J. Cole is 41 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 28 January 1985.
North Carolina rapper and producer behind 2014 Forest Hills Drive and KOD, and founder of the Dreamville record label
Did you know?He graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in New York.
Quick facts
Date of birth28 January 1985
Age41
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceFrankfurt, Germany
Editor's Take:
J. Cole built his reputation on thoughtful storytelling and an image as an everyman among rap stars. He produces much of his own music and often writes about family, money and growing up in the South. 2014 Forest Hills Drive, named after his childhood home, became a fan favourite. He founded Dreamville Records, which has launched other successful artists. He usually avoids celebrity culture. His decision to back away from a public feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024 showed his unusual approach to fame.
Key Milestones
2009: Signs with Roc Nation
2011: Releases Cole World: The Sideline Story
2014: Releases 2014 Forest Hills Drive
2018: Releases KOD
Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985) is an American rapper and record producer. Born on a military base in Germany and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole initially gained attention as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early 2007.
