J. Cole’s ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’ Album Lands at No. 1

J. Cole "didn't believe in their projections," but the rapper has come out on top with his third album, ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive,’ selling 361,120 copies in its first week of release.

This is the third time Cole has achieved a No. 1 album, according to Hits Daily Double. He captivated audiences with his 2011 debut, ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story,’ which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. He then avoided the sophomore curse and reclaimed the lead spot again -- in its second week of release -- with his highly anticipated 2013 LP, ‘Born Sinner.’

The Roc Nation rhymer now has the highest hip-hop first week album sales of 2014, beating out Rick Ross’ ‘Mastermind,’ which sold 179,000 units.

It’s safe to say Cole has a place in the hierarchy of great MCs. Not too many rappers can release a chart-topping album with little to no promotion. The North Carolina native revealed he would be putting out a third project about a month before its actual debut. The album is being praised for his conscious stream of rhymes on tracks like 'Love Yourz' and the bold claims on 'Fire Squad.' Songs like 'Intro' and 'Apparently' have already received visuals.

Congrats J. Cole on reaching the top once again.

Listen to J. Cole's '2014 Forest Hills Drive'