HBO Debuts Music Special J. COLE FOREST HILLS DRIVE: HOMECOMING Tonight

One of music's biggest stars returns home to Fayetteville, NC, delivering a riveting performance in the exclusive HBO presentation J. COLE FOREST HILLS DRIVE: HOMECOMING, debuting TONIGHT, JAN. 9 (10:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT). Part concert film, part backstage pass, the special tells his compelling LIFE STORY through Cole's own words and music, and through the observations of those who know him best.

The special will also be available on HBO NOW and HBO GO.

Featuring guest appearances by Jay Z and Drake, J. COLE FOREST HILLS DRIVE: HOMECOMING showcases live versions of all 13 songs from his third album, "2014 Forest Hills Drive." Cole delivers a powerful performance that leaves his fans elated or in tears, connecting with audiences in a way few others can. Songs from "2014 Forest Hills Drive" include "January 28th," "Wet Dreamz," "03' Adolescence," "A Tale of 2 Citiez," "Fire Squad," "St. Tropez," "Love Yourz," "G.O.M.D.," "No Role Modelz," "Hello" and "Apparently."

Released on Jay Z's Roc Nation label in Dec. 2014, "2014 Forest Hills Drive" sold 350,000 copies in its first week, and went on to become the first rap record in 25 years to go platinum without featured guests. Reviewing the album, the New York Times said, "Mr. Cole is undeniably in the top tier of current hip-hop stars," while Vibe remarked, "This is 4his 'Blueprint', the best rap album to drop this year."

J. Cole debuted in 2007 with his mixtape "The Come Up," followed in 2009 by a second mixtape, "The Warm Up," and attracted widespread attention for his appearance on "A Star Is Born," from Jay Z's album "The Blueprint 3."

J. COLE FOREST HILLS DRIVE: HOMECOMING was directed by Scott Lazer; edited by Oliver Riley-Smith; executive producers, Jermaine Cole, Ibrahim Hamad and Adam Roy; producers, Jon Muedder and Tim Grant; directors of photography, Ben Premeaux and Bernardo Marentes.