Since power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce dominated the past decade, it’s no surprise that one of their protégés would become the hottest new talent in the rap game.
Jeremiah “J.” Cole is the first signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, even though Cole says he once approached the rap superstar outside of a New York recording studio, only to be rejected. That’s the thing about Jay-Z – he doesn’t make the same mistake twice.
When the Carters met up with Cole, now 26, again after hearing “Lights Out” on an early mixtape, Jay-Z signed the fledging rap superstar to his label and put him on “The Blueprint 3.” So far, it’s paid off. While we’re still waiting for a full debut project from Cole, his “Friday Night Lights” mixtape was downloaded by thousands of eager fans and was one of the most critically acclaimed projects of this year.
Cole’s song, “I’m On It,” was featured in a Powerade commercial with Chicago Bulls player Derrick Rose, who went on to become the youngest NBA MVP In the league’s history. It makes sense, as Cole is on his way to possibly becoming the most valuable player in the rap game. Currently on tour with Rihanna, Cole’s debut project, “Cole World – The Sideline Story,” will be released on Sept. 27.
Cole, a magna cum laude graduate of St. John’s University with degrees in communications and business, has learned his lessons well. He produces much of his own material, which means that he’ll also pocket most of the profit. By all appearances, he really is well on his way to creating his own world. Remember the name.
