Jay-Z

Lore & Background

After graduating from college, J. Cole sought to attract the attention of Jay-Z in the hopes of working with him. Following several efforts, including increased social networking activity and seeking internships at recording studios, J. Cole was finally contacted by Jay-Z and invited to contribute to his eleventh studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009). Cole later recalled walking into the studio and seeing Jay-Z with Beyoncé: "My motherfucking heart damn near fell out my chest." The collaboration became "A Star Is Born," which features verses from both rappers. Cole subsequently signed a recording contract with Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation, becoming the first artist signed to the label.

Reader's Guide

Jay-Z is the mentor who signed J. Cole to Roc Nation after Cole's persistent efforts to get his attention. Their key collaboration is "A Star Is Born" from The Blueprint 3 (2009), where Jay-Z recognizes rappers who have risen to fame in the last decade, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, T.I., Eminem and 50 Cent. Notably, Jay-Z also gives shout-outs to Mobb Deep, and Nas, two of the artists whom he had previously insulted on his 2001 song "Takeover." The song's chorus is performed by R&B singer Tony Williams; an early version featured vocals from both Williams and Kid Cudi, but only Williams' contributions were used in the final mix. J. Cole performed his verse on "A Star Is Born" at the 2010 BET Awards, where he also added an additional verse, and at Hot 97's 2010 Summer Jam concert.

Did You Know?

• Tony Williams was not aware of the prominence of his vocals on the song until his friend Omar Edwards approached him and complimented his performance.
• "A Star Is Born" peaked at number 91 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart following the release of The Blueprint 3.