![J Cole](https://cdn-p.smehost.net/sites/005297e5d91d4996984e966fac4389ea/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/J-Cole-WEB.jpg)
A North Carolina native, Cole grew up with a mother who loved rock and folk while his father was a fan of hardcore hip-hop artists like 2Pac and Ice Cube.
He released his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, in 2011, after making his name with several mixtapes. Born Sinner followed in 2013 with guest appearances from Miguel, TLC and Kendrick Lamar.