Music Matters' own J. Cole is finally getting things ready for his debut album. "My album is really heavy, it's really emotional, it's really true," says the 26-year-old rapper. Now, the only thing he needs is a release date.

"I only gave a date one time in my career last year, and I smacked myself in the face because it was so unrealistic. Now I say it's coming soon, and it's really true, because we're in the final stages right now," the rapper told the Press of Atlantic City. Cole will perform at Atlantic City's House of Blues this weekend.

The North Carolina rapper was signed to Roc Nation back in 2009, and has since been generating a buzz, as evident by his guest appearance on a big hit record (see Miguel's "All I Want is You") and a performance on a major awards show (BET Hip Hop Awards 2010). Although there are high expectations for the first rapper signed to Jay-Z's imprint, J. Cole isn't out to impress anyone but himself.

"I don't worry about what the world wants me to do. I'm worrying about meeting my expectations."

Still, there's hope for a guest appearance from a likely candidate. (Cole contributed to Jay-Z's Blueprint 3). About Jay-Z, he says, "He's definitely a mentor. I just appreciate the fact that he lets me learn and grow on my own. When I need information, I can come to him."

And if there's one thing that Jay-Z knows better than most, it's becoming a star in the rap business.

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