J. Cole Hot New Album Release News Update: '2014 Forest Hills Drive' Debuts at Top of Billboard Charts

J. Cole's third solo album "2014 Forest Hills Drive" debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The North Carolina-raised lyricist actually announced his 13-track project just three weeks before its release and did not drop any initial singles ahead on radio.

He also had a perfect chance to promote his new record by appearing as a musical guest on "The Late Show with David Letterman," just a day after the release; however, he chose to perform a new version of "Be Free," instead of a track off the album.

Cole clearly did not care about the numbers, as he took to his Twitter account at the time:

I dont believe in their projections. And I dont believe in their reviews. Good or bad. I believe in God, in myself, in the music and in you.

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) December 10, 2014

Album in stores now. 2014 Forest Hills Drive. No thank you on projections. Just did Letterman, I'll never forget it. Thank you God. — J. Cole (@JColeNC) December 10, 2014

Despite his lack of interest in album sales, the "Born Sinner" rapper's latest effort, which sold 375,000 copies in its first week (according to Nielsen Music), marks his third consecutive album to hit No. 1. 2011's "Cole World: The Sideline Story" started at No. 1, selling 212,000 units, while 2013's "Born Sinner" initially debuted at the No. 2 spot but later reached No. 1 in its third week with 297,000 copies. 

So what does J. Cole think about the successful release of his "2014 Forest Hills Drive" album? He commented via Twitter:

The real is back

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) December 16, 2014

The #'s are humbling. It's a win for all artists and fans and a clear message to the industry. No singles no features. Stop serving trash — J. Cole (@JColeNC) December 17, 2014