J. Cole Previews New 'K.O.D.' Album During Free New York City Show

Tonight in New York city, hip-hop artist J. Cole threw a surprise fans-only event at the Gramercy Theatre.

Earlier in the day, Cole announced his plans via his personal social media accounts, telling fans to come to Gramercy Theatre at 6 p.m. EST. Though he didn’t reveal much, the post listed out a set of rules such as: no phones, cameras, bags, press list or guest list, suggesting something big was going to be revealed. Along with changing his social media profile image to a shade of purple, Cole also tweeted out “It’s Time.”

Turns out during the surprise concert, Cole did in fact play his new album titled K.O.D.. According to Sony Music Entertainment’s Brian “B.Dot” Miller, Cole played the entire 12-track album, which he states was recorded in just two weeks. Miller also revealed what K.O.D. could potentially stand for: Kidz on Drugz, King Overdose, or Kill Our Demonz, and a track title off the album, “1985.” Shortly after, Cole revealed the album would be dropping this Friday, April 20.

Check out some clips below. In addition to his surprise album, Cole dropped some new flows for ESPN’s NBA Playoff promo.

New album. KOD 4/20

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) April 17, 2018

NYC. Come through. Couple hours from now. First come first serve. pic.twitter.com/Z71I9iRnnu

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) April 16, 2018

J Cole DOES have a new album, done. He DID play it tonight I’m NYC. And judging by the crowd reactions, it DOES slap. #coleworld 🔌 pic.twitter.com/2pWQxDtaNX

— Hosp the Plug 🔌 (@Hospey) April 17, 2018

cole played the entire album. about 12 songs.

experimenting with flow.

standout tracks were the intro and last song, “1985”. no word on release date. but it’s coming.

— brian b.dot™ miller (@bdotTM) April 17, 2018

new #jcole album title: k.o.d.

three different subtitles (kidz on drugz, king overdose, kill our demonz)

recorded in two weeks.

— brian b.dot™ miller (@bdotTM) April 17, 2018