The most impressive aspect outside of the quality of his product is that this is his third album and his sales increased even if the promotion wasn't explosive 1989 style.
This can go well for his longevity because for the longest time a 3rd era's success increasing or at least performing above average for it's output pretty much would solidify an artist in the game.
The first one can be off of hype.
If you survive the sophomore jinx maybe you were just anticipated or lucky
but the third one shows whether you sink or swim (a la I am sasha fierce, Britney, Volume 3, Miss E so addictive etc.)
Good on J cole I can only imagine how many units he would have sold had he been on a huge promotional blitz.
Save that for era 4, Jermaine.
He deserves it so much.
