429/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/09/01/rapper-j-cole-featured-on-nba-2k23-cover |url-status=live }}

On May 10, 2021, Cole signed a contract with the Rwanda-based Patriots Basketball Club in the Basketball Africa League.{{cite web |last1=Albertie |first1=Quenton S. |title=J. Cole to Sign Deal With Basketball Africa League's Rwanda Patriots |url=https://www.slamonline.com/nba/j-cole-to-sign-deal-with-basketball-africa-leagues-rwanda-patriots/ |website=Slam |date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511211647/https://www.slamonline.com/nba/j-cole-to-sign-deal-with-basketball-africa-leagues-rwanda-patriots/ |url-status=live }} Cole was also featured on the cover of the American basketball magazine SLAM, for their May 2021 issue.{{cite web |title=J. Cole x SLAM |url=https://covers.slamonline.com/j-cole |website=Slam |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512003542/https://covers.slamonline.com/j-cole |url-status=live }} Cole made his professional debut on May 16 against the Rivers Hoopers, finishing with three points, three rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes.{{cite web |title=J. Cole makes his professional basketball debut with the BAL's Patriots BBC |url=https://www.tsn.ca/the-shift/j-cole-makes-his-professional-basketball-debut-with-the-bal-s-patriots-bbc-1.1640733 |website=TSN |date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516200028/https://www.tsn.ca/the-shift/j-cole-makes-his-professional-basketball-debut-with-the-bal-s-patriots-bbc-1.1640733 |url-status=live }} In three games with the team, he scored five points, had three assists and five rebounds in 45 minutes of gameplay. He was only under contract for a minimum of three games. He left the team after playing the three games.{{cite web|title=J. Cole's Pro Basketball Stint is Over: See His Final Stat Line|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.62330/title.j-coles-pro-basketball-stint-is-over-see-his-final-stat-line|website=HipHopDX.com|date=May 26, 2021|access-date=May 28, 2021|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527140652/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.62330/title.j-coles-pro-basketball-stint-is-over-see-his-final-stat-line|url-status=live}}

On May 19, 2022, Cole signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.{{Cite web |title=J. COLE SIGNS CONTRACT WITH PROFESSIONAL CANADIAN BASKETBALL TEAM |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70405/title.j-cole-signs-contract-with-professional-canadian-basketball-team |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=HipHopDX |date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520011135/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70405/title.j-cole-signs-contract-with-professional-canadian-basketball-team |url-status=live }} On June 8, 2022, in a social media interview released by the Shooting Stars, it was announced that Cole would take an indefinite leave from the team to fulfill his concert tour commitments. In 4 games with the Shooting Stars, Cole averaged 2.4 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists, while shooting 50% from 3-point range.

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2021

| style="text-align:left;"|Patriots BBC

| 3 || 0 || 15.2 || .286 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.7 || 1.0 || .3 || .3 || 1.7

{{s-end}}

Cole has cited several hip-hop artists as influencing his rapping style, including Tupac, Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, and Andre 3000.{{cite web|title=Nessa Interviews J. Cole Friday Sept 23. 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF_rB4aUtiA|via=Youtube|publisher=Nessa Diab|access-date=January 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529195915/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF_rB4aUtiA|archive-date=May 29, 2019|url-status=live}} He described in an interview with Steve Lobel, "Jay [Z] was a mentor before I ever signed to him." "I studied his moves that much. ... I got to go on tour with him and steal a lot of gems. That's how you supposed to do it. You're supposed to learn and take pieces from the greatest. So, Jay was my mentor before I ever signed to him. And now that I signed to him it's just a blessing to be able to hit him for advice and get that real 20 years of experience or however long he been in the game. It's priceless." "My favorite rapper was Pac," he said. "He was my favorite rapper before I even started rapping. Before I even thought of—It went from Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown as a kid and artists like that. Even Kool Moe Dee. Just the cool dude that I looked up to. And then one day my stepfather came home from—I don't know if he was back from Desert Storm. ... I remember him coming home with that first Pac album. With 'Brenda's Got a Baby'. It was 2Pacalypse Now. And since then—When I was too young to know what he was talking about, but it connected. Cause that's the thing about art. It's just truth. It's straight–Whatever you feel. So, even as a seven-year-old kid, eight-year-old kid I could hear Pac's early albums and feel the truth."{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15889/title.j-cole-talks-storytelling-working-with-jay-z-kendrick-lamar |title=J. Cole Talks Storytelling, Working with Jay-Z & Kendrick Lamar |website=HipHopDX.com |date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126014313/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15889/title.j-cole-talks-storytelling-working-with-jay-z-kendrick-lamar |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Carter|first1=Caitlin|title=J. Cole Talks Jay Z And Tupac's Influence On His Career [WATCH]|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/11093/20140930/j-cole-talks-jay-z-tupacs-influence-career-watch.htm|website=Music Times|access-date=November 14, 2016|date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318004752/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/11093/20140930/j-cole-talks-jay-z-tupacs-influence-career-watch.htm|archive-date=March 18, 2017|url-status=live}} Cole drew comparisons to Nas following the release of Friday Night Lights, stating that Nas served as the primary inspiration behind the creation of the mixtape.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25037/title.nas-j-cole-address-comparisons-to-each-other-lyricism-in-2013 |title=Nas & J. Cole Address Comparisons To Each Other & Lyricism In 2013 |website=HipHopDX.com |date=August 13, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503214721/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25037/title.nas-j-cole-address-comparisons-to-each-other-lyricism-in-2013 |archive-date=May 3, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Cole later addressed their musical similarities on "Let Nas Down", a song written and composed due to his disparaging comments towards "Work Out".{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF39513uwM |title=J. Cole – Let Nas Down (Born Sinner) |publisher=YouTube |date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128103503/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF39513uwM |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |url-status=live}} As a response to this record, Nas came out with the song "Made Nas Proud" shortly after.{{cite news|title=J. Cole 'Made Nas Proud' On 'Let Nas Down' Remix|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2501393/j-cole-made-nas-proud-on-let-nas-down-remix/|publisher=MTV News|date=June 22, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192020/http://www.mtv.com/news/2501393/j-cole-made-nas-proud-on-let-nas-down-remix/|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, in an interview with Angie Martinez, Cole listed Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z as his top four rappers of all time, with André 3000 and Eminem being a toss-up for fifth.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Trevor|title=J. Cole Lists Top 5 Rappers, Recalls "Worshipping" Eminem|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-lists-top-5-rappers-recalls-worshipping-eminem-news.13210.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 14, 2016|date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115132023/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-lists-top-5-rappers-recalls-worshipping-eminem-news.13210.html|archive-date=November 15, 2016|url-status=live}}

In August 2013, Cole and Puff Daddy were reportedly involved in an altercation at a 2013 MTV Video Music Awards after party in New York City.{{cite web |author1=Lauren Nostro |author2=Foster Kamer |title=Sources: J. Cole and Diddy Scrapped at a VMA After-Party Over Kendrick's "Control" Verse |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/j-cole-diddy-fight |website=Complex |access-date=July 16, 2018 |date=August 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716224005/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/j-cole-diddy-fight |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |url-status=live }} Reports said the incident started when Puff tried to confront rapper Kendrick Lamar over the "King of New York" claim in his "Control" verse. Puff allegedly attempted to pour a drink on Lamar, and Cole intervened. The two started arguing and Cole and Puff allegedly got into an altercation, which then led to problems between their respective crews. After a brief scuffle, both crews separated. Ibrahim Hamad, a close friend of Cole's and president of Dreamville Records took to Twitter to address the rumors saying: "The Internet is a crazy place you niggaz reporting shit with no facts, Cole ain't get thrown out no party and he damn sure aint get beat up", he continued saying, "Ain't gon go into details about last night but get the facts right first before you rush to report some shit for some extra blog clicks". A few months after the incident, Cole and Puff were seen in a video promoting Revolt, joking about the incident.{{cite web |last1=Steiner |first1=B.J. |title=J. Cole And Diddy Brawl Captured On Tape...Sort Of |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/j-cole-diddy-brawl-captured-tape-sort/ |website=XXL |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716224225/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/j-cole-diddy-brawl-captured-tape-sort/ |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}

Upon the release of Eyez documentary in 2016, the songs "Everybody Dies" and "False Prophets" caused controversy within the hip hop community, as many assumed that "Everybody Dies" contained shots aimed at fellow rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty. During an interview with Los Angeles' radio station Power 106, Lil Yachty responded, saying: "I don't listen to J. Cole [but] I definitely listened to it [and] people said he was talking about me. He said 'Lil.' I'm not little. My name has 'Lil' in it but there's a lot of 'Lil' rappers. [It's] either me or Uzi. Honestly, I don't give a fuck."{{cite web|author1=Power 106 Los Angeles|title=Lil Yachty Responds to J. Cole's Diss on 'Everybody Dies'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER-HWv1Tugg|website=YouTube|access-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206003405/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER-HWv1Tugg|archive-date=December 6, 2016|url-status=live}} Lil Uzi Vert acknowledged the track, responding via Twitter on December 2, 2016, by simply tweeting, "Heard some beautiful shit today @JColeNC".{{cite web|last1=Feig|first1=Zakk|title=Lil Uzi Vert Slyly Acknowledges J. Cole Diss|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-slyly-acknowledges-j-cole-diss-news.25941.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=March 8, 2017|date=December 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312031638/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-slyly-acknowledges-j-cole-diss-news.25941.html|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}} People also argued that the first verse on "False Prophets" consisted of direct shots at rapper Kanye West, due to Cole's referencing to West's altering public perception by the media and fans; as well as Kanye's recent hospitalization. Many also presumed that the second verse was directed at rapper Wale, with Cole saying that despite Wale's fourth album receiving fairly positive critical and commercial success, Wale remains misunderstood and slighted by some of his peers.{{cite web|last1=Fitzgerald|first1=Trent|title=Did J. Cole Really Call Out Kanye West and Wale on 'False Prophets'? Debate Erupts on Twitter|url=http://theboombox.com/did-j-cole-call-out-kanye-west-wale-false-prophets/|website=The Boombox|access-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205105811/http://theboombox.com/did-j-cole-call-out-kanye-west-wale-false-prophets/|archive-date=December 5, 2016|url-status=live}} On December 3, Wale released a track, called "Groundhog Day" as a response to "False Prophets",{{cite web|last1=Burgess|first1=Omar|title=Wale Responds to J. Cole's "False Prophets" on New Song "Groundhog Day"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/12/wale-groundhogs-day|website=Complex|access-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204223448/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/12/wale-groundhogs-day|archive-date=December 4, 2016|url-status=live}} and the pair were spotted together in Raleigh, North Carolina at a North Carolina State University basketball game later that day.{{cite web|last1=Coleman II|first1=C Vernon|title=J. Cole and Wale Attend NC State Basketball Game Together|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/j-cole-wale-attend-nc-state-basketball-game/|website=XXL|access-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206174104/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/j-cole-wale-attend-nc-state-basketball-game/|archive-date=December 6, 2016|url-status=live}} Cole spoke on "False Prophets" in an interview with The New York Times, he said:

{{cquote|Rappers rap about other rappers all the time—subliminal insult, direct attack—but rarely from a place of love. "That speaks to the state of us as a people," he said. "For so long my mind state was, I have to show how much better than the next man I am through these bars. Who's the best? Let me prove it. And it's just like, damn, I'm really feeding into a cycle of keeping black people down, I'm really feeding into that.{{cite web |last1=Caramanica |first1=Jon |title=J. Cole, the Platinum Rap Dissident, Steps Back From the Spotlight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/arts/music/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-hbo-interview.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=July 14, 2018 |date=April 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625043117/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/arts/music/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-hbo-interview.html |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}}}

In April 2018, rapper Lil Pump teased a song titled "Fuck J. Cole" produced by fellow rapper Smokepurpp.{{cite web|last1=Mansell|first1=Henry|title=Is J. Cole Dissing Lil Pump On "1985"? Twitter Thinks So|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46561/title.is-j-cole-dissing-lil-pump-on-1985-twitter-thinks-so|website=HipHopDX|date=April 20, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501093220/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46561/title.is-j-cole-dissing-lil-pump-on-1985-twitter-thinks-so|archive-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live}} Media outlets and rappers speculated that the song "1985" from KOD was a response to the two, while Cole said in a Vulture interview that "It's really a 'shoe fits' situation—several people can wear that shoe."{{cite web|last1=Cantor|first1=Paul|title=J. Cole Profile|url=http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html|website=Vulture|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429164601/http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html|archive-date=April 29, 2018|url-status=live}} Lil Pump reacted to the song hours after the album's release via Instagram saying, "Wow, you get so much props. You dissed a 17 year old, lame ass jit."{{cite web|last1=A.|first1=Aron|title=Lil Pump Brushes Off J. Cole's Alleged Diss To Him On "K.O.D"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-pump-brushes-off-j-coles-alleged-diss-to-him-on-kod-news.48331.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=May 7, 2018|date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121744/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-pump-brushes-off-j-coles-alleged-diss-to-him-on-kod-news.48331.html|archive-date=May 8, 2018|url-status=live}} Later that day during a concert in Atlanta, Smokepurpp, along with his fans erupted in a chant of "fuck J. Cole".{{cite web|last1=Ch|first1=Devin|title=Smokepurpp Fans Erupt In "F--- J. Cole" Chant During Show|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/smokepurpp-fans-erupt-in-f-j-cole-chant-during-show-news.48403.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=May 7, 2018|date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121819/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/smokepurpp-fans-erupt-in-f-j-cole-chant-during-show-news.48403.html|archive-date=May 8, 2018|url-status=live}} According to Cole, the target of the song is more general. He said it takes aim at what he sees as the cartoon version of hip hop, he explained: "If you exclude the top three rappers in the game, the most popping rappers all are exaggerated versions of black stereotypes; extremely tatted up, colorful hair, flamboyant, brand names. It's caricatures, and still the dominant representation of black people on the most popular entertainment format for black people, period."{{cite web|last1=Cantor|first1=Paul|title=J. Cole Just Wants to Be Himself|url=http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html|website=Vulture|access-date=April 25, 2018|date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425182107/http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html|archive-date=April 25, 2018|url-status=live}} On May 4, 2018, as Cole was performing at JMBLYA festival in Dallas, he performed "1985", cutting off the backing track so he could rap his verse a cappella. The crowd erupted in chants of "fuck Lil Pump" and "fuck 6ix9ine". Cole immediately shut down the chants telling the crowd, "Don't do that."{{cite web|last1=Parizot|first1=Matthew|title=J. Cole Shuts Down "F*ck Lil Pump" Chant During Live Performance|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-shuts-down-f-ck-lil-pump-chant-during-live-performance-news.49590.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=May 7, 2018|date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221815/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-shuts-down-f-ck-lil-pump-chant-during-live-performance-news.49590.html|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Cole performed "1985" during his Rolling Loud Festival performance on May 11, 2018, in Miami. During the performance Lil Pump was seen dancing to the song near the stage.{{cite web|last1=Parizot|first1=Matthew|title=Lil Pump Dances To J. Cole's "1985" During Rolling Loud Performance|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-pump-dances-to-j-coles-1985-during-rolling-loud-performance-news.50004.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=May 12, 2018|date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513152148/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-pump-dances-to-j-coles-1985-during-rolling-loud-performance-news.50004.html|archive-date=May 13, 2018|url-status=live}} On May 25, after Rolling Loud, J. Cole and Lil Pump sat down for an hour-long interview indicating that a supposed beef between the two is over. Cole asked Pump about his "fuck J. Cole" comments in his music and social media. Pump responds by claiming he had seen his fans commenting it on social media and didn't know why. "But now I kinda get it", he says. "We make different types of music, so people, like... People just like doing that shit." He continues, "It wasn't even serious... I fuck with your shit. It's hard."{{cite web |last1=Minsker |first1=Evan |title=J. Cole Interviews Lil Pump in Hour-Long Video: Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-interviews-lil-pump-in-hour-long-video-watch/ |website=Pitchfork |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=July 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709150628/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-interviews-lil-pump-in-hour-long-video-watch/ |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |url-status=live }}

In May 2020, in the midst of the George Floyd protests, rapper Noname made a tweet panning rappers who discussed the struggles of black people in their music but had yet to publicly speak out on social media regarding the protests or Black Lives Matter. The tweet read:

"Poor black folks all over the country are putting their bodies on the line in protest for our collective safety and y’all favorite top selling rappers not even willing to put a tweet up. niggas whole discographies be about black plight and they no where to be found".{{cite web|last=S|first=Lynn|title=Noname Blasts "Top-Selling Rappers" For Staying Silent On George Floyd's Murder|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/noname-blasts-top-selling-rappers-for-staying-silent-on-george-floyds-murder-news.111448.html|work=HotNewHipHop|date=May 30, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630002648/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/noname-blasts-top-selling-rappers-for-staying-silent-on-george-floyds-murder-news.111448.html|url-status=live}}

{{main|Dreamville Records}}

During the composition of The Come Up, Cole started his own record label in early 2007 with current label president Ibrahim Hamad. Cole sought for an avenue to release his own music, while Hamad yearned to start a record label, prompting the two to team up to form Dreamville Records.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=J.Cole & Dreamville Surprise Fans With Release Of "Revenge Of The Dreamers 2"|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jcole-and-dreamville-surprise-fans-with-release-of-revenge-of-the-dreamers-2-news.19041.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=July 27, 2016|date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520002822/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jcole-and-dreamville-surprise-fans-with-release-of-revenge-of-the-dreamers-2-news.19041.html|archive-date=May 20, 2016|url-status=live}} The label is currently distributed by Interscope Records.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=J. Cole - Revenge Of The Dreamers Feat. Dreamville [New Mixtape]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-revenge-of-the-dreamers-feat-dreamville-new-mixtape.107716.html|website=hotnewhiphop|date=January 29, 2014|access-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716085245/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-revenge-of-the-dreamers-feat-dreamville-new-mixtape.107716.html|archive-date=July 16, 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Dreamville-Records.jpg imprint]]

Cole, Omen, and Bas were the label's inaugural artists.{{cite web|last1=Hernandez|first1=Victoria|title=Omen "Elephant Eyes" Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34585/title.dreamvilles-omen-discusses-stepping-out-of-j-coles-shadow-on-elephant-eyes|website=HipHopDX|access-date=August 3, 2016|date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810140220/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34585/title.dreamvilles-omen-discusses-stepping-out-of-j-coles-shadow-on-elephant-eyes|archive-date=August 10, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=C.M.|first1=Emmanuel|title=Bas And J. Cole's Dreamville Records Have Big Plans For 2015|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/12/bas-dreamville-records-big-plans-2015/|website=XXL|access-date=July 27, 2016|date=December 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819105957/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/12/bas-dreamville-records-big-plans-2015/|archive-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=live}} The label houses artists including Cole, Omen, Bas, Cozz,{{cite magazine|last1=Gruger|first1=William|title=5 Questions With Cozz, J. Cole's New Dreamville Artist|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6150332/5-questions-with-cozz-j-coles-new-dreamville-artist|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 28, 2016|date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801082213/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6150332/5-questions-with-cozz-j-coles-new-dreamville-artist|archive-date=August 1, 2016|url-status=live}} Lute, Ari Lennox,{{cite web|last1=Ortiz|first1=Edwin|title=J. Cole Signs Two New Artists to Dreamville Records|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/12/j-cole-signs-ari-lennox-and-lute-to-dreamville-records|website=Complex|access-date=July 26, 2016|date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019095307/http://www.complex.com/music/2015/12/j-cole-signs-ari-lennox-and-lute-to-dreamville-records|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live}} JID,{{cite web|last1=Weinstein|first1=Max|title=J.I.D Signs to J. Cole's Dreamville Label|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/02/j-i-d-signs-j-cole-dreamville-label/|website=XXL|access-date=July 27, 2017|date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904065619/http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/02/j-i-d-signs-j-cole-dreamville-label/|archive-date=September 4, 2017|url-status=live}} and duo EarthGang.{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|title=J. Cole Signs EarthGang To Dreamville Records|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jcole-signs-earthgang-to-dreamville-records-news.36893.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=September 1, 2017|date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901001400/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jcole-signs-earthgang-to-dreamville-records-news.36893.html|archive-date=September 1, 2017|url-status=live}} In-house producers include Elite, Ron Gilmore,{{cite web|last1=Hernandez|first1=Victoria|title=Ron Gilmore "The Maturation Of Little Ron" Album Stream, Cover Art & Tracklist|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38532/title.ron-gilmore-the-maturation-of-little-ron-album-stream-cover-art-tracklist|website=HipHopDX|access-date=August 3, 2016|date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805114318/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38532/title.ron-gilmore-the-maturation-of-little-ron-album-stream-cover-art-tracklist|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=live}} Cedric Brown,{{cite web|title=Bornsinner.com Cedric "Ced" Brown|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEdJiG5wck|website=YouTube|access-date=August 3, 2016|date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308112733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEdJiG5wck|archive-date=March 8, 2017|url-status=live}} and Meez.{{cite web|title=#12 – Interview With Dreamville Artist Cozz & Producer Meez|url=http://casanova.audio/podcast/ep-12-cozz-meez/|website=Casanova.Audio|access-date=August 3, 2016|date=February 16, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915040541/http://casanova.audio/podcast/ep-12-cozz-meez/|archive-date=September 15, 2016}} Dreamville Records has released nine albums, with three certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In October 2011, Cole established The Dreamville Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation says that it was "created to 'bridge the gap' between the worlds of opportunity and the urban youth" of Cole's hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. With volunteers, the Foundation conducts philanthropic activities, such as an annual "Back To School Supply Giveaway" to provide supplies to schoolchildren.{{Cite news|url = https://www.fayobserver.com/article/20150829/news/308299941|id = {{EBSCOhost|2W62412357094}}|title = J. Cole's Dreamville Foundation prepares local students for class|last = Mullen|first = Rodger|work = Fayetteville Observer|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191103154937/https://www.fayobserver.com/article/20150829/news/308299941|archive-date = November 3, 2019|url-status = live}} The Foundation also launched a book club for young men and sponsored "The Nobody's Perfect Writing Contest and Mother's Day Brunch" for students. It sponsors an annual weekend of Fayetteville community events called the "Dreamville Weekend" that features a discussion with the Young Men's Book Club and Appreciation Dinner and a Career Day panel of African-American professionals in a variety of fields.{{cite web|title = The Dreamville Foundation {{!}} Bridging the gap between the world of opportunity and the urban youth.|url = http://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org/|website = www.thedreamvillefoundation.org|access-date = October 22, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927200718/http://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org/|archive-date = September 27, 2015|url-status = live}}

In 2014, Cole purchased his childhood home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, for $120,000 through the Dreamville Foundation. The home had been repossessed from his mother years earlier, while Jermaine was attending college in New York. His plan is to turn the house into a homestead for single mothers and their children to live rent-free.{{Cite news|url = https://www-1.kansas.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article14039375.html|title = Five things to know about J. Cole|last = Adame|first = Tony|date = March 13, 2015|work = The Wichita Eagle|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191103154936/https://www-1.kansas.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article14039375.html|archive-date = November 3, 2019|url-status = live}}

In March 2015, Project Panther, the business of Cole's mentor Jay-Z, acquired Aspiro, the owner of the music streaming service Tidal, for a reported $56 million.{{cite news|title=Jay Z, Madonna, Rihanna and Beyonce launch new Tidal streaming service|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/32121383/jay-z-madonna-rihanna-and-beyonce-launch-new-tidal-streaming-service|work=BBC News|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515225627/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/32121383/jay-z-madonna-rihanna-and-beyonce-launch-new-tidal-streaming-service|archive-date=May 15, 2016|url-status=live}} J. Cole is a minor shareholder of the service, along with 15 other artist stakeholders, including Kanye West, Usher, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna, Daft Punk, deadmau5, and Nicki Minaj.{{cite magazine|author1=Andrew Flanagan|author2=Andrew Hampp|title=It's Official: Jay Z's Historic Tidal Launches With 16 Artist Stakeholders|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 25, 2016|date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829193643/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|archive-date=August 29, 2016|url-status=live}}

On April 27, 2018, J. Cole announced the Dreamville Festival, the festival featuring local music, culture, food and art, and also include a mix of up-and-comers and national acts. It is expected to be an annual festival.{{cite web|last1=Habrahan|first1=Kathy|title=J. Cole announces Raleigh music festival this fall|url=https://www.wral.com/j-cole-announces-raleigh-festival-this-fall/17516145/|website=WRAL|access-date=May 15, 2018|date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501152530/https://www.wral.com/j-cole-announces-raleigh-festival-this-fall/17516145/|archive-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live}} However, in the wake of Hurricane Florence, the event was postponed from its original date. The festival was rescheduled and held at the historic Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 6, 2019. The lineup included all of Dreamville's artists as well as SZA, Big Sean, Nelly, 21 Savage, 6LACK, Davido, Teyana Taylor, Saba, Rapsody, and Mez.{{cite web|title=J. Cole Reveals Dreamville Festival 2019 Lineup: SZA, 21 Savage, Big Sean, and More|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-reveals-dreamville-festival-2019-lineup-sza-21-savage-big-sean-and-more/|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|website=Pitchfork|date=March 19, 2019|access-date=March 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320153451/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-cole-reveals-dreamville-festival-2019-lineup-sza-21-savage-big-sean-and-more/|archive-date=March 20, 2019|url-status=live}} The Dreamville Festival plans to donate proceeds to the Dorothea Dix Park Convervancy and the Dreamville Foundation.{{cite web|last=Menconi|first=David|title=J. Cole is throwing a music festival, and it's going to be in his home state|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/article209941254.html|website=The News & Observer|access-date=May 15, 2018|date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515113743/http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/article209941254.html|archive-date=May 15, 2018|url-status=live}}

In February 2020, J. Cole announced a multi-year footwear and apparel partnership with Puma as an ambassador for the brand. According to the global director of Puma, Cole is involved in product creation, marketing campaigns and cultural guidance.{{cite web |title=J. COLE & PUMA ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR FOOTWEAR & APPAREL PARTNERSHIP |url=https://thesource.com/2020/02/15/j-cole-puma-announce-multi-year-footwear-apparel-partnership/ |website=The Source |date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313160644/https://thesource.com/2020/02/15/j-cole-puma-announce-multi-year-footwear-apparel-partnership/ |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live }} With the announcement, Puma and Cole released a short film for the reimagined "Sky Dreamer" shoes, which debuted during the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.{{cite magazine |title=Puma Announces Partnership With J. Cole, Launches New 'Sky Dreamer' Basketball Sneaker |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8550888/puma-j-cole-partnership-sky-dreamer |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 7, 2020 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427145316/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8550888/puma-j-cole-partnership-sky-dreamer |url-status=live }}

On July 31, 2020, PUMA and J. Cole released their debut collaboration shoe, the PUMA RS-Dreamer. Cole commented on the signature shoe saying: "Over the years, basketball shoes have progressed greatly in their level of technology and comfort but have strayed too far away from designs stylish enough for cultural relevancy. The Dreamer hopes to change that reality. The highest level of on-court performance meets the highest level of aesthetic design for daily wear. Once again, you can hoop in the same shoes you wore outside."{{cite web |title=RS-Dreamer – PUMA Releases Debut Collaboration with J. Cole |url=https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/rs-dreamer-puma-j-cole/ |website=Fortress of Solitude |date=August 2020 |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803225436/https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/rs-dreamer-puma-j-cole/ |url-status=live }} The launch of the shoe coincided with the restart of the 2019–20 NBA season.{{cite web |title=J. Cole x PUMA RS-Dreamer Basketball Shoe Drops Today |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/j-cole-puma-rs-dreamer-release-date-price/ |website=Highs Nobiety|date=July 31, 2020 }}

In a January 2016 interview with director Ryan Coogler, Cole revealed that he was married.{{Citation|title=Put On Blast: Creed Director Ryan Coogler Accidentally Revealed J. Cole Is Married During Interview!|date=January 18, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6fX56ZeIMk|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220132214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6fX56ZeIMk|archive-date=February 20, 2017|url-status=live}} His wife, Melissa Heholt, who met Cole while they were students at St. John’s University, is the Executive Director of the Dreamville Foundation.{{cite web|url=http://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org/|title=The Dreamville Foundation - Bridging the gap between the world of opportunity and the urban youth.|access-date=October 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927200718/http://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org/|archive-date=September 27, 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://karlawithakay.com/melissa-heholt/|title=KWaK chops it up with Melissa Heholt of Statice Events {{!}} Celebrating Women's Empowerment {{!}} Karla With A Kay|date=September 3, 2013|website=Celebrating Women's Empowerment {{!}} Karla With A Kay|language=en-US|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420235748/http://karlawithakay.com/melissa-heholt/|archive-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/01/j-cole-wife-melissa-heholt/|title=Meet J. Cole's New Wife Melissa Heholt - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=January 19, 2016 |access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506111333/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/01/j-cole-wife-melissa-heholt/|archive-date=May 6, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Cantor |first1=Paul |title=J. Cole Just Wants to Be Himself |url=http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html |website=Vulture |access-date=June 4, 2018 |date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602030732/http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/j-cole-profile.html |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |url-status=live }} Also in a May 2018 interview with radio host Angie Martinez, Cole stated that he and his wife have a son together.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2018/05/16/j-cole-kanye-kendrick-lamar-kill-edward-angie-martinez-interview|title=J. Cole talks Kendrick collab, Kanye West, and kiLL Edward in new interview|work=The FADER|access-date=October 16, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016130025/http://www.thefader.com/2018/05/16/j-cole-kanye-kendrick-lamar-kill-edward-angie-martinez-interview|archive-date=October 16, 2018|url-status=live}} In 2019, he publicly spoke about his son.{{Cite web|title=J. Cole Opens Up About Fatherhood and Changing His Life To Become A Family Man|url=https://www.essence.com/love/j-cole-opens-up-about-fatherhood-and-changing-his-life-to-become-a-family-man/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=Essence|language=en-US|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804115239/https://www.essence.com/love/j-cole-opens-up-about-fatherhood-and-changing-his-life-to-become-a-family-man/|url-status=live}} On July 20, 2020, Cole revealed he has two children.{{cite news|title=The Audacity By J. Cole|url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/j-cole-the-audacity|work=The Players' Tribune|date=July 21, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721051817/https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/j-cole-the-audacity|url-status=live}}

{{Main|J. Cole discography|J. Cole production discography}}

Studio albums

{{div col}}

• Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011)
• Born Sinner (2013)
• 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
• 4 Your Eyez Only (2016)
• KOD (2018)
• The Off-Season (2021)

• The Fall Off (TBA)

{{div col end}}

Headlining

• Cole World... World Tour (2011){{cite web|author1=Ben Kaye|title=J. Cole announces massive "Cole World...World Tour"|url=https://consequence.net/2011/08/j-cole-announces-massive-cole-world-world-tour/|website=Consequence of Sound|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=August 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305170711/https://consequence.net/2011/08/j-cole-announces-massive-cole-world-world-tour/|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}
• What Dreams May Come Tour (2013–14){{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Trevor|title=J. Cole Announces "What Dreams May Come Tour" With Wale [Update: More North American Tour Dates Added]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-what-dreams-may-come-tour-with-wale-news.6617.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304174616/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-announces-what-dreams-may-come-tour-with-wale-news.6617.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Dollar & A Dream Tour (2013){{cite web|title=J. Cole Announces 'Dollar & A Dream Tour'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/j-cole-announces-dollar-a-dream-tour/|website=Rap-Up|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303143727/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/j-cole-announces-dollar-a-dream-tour/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Dollar & A Dream Tour 2014: The Warm Up (2014){{cite web|author1=Andres Tardio|title=J. Cole "Dollar & A Dream Tour" 2014 "The Warm Up" Show Dates|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.29282/title.j-cole-dollar-a-dream-tour-2014-the-warm-up-show-dates|website=HipHopDX|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=June 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303145133/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.29282/title.j-cole-dollar-a-dream-tour-2014-the-warm-up-show-dates|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Forest Hills Drive Tour (2015){{cite web|title=J. Cole Announces 'Forest Hills Drive Tour' with Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, Pusha T, & YG|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/02/23/j-cole-announces-forest-hills-drive-tour-big-sean-jhene-aiko-pusha-t-yg/|website=Rap-Up|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=February 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223054955/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/02/23/j-cole-announces-forest-hills-drive-tour-big-sean-jhene-aiko-pusha-t-yg/|archive-date=December 23, 2015|url-status=live}}
• Dollar & A Dream Tour III: Friday Night Lights (2015){{cite web|author1=Latifah Muhammad|title=J. Cole Announces Dollar and a Dream Tour III: Friday Night Lights|url=https://www.bet.com/article/66w3uj/j-cole-announces-dollar-and-a-dream-tour-part-iii|website=BET|access-date=February 25, 2016|date=June 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307191622/http://www.bet.com/news/music/2015/06/16/j-cole-dollar-and-a-dream-tour-iii-friday-night-lights.html|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live}}
• 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour (2017){{cite web|last1=Josephs|first1=Brian|title=J. Cole Announces 4 Your Eyez Only Tour|url=http://www.spin.com/2017/02/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-tour/|website=Spin|access-date=February 22, 2017|date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222221809/http://www.spin.com/2017/02/j-cole-4-your-eyez-only-tour/|archive-date=February 22, 2017|url-status=live}}
• KOD Tour (2018)

Co-headlining

• The Campus Consciousness Tour {{small|(with Big K.R.I.T.)}} (2012){{cite web|last1=Rose|first1=Lilah|title=J. Cole & Big K.R.I.T. Announce "The Campus Consciousness Tour," Official Tour Dates|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-big-k-r-i-t-announce-the-campus-consciousness-tour-official-tour-dates-news.1474.html|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=February 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106122416/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-cole-and-big-k-r-i-t-announce-the-campus-consciousness-tour-official-tour-dates-news.1474.html|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Revenge of the Dreamers NYC Crawl {{small|(with Dreamville)}} (2015){{cite web|last1=Cowen|first1=Trace|title=Dreamville Is Gifting New York With Three Free 'Revenge of the Dreamers' Shows|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/12/dreamville-j-cole-revenge-of-the-dreamers-nyc-crawl-shows-announced|website=Complex|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220191359/http://www.complex.com/music/2015/12/dreamville-j-cole-revenge-of-the-dreamers-nyc-crawl-shows-announced|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live}}
• The Off-Season Tour {{small|(with 21 Savage)}} (2021){{Cite web|date=June 22, 2021|first=Trent|last=Fitzgerald|title=J. Cole Announces Massive Headlining Tour With 21 Savage, Morray|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-cole-21-savage-morray-tour/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=XXL Mag|language=en|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623091021/https://www.xxlmag.com/j-cole-21-savage-morray-tour/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=June 22, 2021|first1=Trent|last1=Fitzgerald|title=J. Cole Announces Massive Headlining Tour With 21 Savage, Morray|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-cole-21-savage-morray-tour/|access-date=2021-08-02|website=XXL Mag|language=en}}
• It's All A Blur Tour - Big As the What? (with Drake) (2024){{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=2023-11-13 |title=Drake Announces Dates For 2024 It's All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?' With J. Cole |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-2024-tour-dates-j-cole-1235470120/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113162951/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-2024-tour-dates-j-cole-1235470120/ |url-status=live }}

Supporting act

• Jay-Z Fall Tour {{small|(Jay Z)}} (2009)
• Attention Deficit Tour {{small|(Wale)}} (2009){{cite web|author1=SHAMZ|title=NYC: Wale Attention Deficit Tour 5/7 @ LPR|url=http://www.okayplayer.com/news/NYC-Wale-Attention-Deficit-Tour-5-7-LPR.html|website=okayplayer|access-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106062400/http://www.okayplayer.com/news/NYC-Wale-Attention-Deficit-Tour-5-7-LPR.html|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Loud Tour {{small|(Rihanna)}} (2011)
• Club Paradise Tour {{small|(Drake)}} (2012)
• Rapture Tour {{small|(Eminem)}} (2014)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by J. Cole}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0001089515}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100207154702/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jcole/artist.jhtml J. Cole] on MTV.com
• [https://www.thebal.com/schedule?&WHurl=%2Fperson%2F1656573%3F Basketball Africa League profile]
• [https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/237053/jermaine-cole Proballers profile]

{{J. Cole}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for J. Cole

|list =

{{BET Award for Best Collaboration}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Song}}

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{{Dreamville Records}}

{{Roc Nation}}

{{Portal bar|Biography|Music}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, J.}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American male singers

Category:21st-century American rappers

Category:African-American male rappers

Category:20th-century American male rappers

Category:21st-century American male rappers

Category:African-American male singer-songwriters

Category:American male singer-songwriters

Category:African-American record producers

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Rwanda

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Canada

Category:American hip-hop record producers

Category:American hip-hop singers

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:American music industry executives

Category:American salespeople

Category:Basketball players from North Carolina

Category:Businesspeople from North Carolina

Category:Columbia Records artists

Category:Dreamville Records artists

Category:Grammy Award winners for rap music

Category:Musicians from Fayetteville, North Carolina

Category:Patriots BBC players

Category:Rappers from North Carolina

Category:Roc Nation artists

Category:Scarborough Shooting Stars players

Category:Shooting guards

Category:Singer-songwriters from North Carolina

Category:St. John's University (New York City) alumni