The Evolution of J. Cole

On this, the day of his birth, follow Grown Simba's journey.

Jay Z, Blueprint 3 - The Blueprint is a classic. Blueprint 2, Jay Z’s double-disc follow up, is widely viewed with mixed feelings. Blueprint 3 falls somewhere in between. The 2009 release included smashes like “Empire State of Mind” and “Run This Town,” as well as features from Drake, J. Cole, Kid Cudi and more.  (Photo: Def Jam)
Drake (@drakkardnoir)\r - Once Drake drops his next album, Take Care, you won't have to rely on Twitter to get those great words of wisdom.\r \rTWEET: "You could have the cars the clothes the jewels the sex the house...baby you could be a star. The lonely star."\r(Photo: Matt Sayles/AP)
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Where Are They Now: The Cast of In Living Color

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Clap for Him - Hov anointed his rookie signee by giving him a coveted guest spot on the aptly titled "A Star Is Born," from 2009's Blueprint 3. Cole was officially in the big leagues now. (Photo: Courtesy Def Jam Recordings)

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