J. Cole Sells New Album From His Car Trunk at NC A&T
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Grammy-winning rapper Jermaine “J. Cole” Cole made a surprise visit to North Carolina A&T State University over the weekend. He sold copies of his new album, The Fall-Off, directly from the trunk of his car.
This move took many back to his early days as an independent artist.
Cole, who is from Fayetteville, surprised hundreds of students and fans on Saturday evening. He parked an old Honda Civic on campus and offered physical CDs of The Fall-Off for sale while signing autographs and taking photos.
In a social media post before his appearance, Cole called the gesture a “full circle” moment. He remembered that his first experience selling music personally happened at NC A&T during a homecoming event years ago.
He shared, “NC A&T. First time I ever sold a physical version of my own full project was on your campus during Homecoming…” He wanted to recreate that feeling with his latest project.
The Fall-Off, released on February 6, 2026, is Cole’s seventh studio album and a double album that reflects on his artistic growth over the past decade. The main themes of personal growth and reflection seem to have inspired his decision to take the music directly to fans in a more personal way.
Instead of relying only on traditional promotion or major launch events, the rapper announced what he calls his “Trunk Sale Tour.” This includes a series of pop-up stops where he will sell CDs from his trunk and meet with fans in person.
He posted, “Trunk Sale Tour 26!! I don’t know where we bout to drive to, but catch me outside! Cop a CD from me or just show love.”
According to reports, students at NC A&T quickly gathered around Cole’s vehicle, creating an informal event that highlighted his connection to the local community and his roots. The scene showed his preference for a personal celebration of music and legacy over flashy displays.
It is unclear if this approach will continue beyond North Carolina, but for many at the campus, the moment provided both nostalgia and inspiration from an artist who chose humility and history over hype.
