J. Cole Shines Like True Star At SXSW

J. Cole helped close the annual South by Southwest festival with a top notch performance that proved he’s not just one of rap’s best performers, but music in general.

Cole was a crowd favorite at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, delivering his smart rhymes like they were club anthems.

As he entered the stage, Cole paused to take in the loud cheers from the audience.

Photo: Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP

ACL Moody Theater during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

“Don’t get it twisted, I don’t care if you only like one song or just the first album,” he told the feverish crowd in Texas during the middle of his set. “If you came through tonight to show love, I appreciate you.”

Cole’s performance started Saturday and ended early Sunday morning. He kicked off his set with “Nobody’s Perfect” from his 2011 debut album, but switched to tracks from his critically-acclaimed third release, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, including “Wet Dreamz,” ‘‘A Tale of 2 Citiez” and “Fire Squad.”

The Grammy-nominated performer, whose was mentored by Jay Z and is signed to his Roc Nation management company, has launched his own label called Dreamville. Cole’s signees, Bas, Cozz and Omen, also performed Saturday.

Cole also performed his popular hits like “Work Out,” ‘‘Can’t Get Enough” and “Crooked Smile.”