J. Cole Talks International Markets, Sophomore Album

by Sean Ryon

Cole chops it up with BET about his international appeal and his sophomore album.

BET's Jabari Johnson recently caught up with Roc Nation star J. Cole while on tour with Tinie Tempah in the United Kingdom. During the interview, Cole spoke on his cross-country appeal and the importance of showing love to his international fan base. He said that the Internet has made the world a smaller place, so it's important to him to treat his international fans to as many live performances as his American audience.
"It's very important because these days...the Internet makes the world smaller," Cole explained. "[Europe and Asia are] as big market[s] - more fans, more opportunity, more business, more longevity [as an artist]...it gives you more longevity and security in your career."
Cole also spoke on his as-of-yet untitled sophomore LP, which he says will be in stores by 2012. He explained that he wants to one-up his recent studio debut Cole World: The Sideline Story with his second go-around, and that for himself it's all about artistic evolution.
"[I'm aiming my next album for] next year, definitely next year," he said. "Summertime, end of summer, maybe. I'm not gonna call it, but that's what I'm shooting for...I [want to] have it be way better than [Cole World: The Sideline Story]...I just want to keep evolving."
Check out the full interview below.