J Cole is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from North Carolina. Coles began rapping at age 12. He has cited getting influences from rappers such as Eminem, Tupac, and Canibus. He got involved in production and started posting songs online at age 17. He chose to attend university in New York City because he felt he’d have a better chance landing a recording deal there. He releases his first mixtape in 2007 titled The Come Up. He released his next titled The Warm Up and made appearances in albums and mixtapes of other artists such as B.o.B and Jay Z before releasing his debut album in 2011 titled Cole World: The Sideline Story.