J. Cole Joins the Nanjing Monkey Kings
American rapper J. Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, has signed a contract to play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This move highlights the 41-year-old artist's growing commitment to professional sports, a notable pivot for a major music star. The news was reported by Hlavkom, citing ESPN.
J. Cole's Professional Basketball Journey
This marks J. Cole's third serious foray into professional basketball. Previously, he played for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and for Canada's Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2022. ESPN insider Shams Charania noted that Cole had planned to play several games in China last year, underscoring his sustained ambition to blend his music career with his basketball pursuits.
Beyond the court, J. Cole is a Grammy Award winner and the creator of six platinum albums. In February 2026, he presented a new album titled The Fall-Off. He is also known for collaborations with stars like Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, and Young Thug. Cole founded the influential record label Dreamville Records, cementing his status in the music industry.
Thus, J. Cole continues to actively merge his passions in music and sports, demonstrating that his talents extend far beyond a single profession.
His signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings may signal the growing popularity of basketball in China and how cultural figures from other fields are seeking new avenues for expression outside their primary careers. As one of the world's most famous rappers, J. Cole exemplifies how sports and music can intersect, creating new formats to engage fans and expand a personal brand.