Jay Z Presents J. Cole With His Original Roc-A-Fella Chain
The Roc was in the building when J. Cole brought his “What Dreams May Come” tour to The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday. The North Carolina rapper, who celebrated his 29th birthday, was joined onstage by his mentor Jay Z, who performed “Public Service Announcement” and presented his protégé with his original Roc-A-Fella Records chain.
“It’s his birthday, but he giving out gifts. So I think it’s only right that you get a gift,” said Jay. “That on your neck is my original Roc chain and it’s yours.”
“This is unreal,” responded Cole, who thanked him and asked for one more birthday gift, that he perform “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt.”
During “Forbidden Fruit,” the birthday boy boasted about selling more albums than Kanye West’s Yeezus, rapping, “Fucked around and sold more albums than Kanye.”
Fresh from the Grammys, Kendrick Lamar surprised the crowd with his verse and also performed “Backseat Freestyle” as the crowd cheered.
Earlier in the day, Cole dropped his free mixtape Revenge of the Dreamers and announced his Dreamville label with Interscope Records. The first signee is Paris-born rapper Bas.
Watch Cole celebrate his birthday onstage with his friends and fans.