J. Cole releases debut mixtape “The Come Up Vol. 1” on streaming platforms

Portrait of rapper J. Cole. (Courtesy of Unsplashed.com)

After 16 years, J. Cole’s debut mixtape,” “The Come Up Vol. 1,” is now officially available on all major streaming platforms.

The mixtape, originally released in 2007, marked the beginning of J. Cole’s journey from a young rapper in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to one of hip-hop’s most celebrated artists. Fans have long awaited the availability of “The Come Up” on mainstream platforms. Its arrival serves as both a nostalgic trip and a testament to J. Cole’s growth.

 “17 years later. Better late than never. My brother @realcoleworld “The Come Up” out now on all DSP. This really started everything off… I’m about to shed a baby tear,” Cole’s longtime manager Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad said in an Instagram post. 

With  raw lyricism and storytelling, the mixtape includes early fan favorites like “Simba” and “Carolina On My Mind.” Industry critics have praised the re-release for its authenticity.

 “This project reminds us why J. Cole became a household name,” said hip-hop journalist Shauna Mason. “You hear his ambition in every bar.”

The release has reignited excitement among Cole’s devoted fanbase, many of whom weren’t able to experience “The Come Up” when it first dropped

“This is a gift to the fans and a nod to his roots,” said  Howard University student Ethan Rivera, a long-time follower of the rapper. “It’s inspiring to see how far he’s come.”

J. Cole’s decision to bring the mixtape to streaming platforms is part of a larger trend of artists revisiting their archives. For many, this moment bridges the gap between his early days as an underground rapper and his current position as a global icon.

With “The Come Up Vol. 1” now easily accessible, both new listeners and die-hard fans can experience the origin story of one of hip-hop’s modern greats.