The 58th annual Grammy award show is just around the corner, and the list of nominees this year is top-notch. Of course there are those who are inevitably expected to be nominated, then some unexpected nominees that I am undoubtedly happy for. Nominees include, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Florence + The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, James Bay — the list goes on. Within that list is one nominee I am most looking forward to — who so happens to be my absolute favorite artist in the rap industry — J. Cole. The the 31 year-old producer and rapper is nominated for three Grammys this year to be exact.
I am really hoping J. Cole will take home a Grammy…or two…or three. Cole’s nominations include: Best Rap Album (2014: Forest Hills Drive), Best Rap Performance, “Apparently” (2014 Forest Hills Drive), and best R&B performance, for “Planes” with singer Jeremih.
Who is he you might ask?
Jermaine Cole, born in Frankfort, Germany, but raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was soon-to-be famously known as J. Cole. Growing up in such a small town is definitely what shaped Cole to be the man he is today. Music was always a big part of Cole's life -- rap in particular -- and when Cole graduated high school, he slowly began to invest more of his time (whilst in college) in becoming a recognized producer/artist. In 2007 Cole released a mixtape titled, "The Come Up," and two years later, his work was acknowledged by the triple threat entrepreneur, producer, and musician: Jay Z. Shortly after, Cole, was signed to Jay Z's label Roc Nation in New York.
With a brother like mine who was tremendously into the rap scene, I remember my first time listening to J. Cole's first debut album "Cole World: The Sideline Story," which was released my freshman year of high school in 2011. I immediately knew he was a much different rapper than those you would commonly hear on the radio. The lyrics weren't all about the stereotypical money, fame, drugs and women. Off his first debut album, and first single, "Work Out" (which if you haven't heard of by now, then I'm going to assume you live under a rock), cole blew out from the water and the single was blasting from speakers across the United States and landing #13 on Billboard's famous Hot 100. Cole kept up the work and released his next album, "Born Sinner," in 2013. Cole's fans began to stack up and remained as loyal as possible throughout his journey. Then suddenly on December 9th, 2014 (my eighteenth birthday!!!) Cole released his absolute best album, "2014: Forest Hills Drive."
A month prior to Cole's 2014 album being released, is just when he told fans he was going to release an actual album in December -- without singles, previews, hints, absolutely nothing. When the album was officially released it sold a whopping 353,000 copies and that was just within the first week! It makes perfect sense, though. This album (in my personal and very biased opinion) is one of the greatest of all time. "2014: Forest Hills Drive" is truly a creative work of art. It is titled after the street Cole lived on growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Within this album, it all ties together as Cole reflects back to his adolescent days and the hard work, and life lessons he underwent on his journey to become J. Cole. From heartache, tough times growing up in a not-so-stable household; most importantly, the ups and downs we all know as life. Cole speaks truthfully and many can forever relate. You truly get to know Cole personally with lyrics that truly showcase the struggle of trying to make it in the music scene. In his song "Apparently" of the 2014 album, Cole raps,
"Think back to Forest Hills, no perfect home
But the only thing like home I've ever known
Until they snatched it from my mama
And foreclosed her on the loan
I'm so sorry that I left you there to deal with that alone."
He truly masters the art of lyricism when it comes to "2014: Forest Hills Drive."
I stand for the man who remains true to his fans, but, more importantly, himself. Cole is a grounded, yet oh-so faithful human being who is so hardworking and absolutely everyone knows it. He is constantly pushing himself to be the best he can be, but never allows the success and money to be the core of his happiness. He preaches happiness and begs all to search for it through love, "The genuine and real, actual love. Not the fake hollywood love, not the fake friendship. The real love." From selling truthful albums that speak to our generation, to selling out Madison Square Garden and allowing tickets to only cost one dollar, there is no better of an award to receive for such an album and I truly believe there is no one more deserving of these Grammys than Cole himself.
