Ask a handful of J. Cole fans why he’s their favorite rapper and you might just get a different answer every single time. The consistent theme will be how identifiable he is and his genuine drive to spread happiness and positivity. Although 2015 was the year that these traits were highlighted the most, it’s been close to a decade now since Cole’s vision truly began.

In May of 2008, more than 9 months before he’d sign to Roc Nation, J. Cole typed his first blog post. Titled “A Message to the Dream Chasers”, it briefly explained his story, background and aspirations. His prediction at the end that his career is “gonna be a crazy journey” seems almost prophetic and Nostradamus-like now. It leads us to wonder where a 23 year old from a small city in North Carolina got his determination and inspiration from. “The dude was my first fan,” his first ever mentor, Fayetteville’s Filthe Ritch tells me. “He made me feel like somebody before anybody did. I didn’t know I was nice enough to have fans period, until him. I had no idea the kids were feeling me.” The vision has always been strong.

More than 10 years later, the former protégé boasts a collection of songs which could go up against most new rappers’ best work without a hitch and whether he intended to or not, in recent years he has assumed the position of the voice of the people. Between Kendrick Lamar’s conscious, empowering records and Drake’s anthemic songs featuring crooning and braggadocio bars, J. Cole sits pretty in his own lane, his experiences and surroundings setting himself apart from anyone you might have compared him to a few years back.

His gift has always been the ability to relate to the common man. The word “man” might even be restricting his talent and putting his reach in a box. His discography showcases an array of verses penned from a woman’s perspective, giving them a form of expression which they might have previously lacked. The bigger he gets, the more down to earth he seems and at times that can be a curse, but overall it’s an almost unattainable skill if you’re not born with it.

One of the clearest themes in his career has been his home and heart, Fayetteville. “Song For The Ville” is a brilliant portrayal of his artistic ability and passion for success. One of his lesser known pieces of material, the track is a motivational piece which on paper is for his hometown, but translates as a message for the whole world. It’s a sentiment which has been displayed multiple times in his music – if you have a dream, chase it. The bigger the dreams, the smaller the competition. On the song, Cole rapped “can’t even tell you I’m sure I’ll make it to 30 (because) you never know”. He turns 31 today. January 28th.

Happy birthday, Cole.

– by Akaash Sharma