J. Cole just struck gold. The North Carolina rapper’s debut Cole World: The Sideline Story has been certified gold for sales of over 500,000 copies after nine weeks at retail. The Roc Nation signee showed a document from his lawyer showing the RIAA’s certification.

The 26-year-old MC, who was recently honored with a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2012 Grammy Awards, took to Twitter to thank his loyal supporters. “9 weeks later. Thank you in an understatement. GOLD World,” tweeted an excited Cole. “I come from Fayetteville, NC. Shit is unreal. Thank you for the love. See you at the Grammy’s.”