Fayetteville rapper J. Cole on cover of new NBA 2K23, has character in game

The newest J. Cole drop isn't on iTunes.

Fayetteville's own Grammy-winning rapper is pictured on the cover of 2K Sports' NBA 2K23. Cole will be featured in the Dreamer Edition of the game's expanded MyCareer mode when it launches Sept. 9 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

"NBA 2K has long been a place to discover new musical talent through their game and continues to be a gold standard for showcasing all things basketball culture," J. Cole said in a statement Thursday.  "It's been an amazing journey to not only appear on a cover of this year's game, but to be part of the MyCAREER storyline, soundtrack and bring the Dreamer brand into NBA 2K. There's also more to come, so watch out for all things Dreamville and Dreamer brand drops during Seasons and for Bas and Elite in this year's MyCareer story."  

Cole is the first artist featured on the NBA 2k cover in a celebration of the "intersection of music and basketball culture," NBA2K Sports Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy Alfie Brody said in a statement.

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Cole, a Terry Sanford alum, played pro basketball with the Rwanda Patriots of the Basketball Africa League last summer and earlier this year signed to play with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

But he's known mostly for his clever rhymes and catchy hooks as a multi-platnum rapper and producer. 

In the MyCareer mode of the game, artists from Cole's Dreamville record label, Bas and Elite, will "help players befriend J. Cole and capture the hearts and minds of The City," according to 2K.

The game's soundtrack will also feature Jackson Wang, Jack Harlow, Destiny Rogers, and Megan Thee Stallion, among others. 

Cole's most recent album, "The Off-Season," was released in May of 2021. It's his sixth studio album, following his 2011 debut, "Cole World: The Sideline Story," which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. 

In March, Dreamville released their DJ Drama-hosted mixtape "D-Day," and Cole has appeared on songs by Benny the Butcher, YG, and Bia.

NBA2K23 Dreamer Edition will be available at GameStop.