Rapper J. Cole takes his basketball dream to China with new deal
J. Cole is taking his long-standing basketball dream to a new stage after signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association. The move, confirmed by Shams Charania , marks another chapter in the rapper’s unique journey between music and sport.
Charania reported on X that the Grammy-winning artist finalized a deal after previously committing to a short stint with the Chinese club. Now, at 41, Cole returns to professional basketball with renewed intent, following earlier appearances in Africa and Canada. MORE: Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘different animal’ admission on Michael Jordan “J.
Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, per ESPN sources,” Charnia posted on X. “The multi-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist had committed to playing a few games for the Chinese team last year, and now follows through. ” Basketball has always been central to Cole’s identity.
Long before global fame, he played in high school and later attempted to walk on at St. John’s University. Though music eventually took priority, the competitive edge never faded.
Cole’s albums often reflect that mindset, especially projects like The Warm Up and The Off-Season , where he draws clear links between rap and sport. How basketball has inspired J Cole A mural of hip-hop artist J. Cole is located on Murchison Road on Matthews Street, across from Fayetteville State University.