J Cole Debuts at #1 with Debut Album

Selling 217,000 copies, Roc Nation/ Columbia artist, J Cole has scored the #1 album in the country with his debut release Cole World: The Sideline Story. Rolling Stone praises Cole’s “killer punch lines” and USA Today declares “it’s Cole’s own impressive skills that got him into the game and off the sidelines for good.”

This release not only puts J Cole at the top of the charts, Cole World: The Sideline Story is officially the biggest debut album from a new artist this year and the first debut album by a solo artist to debut in the # 1 position in over 17 months. In addition, J Cole has scored the biggest digital album debut from a new artist since January 2010.

“J Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,” stated Shawn “JAY Z “Carter. “I want to congratulate him on a #1 album and more importantly a great body of work.”

“J Cole personifies humility and grace with edge and depth. As an MC, his point of view speaks to and represents me. I’m proud and blessed to be a part of his journey!” added Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music, Sony / JIVE Records and CEO, Bystorm Entertainment.

The mostly self-produced album was propelled by the first single, “Work Out,” which Entertainment Weekly celebrated as, “well worth the wait.” The follow-up single is the Brian Kidd produced banger, “Can’t Get Enough” featuring the multi-platinum artist, Trey Songz.

J Cole received enormous support from BET, MTV and MTV2. He was the first artist to kick off MTV2’s new music franchise, Sucker Free Road to Release as well as being profiled as an MTV PUSH Artist. BET named J. Cole a “Music Matters” artist, he performed on the 2010 BET Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards, and he appeared on 106th & Park six times over the past year, which culminated with his BET 106 & Park takeover on September 27th.

J Cole will perform on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE on ABC on October 5th and appear on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC October 6th.

J Cole has taken audiences by storm and has also earned rave reviews for his critically-acclaimed mixtape, Friday Night Lights and for his opening slot on international superstar Rihanna’s LOUD Tour this summer. He is currently headlining Cole World…World Tour across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Cole released his first mixtape in 2007, through Mark Pitts of Bystorm Entertainment, leading to his signing with Roc Nation. With the ability to write thought provoking songs packed with sharp wit and clever lines, Cole is able to connect with listeners in a way that is seldom seen among MCs today. Cole’s unique abilities have led him to successful tours with Rihanna and Drake, an appearance on JAY Z’s “A Star Is Born” (Blueprint 3), as well as the covers of the Source, XXL, and being named one of BET’s “Rising Icons”.