Rapper J. Cole Signs With Chinese Basketball Team Nanjing Monkey Kings

The musician continues his pursuit of professional basketball, joining the Chinese Basketball Association after previous stints in Africa and Canada.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:44pm

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Rapper J. Cole has signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association, continuing his pursuit of playing professional basketball. The 41-year-old musician previously played in the African Basketball League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and is now looking to fulfill a long-standing personal goal of competing professionally on the court.

Why it matters

Cole's move to the Chinese league represents his ongoing commitment to basketball despite his immense success in the music industry. His willingness to balance his musical career with professional sports aspirations speaks to his passion for the game and desire to explore this part of his identity.

The details

According to Cole, the Nanjing Monkey Kings had been trying to bring him on board since last year, and he ultimately decided to take them up on the opportunity. The rapper acknowledged that he is getting older and sees this as potentially his 'last shot' at professional basketball, having previously played in leagues in Africa and Canada.

  • J. Cole first entered professional basketball in 2021 with the Rwanda Patriots in the Africa Basketball League.
  • In 2022, he joined the Scarborough Shooting Stars in Canada's Elite Basketball League.
  • Cole's latest album, 'The Fall Off,' was released earlier this year.
  • Cole is set to begin a tour in July in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

J. Cole

A 41-year-old rapper who has now signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association, continuing his pursuit of playing professional basketball after previous stints in Africa and Canada.

Nanjing Monkey Kings

The Chinese Basketball Association team that has signed J. Cole to their roster.

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What they’re saying

“'The basketball s–t is like me just trying to scratch a last itch of, let me see if I can do this.'”

— J. Cole, Rapper

“'I'm looking at the clock like, I'm getting older, like this might be my last shot. So I'mma keep my word to them and show up and play a couple games.'”

— J. Cole, Rapper

What’s next

Cole is set to begin a tour in July in Charlotte, North Carolina, continuing to balance his music career with his time on the basketball court.

The takeaway

J. Cole's move to the Chinese Basketball Association represents his lifelong passion for the sport and his determination to explore this part of his identity, even as he maintains his successful music career. His willingness to take on this new challenge at the age of 41 speaks to his drive and commitment to fulfilling his basketball dreams.