Roc Nation protege J. Cole has offered his reaction to rap mogul Jay-Z recently predicting he should easily win “Best New Artist” hands down at the upcoming annual Grammy Awards ceremony. Admitting the Grammy nod came as a surprise, Cole said he has no cockiness despite Young Hov’s remarks. “It would be incredible to win. That’s an understatement … since I didn’t even expect to get nominated. But I’m not walking in there with the attitude that I’m the guy [to beat]. But if I won, I’d know why. And if I didn’t win, I’d understand.” (Los Angeles Times) Last week, Jay said Cole was a no-brainer for the Grammys’ “Best New Artist” category. “I think it’s great for him, because I’m sure it’s a dream of his. We grew up seeing Michael Jackson, and I’m sure he grew up seeing whatever moment stuck in his mind, so I know it’s great for him to do that,” Hov told MTV News following a press conference announcing a pair of charitable shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. “I think he’s already won Best New Artist, to me. His journey is what I’m really excited about.” (MTV) The rapper faces stiff “Best New Artist” competition from fellow rap star Nicki Minaj and other non-rap musicians. Here are the nominees in the top categories for the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which were announced Wednesday night in Los Angeles. Winners will be unveiled on Feb. 12. New Artist: The Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex. (CBS News) Earlier this fall, the rapper’s long-awaited Roc Nation album debuted atop its competition. Leading the pack this week is J. Cole’s Cole World: The Sideline Story debuting at No. 1. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the North Carolina rap newcomer’s long-awaited debut album has sold 217,300 copies after seven days in stores. (SOHH Sales Wrap) The 54th Grammy Awards will be televised Sunday, February 12th from Los Angeles.
Roc Nation protege J. Cole has offered his reaction to rap mogul Jay-Z recently predicting he should easily win “Best New Artist” hands down at the upcoming annual Grammy Awards ceremony.