J. Cole Covers RESPECT Magazine’s Year-End Issue

Rapper J. Cole appears on the cover of the year-end, 2nd Anniversary issue of RESPECT. magazine. The cover boasts the headline, "Nice Guy. Mean Flow. No. 1 Album," followed by this honest tagline: "Jay-Z's Roc Nation MC Silences the Critics."

Undoubtedly, the 2011 Rap Rookie of the Year Award belongs to J. Cole. After waiting three years on the sideline anxious to get his chance to shine, he has now become one of the most promising artists in the rap game. His debut LP 'Cole World: The Sideline Story' is by far one of the best rap debuts of 2011.

'Cole World' is also this year's highest-charting debut album from a first-time artist, with 218,000 copies sold in its first week of release. Now that's respect on a whole new level.

The RESPECT. cover features a sauve-looking Hollywood Cole with his well-groomed Fu Manchu beard and mustache. He's also wearing a cool black military jacket with matching embroidered T-shirt and jeans. With both hands in his pockets, the North Cackalacka rapper looks like the average Joe from around the way. Much like the cover, Cole's songs reflect a street attitude but have plenty of lyrical style and wit.

In addition to J. Cole, the magazine will also feature interviews with this year's rap heavyweights including Big Sean, Common and rap newcomer Meek Mill. There's also a handy Winter Gift Guide to help you find the perfect present for that music lover in your life.

Overall, this is a wonderful pre-Christmas gift from the editor (props to Elliott Wilson) of RESPECT. magazine. The year-end issue will hit newsstands on Nov. 29. Go cop it!