- - LeBron James Reacts to Exciting J. Cole Announcement

Madz DizonJanuary 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM

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NBA superstar LeBron James is among the first to react to J. Cole’s highly anticipated new album, The Fall-Off.

On Wednesday, just hours after Cole released a teaser trailer, James reshared a still from the clip on his Instagram Story with the message, “CAN’T WAIT!!! 🍿🎥 COLE WORLD 🌎.”

The teaser, which dropped quietly but made a big impact, shows J. Cole in everyday settings, washing his car, eating alone at a diner and moving through simple daily moments.

J. Cole reflected on fame and the natural cycle of rising and falling in the spotlight. The Fall-Off is scheduled for release on Feb. 6, 2026, aligning with Super Bowl weekend.

J. Cole performs onstage during the 2025 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 6, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage

This marks J. Cole’s first full-length album since 2021’s The Off-Season, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. J. Cole has teased this project for years, first referencing it in 2018 with the closing track of KOD, titled “1985 – Intro to ‘The Fall Off.’”

LeBron James shares excitement for J. Cole’s new release. pic.twitter.com/BEieLJxmni

— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) January 15, 2026

The album trailer also includes a snippet from an unreleased track where J. Cole raps, “Picture my soul climbing out of the infinite hole / Where n-as die over pride and live,” hinting at introspective themes about legacy, pride and life in the public eye. The cover art features an old photo of J. Cole’s modest studio setup, emphasizing the personal and reflective nature of the project.

Fans also noticed the album’s release date, Feb. 6, or “two six,” appears to be a nod to J. Cole’s hometown, Fayetteville, North Carolina; a recurring theme in his music.

The public reaction from LeBron James showed the respect between the two stars. J. Cole has referenced James in his lyrics as a standard for excellence, while James has praised J. Cole’s skill and dedication to his craft. Although the two aren’t close friends, this interaction places the album in a larger cultural context, showing admiration between two icons at the top of their respective industries.

J. Cole’s recent teaser and his post-Dreamville Fest interview suggest that The Fall-Off will tackle his personal journey and career trajectory, signaling a reset for the rapper rather than a response to past controversies.

Alongside the teaser, J. Cole released a music video labeled “Disc 2 Track 2,” sparking speculation that The Fall-Off could be a double album. Directed by Ryan Doubiago, the video is cinematic and structured almost like a sports documentary or a 30 for 30 episode, reflecting J. Cole’s storytelling style.

The album’s production and guest features remain unconfirmed, but anticipation is high given J. Cole’s track record for delivering albums that combine introspection, lyricism and cultural relevance.

Related: NBA Star LeBron James Sends Message to Golden Globe Winner Teyana Taylor

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pop Culture section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”