Grammy-Winning Rapper J. Cole Signs with Chinese Basketball Team

The 41-year-old musician will play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to capture the dynamic movement and energy of the sport.A celebrated musician's unexpected pivot to professional basketball showcases the creative energy and competitive spirit that can transcend artistic disciplines.Fayetteville Today

Acclaimed rapper J. Cole, known for hit albums like 'The Fall Off,' has signed a contract to play professional basketball for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in China's top basketball league. This is not Cole's first foray into professional hoops, as he previously suited up for teams in the Basketball Africa League and Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Why it matters

J. Cole's decision to pursue a professional basketball career at age 41 is an unusual move for a Grammy-winning musician at the height of his music career. It highlights his lifelong passion for the sport and desire to test himself against elite international competition, even as he continues to release acclaimed albums.

The details

According to ESPN, the two-time Grammy winner, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, has signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association. Cole has played professionally overseas before, suiting up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022.

  • In a recent interview with Revolt, Cole said the Monkey Kings had been offering him a contract last year.
  • Cole, now 41 years old, said he feels this may be his 'last shot' to pursue his basketball dreams.

The players

J. Cole

A 41-year-old Grammy-winning rapper who has signed a contract to play professional basketball for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in China's top league, the Chinese Basketball Association.

Nanjing Monkey Kings

A professional basketball team in the Chinese Basketball Association that has signed rapper J. Cole to a contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The basketball s— is like me just trying to scratch a last itch of, yo, let me see if I can do this. Could I train and be able to go play professional because these teams in these leagues are looking at it like, 'He's not a–. He can come be on the court, and he can give our league some publicity.'”

— J. Cole, Rapper

What’s next

Cole said he plans to honor his contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings and play a 'couple of games' for the team, even though he acknowledges he may not be in peak physical condition due to his recent music work.

The takeaway

J. Cole's decision to pursue a professional basketball career at age 41, after achieving massive success as a Grammy-winning rapper, underscores his lifelong passion for the sport and desire to test himself against elite international competition. This unusual move highlights how some top artists are willing to step outside their primary creative fields to chase other athletic dreams.