Back to the Basics: J. Cole Connects With Students on “Trunk Sale Tour”
By Leyah Jackson
Courtesy of The Fall Off
J. Cole is making his rounds to colleges on a “Trunk Sale Tour” following the release of his long awaited album, “The Fall-Off”. The Grammy awarded rapper is selling copies of “The Fall-Off” out of his Honda Civic.
So far he has visited several campuses such as Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, and Norfolk State University, documenting each of his stops and encounters on instagram and youtube. All over social media, students have been rushing to the streets and posting their pictures with the music artist.
“He’s trying to bring back the Hip Hop he grew up with for the new generation, while also marketing his album because he really wants us to hear what he has to say,” said Kira Pugh, first year in the five year MBA program.
The album claimed No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking J.Cole’s 7th No 1. album. His song “Two Six”, is the opening track on the album, and a gritty homage to Cole’s hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, known locally by the moniker “2-6”. The song serves as a reflection on his journey and legacy, and leaves a message about staying true to oneself.
“The experience of being in his presence was a memory I'll cherish forever. As an individual who resides in a state like Mississippi, artists of his caliber rarely visit my area, and when they do, it usually comes with a fee that doesn't work in my favor. So to see him free of charge was remarkable,” said first year computer science major Quintarion Hayes.
The second track on Disc 39, "The Fall-Off is Inevitable", is a deeply autobiographical song that analyzes Cole’s journey in reverse starting from death and ending with birth. It reviews his life’s work, explaining that struggle and change is inevitable, and reinforcing finding peace within fame.
“I enjoyed the album; it showcases the versatility of J.Cole as an artist. I met my expectations of being a quality piece of art,” continued Hayes.
J. Cole’s official The Fall-Off World Tour kicks off in July 2026. General public tickets went on sale Friday, February 20, 2026.
