20 of the Best J. Cole Songs

J. Cole's ascension into hip-hop stardom has been a long, yet fulfilling journey. The mixed-race MC from Fayetteville, N.C. went from standing outside Jay Z’s Roc the Mic Studio for three hours to being one of the faces of the new hip-hop generation. Things didn't come easy for Cole World though. The St. John University graduate worked for everything he has and it's paid off, as he now enjoys one of the most invested fanbases in hip-hop.

If you line up Cole's stats with the best in hip-hop today, his resume is very impressive. He has three platinum-selling albums -- which all landed on top of Billboard charts at No. 1 -- and multiple gold and platinum selling singles. Cole's last album, 2014 Forest Hill Drive, helped him accomplish a major feat. The five-time Grammy nominated artist became the first rapper in 25 years to have a platinum-selling album without any guest appearances or features.

Never the one to forget his fans, "Young Simba" created the Dollar and a Dream Tour, which gave fans the opportunity to see him perform live throughout the country for just a dollar at a venue he announced the day of the show. The Roc Nation signee's individual success allowed him to start his own record label, Dreamville Records, under the Interscope Records umbrella. Through the label, artists like Bas, Cozz, Omen, Lute and Ari Lennox are able to release projects and singles on a bigger platform.

Throughout J. Cole's career, he has had huge hits and unforgettable verses. From his promotional material to deep cuts off albums and mixtapes, check out J. Cole's 20 Best Songs.