Roc Nation artist J. Cole’s long-awaited debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, punched in at #1 on the Billboard 200, and his label head, Jay-Z, wasted no time congratulating the young emcee. “J. Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,” Hov said in a statement. “I want to congratulate him on a #1 album and more importantly a great body of work.” The North Carolina emcee is the first artist Jay-Z signed to the Roc Nation label.
J. Cole’s manager also had kind words for the artist: “J Cole personifies humility and grace with edge and depth,” Mark Pitts, president of Urban Music, Sony/JIVE Records. “As an MC, his point of view speaks to and represents me. I’m proud and blessed to be a part of his journey!”
The project sold 217,825 units in its first week.

(Photo: Roc Nation)