J. Cole finally releases his debut studio album

J. Cole, a Jay-Z protégé and relative newcomer to the rap scene, is finally releasing his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, after three highly praised mixtapes and a bevy of guest verses for various artists, such as R&B crooner Miguel and rapper Wale.

Cole mixes heavy beats with heavier rhymes in this studio album, creating a seamless story of personal hardships and music-industry triumphs. He takes samples from an eclectic mix of places, from Paula Abdul to Missy, working in creative elements that are tinged with innovation while also serving as a backdrop for a decidedly classic rhyme game.