J. Cole "Sidelines" Delayed Roc Nation Debut

Roc Nation's J. Cole has finally decided to put his foot down with his long-awaited debut album by announcing its title and release date.

After hinting at the title/date on Twitter, a label rep has also confirmed the announcement.

After keeping fans waiting, J. Cole has finally revealed the title and release date for his debut album. Cole World: The Sideline Story will be released on September 27 via Roc Nation/Sony Music. The North Carolina rapper made the announcement on Twitter. Rap-Up.com has confirmed the title and release date with his label rep. (Rap-Up)

Around mid-June, Cole said the LP would drop no later than September.

"I'm trying to find ways to word it without sounding overly egotistical, and I want to remain humble, but also let people know it's actually (really) incredible," Cole said about the new LP. "I'm sitting on gold, man. I don't wanna speak it up too much but I'm super confident in it. I'm super proud." The album is due "absolutely no later than September," says Cole, who's been reticent to release an album title or date until both are set in stone. (Detroit News)

In late May, Cole claimed a Kanye West sample track caused his "Work Out" single delay.

"I sampled a Kanye West song, but the problem is, [there's] like five writers that he gave credit to," Cole said in a Ustreambroadcast. "When you're clearing a sample, every writer has to be contacted. So you have to contact each and every one of them and get it cleared, so it's tougher than the average one. As soon as it clears, we're puttin' it out. It's perfect for the summer. It's beautiful -- I can't wait 'til y'all hear it and then hear the sample and the original and how I did it. I don't feel like nobody would've thought to flip it like that or even would've heard that part." (Ustream)

Last winter, Cole talked about having to deal with the LP's slow but steady progress.

"Man, I thought my album would've been out right around now. But one thing I've learned in this game is you never know anything. I remember when they gave me the release date of October 26. I was so hyped. But I soon knew that wasn't gonna happen. I haven't even had a consistent three weeks in the studio. I'm blessed enough to be able to go out on the road. I get a good week in the studio but then I'm off for a show. But I still managed to pull off what I think is an incredible album." (RESPECT)