Jermaine Lamarr Cole, born on January 28, 1985, is a versatile American artist known for his skills as a rapper, singer, and record producer. His journey began on a military base in Germany and continued in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he first made waves with his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in 2007. Steadily climbing the ladder of success, Cole released two more acclaimed mixtapes, The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights, before signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2009 to pursue his musical aspirations further.
Cole’s impact on the music industry was solidified with the release of his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, in 2011, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. Subsequent albums like Born Sinner, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and 4 Your Eyez Only showcased his evolution towards more profound and socially relevant themes. Notably, his fifth album, KOD, made history by producing six simultaneous top twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat previously achieved only by the Beatles. In addition to his successful music career, Cole is a talented pianist and a respected producer who has worked with renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson. His initiatives extend beyond music, including the establishment of Dreamville Records and the philanthropic Dreamville Foundation. With a Grammy Award, multiple Billboard Music Awards, and numerous other accolades under his belt, Cole’s contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark.