Rapper J. Cole returned to his hometown of Fayetteville, N.C. on Thursday to launch his annual Dreamville Weekend, which is named after his record label that he started when he was in college. The Roc Nation artist was honored with his own holiday as Cumberland County Commissioner Charles Evans officially proclaimed March 1, 2012, as “J. Cole Day.”

The Fayetteville Observer reports that Hollywood Cole visited his alma mater, Terry Sanford High School, to talk with students about the importance of a college education and to pursue their dreams. “The world is much bigger than Fort Bragg Road; I want you all to go grab your dreams,” said the hometown star. “But before you can do that, you have to want to be something.”

On Saturday (March 3), the Grammy-nominated rapper will perform a special concert for the hometown crowd at the Fillmore in Charlotte, N.C. For J. Cole, it’s always been a dream for him to return to his old neighborhood and inspired others to achieve. “Back in college, before I ever had a record deal, I knew I wanted to give back and help kids succeed,” he said. “With Dreamville Weekend, we want to raise money to give kids experiences they might not otherwise get, like going to a real record studio or to the zoo.”

In celebration of his Dreamville Weekend, J. Cole also dropped off a new joint, the Elite-produced “Visionz Of Home.” The song fits perfectly with Cole’s vision of giving back to the community that has given so much to him.

Listen to J. Cole, ‘Visionz of Home’

Watch J. Cole Speaking to Students at Terry Sanford High School

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