J. Cole is proof that you can do it your way, if you’re bold enough
Much ink has been spilled over J. Cole‘s inspiring 3rd album roll-out, and the connection he’s been able to establish with his fans, be it via marching with protesters in New York City, or going to visit random people in Atlanta and have lunch with them. His promotional strategy was void of elaborate marketing schemes, gimicky pressers and radio show appearances–he performed on Letterman during the week of his album release, but performed a song that wasn’t even on his album–and there were no big-time features to look forward to.
Well, clearly, Cole and company knew what they were doing. When the official numbers are released tomorrow, 2014 Forest Hills Drive will have moved 361,120 copies of his 3rd LP, a notable number for many reasons. Not only is it the best first-week showing of his career–which is impressive considering his lowest mark came with his 2011 debut (218,000)–but it will be the best first-week sales mark of any Hip-Hop album in 2014, topping ScHoolboy Q‘s Oxymoron (139k) and Rick Ross‘ Mastermind (179,000).
Grab your copy here.
