J. Cole, Nicki Minaj Share Road to the Grammys [Video]

J. Cole and Nicki Minaj will compete for Best New Artist at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12. The superstar rappers shared their journey to the Grammys in a video series presented by Pepsi and Pandora.

Before the “Work Out” MC was signed to Roc Nation, he was a college kid trying to get his CD in Jay-Z’s hands. He describes moving to the big city and being rejected by Jay the first time they met.

“Being the first artist signed to Roc Nation, there’s a lot of pressure that rides on it, a lot of expectations,” said the North Carolina native. “That’s how I work, I work off motivation. I’m about to really kill the game ’cause I’m prepared.”

Four-time nominee Nicki, who will perform at this year’s show, is just happy to be nominated. “I’m not going to be nervous about winning ’cause I really don’t think I’m gonna win anything,” said the pink-haired diva. “I know eventually in my career I’m gonna have Grammys. This year is just about being nominated and feeling grateful.”