J. Cole (born Jermaine Lamarr Cole, 1985, Frankfurt, Germany) is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He broke through with his 2011 debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story and has since released seven studio albums - every one debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 - while running his own Dreamville Records label. Known for densely lyrical, introspective rap with minimal features, he holds two Grammy wins and has built one of hip-hop's most loyal fanbases without a significant social media presence.
J. Cole released his seventh studio album The Fall-Off on February 6, 2026, marketed as his final album; it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
The Fall-Off World Tour was announced on February 16, 2026 - a 50+ city global arena run across 15+ countries, kicking off July 11 in Charlotte and concluding December 12 in Johannesburg.
Dreamville and Live Nation announced a multi-year partnership to continue a new version of the Dreamville Festival at Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park after the 2025 edition closed out the original run.
J. Cole released 'Clouds', his first new song of 2025, via his personal Inevitable blog on February 20.
Might Delete Later (2024) earned J. Cole a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards.
