J. Cole, hip hop's "Middle Child," has returned with the announcement of his new album, "The Off-Season," which will be released next week. The album's surprise release coincides with the 14th anniversary of his first mixtape, "The Come Up."

"Just know this was years in the making," J. Cole said in a tweet announcing the album and unveiling the cover art. "The Off-Season's"  cover art depicts Cole standing off to the left, gazing off into the distance, as a basketball hoop burns in the background.

For nearly three years, anticipation has been building for the release of Cole's highly awaited sixth studio album. The Dreamville rapper and co-founder started to tease The Off-Season after releasing his fifth number one album in a row, "KOD," The first hints of the album appeared in the freestyle "The Album of the Year," in which the lyricist boasted about his hit album to anyone who would listen. "The Off Season is coming soon...," read the explanation for the freestyle music video. "All roads lead to The Fall Off," which revealed the title of the recording artist's next album.

The forthcoming album was supposed to be part of a three-part album release. The plan was to start with The Off-Season, then "It's a Boy," and finally "The Fall Off," which was also hinted at in the album of the Year Freestyle track. Nonetheless, anticipation for the rapper's sixth studio album remains high, with fans eagerly anticipating another album from him to debut at number one.

J. Cole's The Off-Season will be released on May 14th, with a new track from the album titled I n t e r l u d e" released at midnight today. Take a listen below.

Just in case you missed it, take a listen to DJ Khaled's new album KHALED KHALED.

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