Rapper J. Cole Signs With Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings

The 41-year-old hip-hop star plans to play point guard for the team.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color in blues, oranges, and silvers, conveying the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.J. Cole's move to the Chinese Basketball Association adds another chapter to the rapper's lifelong passion for the sport.Fayetteville Today

Rapper J. Cole has officially joined the Chinese Basketball Association, signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. The organization announced Cole's arrival, noting that he plans to play point guard. This marks the Born Sinner rapper's third stint playing basketball overseas, following stints with the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2022.

Why it matters

J. Cole's decision to join the Chinese Basketball Association is the latest example of his long-standing passion for basketball, which he has pursued alongside his successful music career. This move highlights the versatility and dedication of the acclaimed rapper, who continues to balance his two major talents.

The details

Shortly after news of Cole's signing broke, videos surfaced of the Fayetteville, North Carolina native getting shots up as he prepared for his debut with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. However, Cole did not appear in the team's game later that day. Outside of basketball, Cole has also announced The Fall-Off Tour and recently revealed that Kendrick Lamar was originally featured on two songs from the project before it was leaked.

  • In 2022, Cole suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League.
  • The Nanjing Monkey Kings had a game later on the day Cole's signing was announced, though he did not appear in the matchup.

The players

J. Cole

A 41-year-old rapper from Fayetteville, North Carolina who has signed with the Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings to play point guard, marking his third stint playing basketball overseas.

Nanjing Monkey Kings

The Chinese Basketball Association team that has signed rapper J. Cole to play point guard.

Kendrick Lamar

A fellow rapper who was originally featured on two songs from J. Cole's upcoming album The Fall-Off before the project was leaked.

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What they’re saying

“I had The Fall-Off finished. I probably had to tweak a couple of mixes. At that time, I had been working on The Fall-Off, which was done, and by the way, somebody leaked it. He was on two joints.”

— J. Cole, Rapper

What’s next

Cole is expected to make his debut for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the coming days or weeks, as he continues to prepare for the upcoming Chinese Basketball Association season.

The takeaway

J. Cole's decision to join the Chinese Basketball Association demonstrates his unwavering passion for the sport, which he has pursued alongside his successful music career. This move highlights the versatility and dedication of the acclaimed rapper, who continues to balance his two major talents.