In the music world, an album release date is generally given very strategic planning. Most artists signed to a major (or major indie) label rarely want to compete with a similar act (who may share fans) or one with higher name recognition. So it's interesting that J. Cole on Monday announced he had moved up the release date for his sophomore album by one week. Born Sinner will now arrive on June 18, the same day as Kanye West's Yeezus, which had the Twittersphere fired up for most of this past weekend.

In addition to the new arrival date, J. Cole also revealed the album artwork for his followup to Cole World: The Sideline Story, which is seen left.

As with the new Ye material, which he premiered on Saturday Night Live, much of the Web also seems divided about Cole's little switch. One fan on Twitter accurately commented: "Seems HOV taught him to play chess, not checkers." That highlights another fact: Cole is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Nothing like a little friendly competition, right?

"Kanye West is one of the greatest artists of our generation," Cole said on Monday. "Which is exactly why I'm moving up my release date. Born Sinner June 18."

Many of Cole's fans seem to be excited and supportive about the new date, with most concluding that if the MC feels good about going head-to-head with a heavy hitter like Mr. West, they must certainly be in for a treat.