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1. We all know J. Cole’s real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole. But did you know he was born in Frankfurt, Germany?

J.Cole 'What Dreams May Come' Tour - New York, NY Source:Getty

2. J. Cole’s mom is German & his dad, who left a young Jermaine behind very early on in his life, is African-American.

J.Cole 'What Dreams May Come' Tour - New York, NY Source:Getty

3. The “extent” of his “prepared food” repertoire goes only so far as cereal and PB&Js.

The 40th American Music Awards - Red Carpet Source:Getty

4. J. Cole’s first rap name was Blaza. His second was Therapist.

2014 Budweiser Made In America Festival - Day 1 - Philadelphia Source:Getty

5. He considered himself the underdog. He’s quoted as saying: “I’ve always been an underdog. I feel like I beat the odds.”

Rock The Bells - San Bernardino, CA - Day 2 Source:Getty

6. J. Cole moved his “Born Sinner” release date up from June 25th to June 18th to, specifically, compete with Kanye West’s “Yeezus.”

2013 Do Something Awards - Show Source:Getty

7. J. Cole’s favorite New Yorker, dead or alive, is Tupac.

Fabolous, J. Cole and Tyga Visit BET's 106 & Park Source:Getty

8. J. Cole stands tall at 6’3″ – he’s one inch taller than his mentor, Jay Z.

Rock The Bells Music Festival - Mountain View, CA - Day 1 Source:Getty

9. It was J. Cole’s mom who encouraged his production, buying her son a $1,300 ASR-X for Christmas so he could make beats at home.

J. Cole Source:Getty

10. J. Cole has worked as a newspaper ad salesman and a bill collector, in addition to dressing as a kangaroo while working at a skating rink.

D'USSE VIP Riser + Lounge At On The Run Tour - MetLife Stadium Source:Getty

11. He first attempted to work with Jay Z after college. In 2007, Hov dismissed the young rapper and the beat tape he was trying to shop around.

Jay Z, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and more at the TIDAL Music Launch Source:Getty

12. That same night, J. Cole stood around and waited for Jay Z to arrive at the studio, for 3 hours, in the rain – only to get the cold shoulder from Hov.

The 40th American Music Awards - Red Carpet Source:Getty