Art & Style
Roc Nation Rookie Steps to the Plate
J. Cole, the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s highly anticipated Roc Nation label, is generating considerable buzz of his own.
J.Cole, who was raised in Fayetteville, N.C. and graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, NY magna cum laude, is the latest rap rookie to break into the industry under Jay-Z, a list that includes Memphis Bleek, Foxy Brown, Beanie Siegel and Kanye West,
Following his show-stealing verse on “A Star is Born” off Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint 3” album and the release of his buzzworthy mixtape “The Warm Up,” J. Cole has steadily built momentum for his debut album, scheduled for release in Spring 2010.
At 24, J.Cole says humbled by the opportunity to work with Jay-Z, one of the greatest rappers of all time.
“It’s a blessing,” he says. “A lot of people don’t get this opportunity to work with Jay, especially so early in my career.”
Human Nature recently caught up with J.Cole after the 2009 BMI Urban Awards in New York. He discussed his career launch, the new album and what’s it like working with Jay-Z. 
View video interview below:
