‘When you see that someone can make it on their own … you let that talent be,’ label boss says of J. Cole. By Rob Markman Jay-Z Photo: MTV News Jay-Z isn’t a dad quite yet, but maybe his many years as a label head has prepped him for fatherhood. “I think running a label is a bit like having kids,” Hov told MTV News while in New York to promote two charitable Carnegie Hall concerts in February. The Roc Nation CEO’s answer came in response to criticism that he could have done more to endorse J. Cole , who dropped his debut, Cole Word: The Sideline Story, in September. “When you know someone needs more help, you help them,” Jigga said. “When you see that someone can make it on their own … you see Kanye or J. Cole, you see that sort of talent — you let that talent be. You let that talent find its way.” It’s no secret that a co-sign from the God MC can help anyone’s career, but in the case of J. Cole, Hov didn’t believe his Roc Nation signee needed any more than what he was given. And apparently, Jay was right. With Sideline Story, Cole debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart, selling more than 217,000 copies in its first week of release. To Hova’s credit, he did appear on “Mr. Nice Watch,” a braggadocios album cut off of Cole’s debut, but the guest appearance came in the ninth inning. By August, Jay had not yet contributed to the album. During a press listening session that month it was clear that Cole was not expecting the feature. “Nobody owes me anything,” he said. “Jay-Z doesn’t owe me a verse because I signed to him.” Still, Jay was watching his prot
