The Dreamer
J.Cole is the epitome of a dreamer; the Grammy-Award artist continues to emerge as a musical giant in the landscape of Hip-Hop. Cole’s last studio album K.O.D. reached its pinnacle by breaking Apple Music’s first-day streaming record of 64.5 million. The Previous record was the musical giant himself; Drake. At the ripe age of 35, Cole has transcended the hip-hop culture by displaying his unique flow, wordplay and conscious rap references. Beyond all Cole’s unprecedented successes, he has set his eyes on fulfilling another one his life aspirations. Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole honed his basketball skills on blacktop courts. As his passion for basketball grew, Cole then emerged as a star at his HS. With dreams of becoming a Division 1 athlete, Cole would then go on to attend St. John’s University in Queen, New York. NYC has always been an ideal market for Cole, his deep passion for music intertwined with a burning desire for hoops. St. John University exposed Cole to some divine life experiences that influenced him earlier in his Rap career. In present times, Coles continues to embody the unique message for his fans and all dreamers worldwide across the fields of Music, Sports, and entertainment.
“Not because making it to the mountaintop was something that I needed to do, but because not trying was something that I couldn’t accept.”
Hoop Dreams
As Cole arrived on the Queen’s campus of St.John’s University the inception of his dream hatched, Cole wanted to be apart of the Red Storm program. Throughout the summer’s Cole would play intense pick-up games with the top hoopers on-campus including potential walk-on candidates. In his Sophomore year, Cole was a final try-out away from becoming a member of the Red Storm. Cole was among 10 other candidates selected for the final try-out, unfortunately, Cole was a no-show to the final try-out but still has kept his dream alive to pursue am NBA career. Turning a page to 2020, J.Cole has been training with NBA Skills Coach Chris Brickley from (@blackops.basketball), many people have seen footage of the two training and competing against NBA talents + NCAA standouts.
“To get one of these NBA jersey’s is not going be easy, It’s going to be a lot of hate, people not believing in you, but I think J.Cole has a shot. ”
While J.Cole is considered one of the top musical artists of our generation, will he be able to make the push for a potential NBA roster spot? Back in 1998, a Rapper known as Master P made his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets in pre-season. Master P also suited up for the Toronto Raptors one year later in pre-season, although his NBA career was short-lived, Master P broke barriers by becoming the first Rapper to play in a professional sports league. Master P has been an avid mentor for Cole throughout his process and has even given him a co-sign!
HOOP DREAMS
Will J.Cole make an NBA roster?
NBA PUSH?
Reports have circulated in the media about J.Cole prepping to join an NBA roster for the 2020-21 Season. Sources have reported that the Detroit Piston may be a top contender, as they offered Cole a try-out for the next season. Can the 35-year artist make an impact or will it be a marketing tool to generate revenue and ticket sales for the pistons? Either way, it’s a great opportunity for both parties to merge sports, music, and the entertainment culture. Rappers are always connected to athletes, look at renowned Toronto artist Drake, he might as well have a roster spot for the Raptors. Sports is one of the driving forces of culture and it’s refreshing to see artists step outside the box and wear the shoes of athletes. The intersection of sports and music is a beautiful sight to see, and with the added opportunity for Cole to pursue a potential NBA shot, he’s carving a unique blueprint for artists to follow. All due respect to Master P., his influence has paved the way for the generation of artists like Cole to chase the NBA dream.
“If I can blow up in the next three years, that means I’ll only be 27. That still might give me enough time to train and pursue a professional basketball career.”
NBA PUSH
Pistons offered J.Cole a try-out.
J.Cole x Puma Hoops
Earlier this year J.Cole signed a multi-year partnership with PUMA. Cole joined the PUMA team alongside NBA athletes Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, & more. Their extensive partnership features a collaborative process for product creation, marketing campaigns and film production. PUMA has produced two short films for the release of J.Cole’s signature sneaker RS-Dreamer. J.Cole signature sneakers released on July 31st exclusively on PUMA.com and limited retail stores. Rumours has it that Cole will release 4 new colours ways at a later date. Adam Petrick who serves as PUMA’s global director of brand + marketing spoke highly of Cole’s, he believes that Cole will be a special piece to the PUMA family because of his stance on social justice issues as well as, his connection at the intersection of sport and music culture. Having J.Cole as the brand ambassador for PUMA gives them an ultimate advantage over their competitors because of a divine marketing advantage and influence that artists like Cole can create. PUMA is a brand that continues to submerge itself across the driving forces our culture, from music, art, fashion, sports, + entertainment, PUMA has done phenomenal job targeting prominent figures to get on board. As for PUMA’s Basketball division, the highly anticipated sneaker releases from J.Cole has created a unique buzz for the brand. Check out PUMA’s new commercial titled “The Audacity” featuring J.Cole and Master P.
Art Graphics by: @tgq.inc