J. Smooth: Reportedly, when J.Cole first met hip-hop kingpin Jay-Z, the latter wasn't particularly impressed. But a demo tape later, the young rapper from North Carolina was signed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, and, as is often the case with Z's business decisions, it seems to have paid off. J. Cole's new LP, Cole World: The Sideline Story, debuted as the No. 1 bestselling album of the week. He plays tonight at the Electric Factory. $41.25. 8 p.m.
Age of Hell: If metal is more your bag, you're in luck: The hard-hitting metal band Chimaira is also in town, in support of their new album The Age of Hell. Take a Dante-like trip through the underworld with a live show that promises to be a fiery assault on your delicate senses. They play tonight at the Trocadero. $21. 6:45 p.m.
Beer O'Clock: Craft brew lovers don't necessarily expect the typical happy hour offered by local pubs to be able to satisfy their cravings, but the Khyber Pass Pub is hardly typical. The beer lover's pub serves up $10 select pitchers, $1.50 domestic bottles, $3.50 mixed drinks, $2 off drafts, $1 off everything else, so you can still drink cheaply, but do it well. 4-6 p.m.
Going out can be a gamble, so why leave it up to chance? Stack the deck every afternoon by peeping Play's Dance Card.
