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Ace Rawstein wrote:

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jthagreat wrote:

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just to get it out the way, cause i imagine itll come up (hopefully over the years) +no need for the thread in the future+

How big of an impact has Jay had on J. Cole, his music, appeal, and sales?

personally besides signing him (and gettin the shine) of being a RocNation/Jay artist some 2 years ago...i say absolutely NONE.

just curious what yall opinions are??? (also consider Drake/50/etc)

On the surface, to me the popular answer would be lil to none.

But from an artist development standpoint, a great deal. If Jay didnt believe in Cole and if he was signed to any other label, its no telling what kind of music he would have been forced to make or trying to make to get heard by the masses. I think the reassurance that Cole wouldnt have to switch up his style or chase hits worked in his favor. On the flipside if he was signed to any run of the mill label its no guarantee he would have worked his way out from being another internet rapper even if the music was dope as it is. 

Add in the fact Jay bringing him on the Blueprint 3 tour and opening up for Rihanna lead to tons of exposure which at the least led to name recognition. 

Other than that Jay really stood back n didnt force Cole on nobody or nothing like that. Cole's music spoke for itself

Well said Ace. I could not agree more and I think what you said is what I would like to see more out of artists in hip-hop in general.  I don't really ever care about sales as much as some other hip-hop fans do but I am glad to see Cole sold what he sold doing it HIS way and not conforming to the masses.  His numbers are impressive considering he no major hit single.  I am also glad to see Jay letting artists develop and not rushing them but also glad to see an artist in Cole take full advantage of the opportunity given to him.