J. Cole

Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985), known professionally as J. Cole, is an influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Born on an American military base in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole is widely regarded as one of the most significant voices in modern hip-hop, known for his storytelling and introspective lyricism.

Cole began his musical journey at the age of 14, initially posting songs on internet forums under the names "Blaza" and "Therapist." While attending St. John's University in New York, he continued to hone his craft, eventually founding the Dreamville record label alongside his business partner Ibrahim Hamad.