S. Samuel
Roc Nation's J. Cole is not only receiving props from his boss, Jay-Z, over the success of his long-awaited Cole World: The Sideline Story but now it turns out Grammy-winning singer Beyonce has applauded him.
According to Cole, Bey sent him a congratulatory e-mail this week.
“We celebrated last night because it happened to be the birthday of my homeboy that plays keys for me. It was like a No. 1/birthday celebration.” The icing on the cake was an email from the Queen B herself. “I got the Jay-Z call, got the Mark Pitts congratulations conversation, got the Beyoncé congratulations email. That was a good look,” he told Angie Martinez. Cole had nothing but positive things to say about his boss’ wife. “She’s the best, man. She’s the nicest lady. For real, it’s unbelievable.” (Rap-Up)
This week, Cole also got props from Roc Nation CEO Jay-Z and his manager.
“J. Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,” Jay-Z said, via press release. “I want to congratulate him on a #1 album and more importantly a greatbody of work.” Cole’s first solo album, which he’s been meticulously working on for the past five years, has sold 218,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. “Cole World: the Sideline Story” marks the first time a solo act’s debut effort has entered at No. 1 since May 14, 2010. Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music, Sony / JIVE Records and CEO, Bystorm Entertainment and Cole’s manager, lent praise as well, “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!” (Billboard)
Prior to yesterday’s finalized sales, Cole shared his reaction to the pre-determined album’s success on Tuesday.
“So many people to stunt on, fighting the urge to be spiteful. This moment is too important for that. Just want to say THANK YOU,” he tweeted October 4th.
“Thanks to yall, we shook the game up. No chart topping single, just 2 years of hard work, great music and real ass fans. #1 album”
“Thanks to every fan that held me down, every friend, every blog, magazine, tv, radio station, dj’s and pd’s, I feel like we ALL won” (J. Cole’s Twitter)
Debuting atop the chart, Cole’s long-awaited release sold nearly 220,000 copies its opening week.
Leading the pack this week is J. Cole’s Cole World: The Sideline Story debuting at No. 1. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the North Carolina rap newcomer’s long-awaited debut album has sold 217,300 copies after seven days in stores. (SOHH Sales Wrap)
Check out a recent J. Cole interview below:
