J. Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, was born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, West Germany, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army. He spent much of his early childhood in Frankfurt before his parents divorced when he was young. After the divorce, J. Cole and his mother moved back to the United States, settling in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is often mentioned in his music.
Growing up in a working-class environment, J. Cole developed an interest in music at a young age. He started rapping at 12 and began producing his beats using a beat machine his mother gave him. Despite facing challenges, including financial struggles, J. Cole remained dedicated to pursuing his passion for music.
