Friday, February 10, 2012
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(Feb. 9, 2012) Rapper J Cole, a nominee for Best New Artist at this year’s Grammy Awards, will perform Feb. 23 as the headliner for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 2012 HOMECOMING concert.
The 27-year-old released his gold-selling debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story” this fall. It includes the hit single, “Work Out,” which sold 12 million downloads.
Born Jermaine Cole, he first dreamed of being a rapper at the age of 12 and starting making tracks at age 15. His lyrics tell the story of his poverty-stricken Fayetteville, N.C. community.
Cole is a success story, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in communications from St. John’s University in New York. Music though, was his calling.
Cole was the first artist to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. He had several successful mix tapes, “The Warm Up,” “Who Dat” and “Friday Night Lights,” was featured on Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 3,” and opened on tours with Jay-Z and Rihanna. This month, he appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” singing “Can’t Get Enough.”
Other artists appearing at the university’s concert are R&B singer/songwriter Miguel, the hip hop/rap group Travis Porter and the New Impressions Band.
Miguel, 25, released his first album with Jive records, “All I Want is You,” two years ago. It includes the hit single of the same name with J. Cole and his second single, “Sure Thing.” The L.A. native calls his style “eclectic.” Miguel co-wrote on Usher’s “Raymond V Raymond” album.
“Ali” Mattox, “Quez” Woods and “Strap” Duncan are Georgians who make up the group Travis Porter. Their 2012 hit, “Go Shorty Go,” made the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. Other hits are “Bananas,” “Bring It Back” and “Make It Rain.”
Tickets for the Homecoming concert are $40 general public and $30 for UMES students. The concert is 7 p.m. at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center with doors closing at 10:30 p.m. Call 410-651-6434 for more information.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.
