NC to NJ; first time and SOLO!

I'm looking to go visit my friend up in NJ and would be leaving from NC. It's about 8.5 hours, but it's a relatively straight shot minus a few turns and breaks for gas, etc.

As someone who doesn't drive on the interstate too often (only a few times a month), and someone who has NEVER done this before, should I go through with it? I want an adventure while I have a chance to. No one else will go with me, so I have to do it on my own . FYI -- Two years of driving experience in city (started when I was 18) and a bit on the interstate. Would fly, but driving is so much cheaper.

Planned to leave at 4am next Friday so I could arrive in the afternoon. I don't think I could handle huge traffic just yet, plus I know the NC area very well so leaving when it's a bit dark isn't an issue.