J. Cole is returning to professional basketball, this time in China, as he prepares for a major international music tour.
The Grammy-winning rapper has signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association, marking his third stint in a professional league.
Cole, 41, confirmed the move in recent interviews and social media posts, describing the opportunity as both personal and unfinished.
“The basketball s**t is like me just trying to scratch a last itch,” Cole said.
A Return to the Court
Cole’s latest signing continues a pattern of blending his music career with his long-standing passion for basketball. He previously played for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and later joined the Scarborough Shooting Stars in Canada in 2022.
His performances in those leagues were modest, but his presence generated global attention.
The Nanjing Monkey Kings had reportedly expressed interest in Cole last year. He is now following through on that commitment.
“Could I train and be able to go play professional?” Cole said in an interview.
Despite acknowledging he is not in peak playing shape, Cole has embraced the challenge. He has already been seen in China warming up with the team and interacting with fans.
This move places him in one of Asia’s top basketball leagues, a step up in competition compared to his previous appearances.
Balancing Music and Competition
The basketball stint comes just months after the release of Cole’s latest album, The Fall-Off, which debuted in February.
The project is widely viewed as a significant milestone in his career and may be his final studio album.
Cole is also preparing for a 73-date world tour set to begin July 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The tour will span multiple continents, including stops across North America, Europe and Africa.
His decision to join a professional team ahead of the tour reflects his continued effort to pursue both passions at once.
“He can come be on the court and he can give our league some publicity,” Cole said, acknowledging the dual nature of his presence.
While some fans have questioned the timing, others see it as consistent with Cole’s career-long emphasis on personal growth and authenticity.
For Cole, the opportunity appears less about statistics and more about fulfillment.