Cole recently found himself in hot water following the release of his latest album, Might Delete Later, which included a controversial diss track aimed at fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. During his performance at Raleigh’s Dreamville Festival, Cole publicly addressed the issue and expressed regret over his actions.
In videos circulating on social media, Cole, 39, can be seen speaking to the crowd at the festival just two days after dropping his album. He specifically referred to the track “7 Minute Drill,” which features lyrics that take direct shots at Lamar, 36, suggesting that he hasn’t produced quality work in a long time.
Despite being proud of his latest album, Cole openly admitted his dissatisfaction with this particular aspect, labeling it as “the lamest s—t” he’s ever done in his life. He went on to share the personal impact of this misstep, revealing that it had left him feeling troubled and close to a relapse.
In a candid moment on stage, Cole apologized for his actions and acknowledged the importance of staying true to his own path. He sought forgiveness from the audience, emphasizing his desire to get back on track.
During the festival, Cole took a moment to highlight Kendrick Lamar’s immense talent, asking the crowd if they considered Lamar to be one of the greatest artists to ever touch a microphone. This gesture was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
The rivalry between Cole and Lamar has been ongoing, particularly heightened after the release of the song “First Person Shooter” in October 2023, where Cole and Drake referred to themselves alongside Lamar as the “big three” of rap.
Kendrick Lamar responded to this in his verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” dismissing the notion of a “big three” and asserting his individual prowess in the rap scene.
Interestingly, Drake’s recent actions at a concert seem to indicate a different sentiment toward Lamar. During his performance, Drake playfully mocked Travis Scott by shooting at a giant inflatable head resembling Scott’s likeness, hinting at potential tensions within the music industry.
The speculation around this feud stems from Scott’s appearance during a set by Metro Boomin and Future at Rolling Loud California, where he prompted the duo to play “Like That.” However, the live version omitted Lamar’s verse directed at Drake.
The dynamics within the rap community continue to evolve, with artists like J. Cole navigating the complexities of competition and creative expression. Despite the occasional misstep, Cole’s public apology reflects a commitment to integrity and growth in the face of controversy.
As the story unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate how these narratives will shape the future of hip-hop and the relationships between its prominent figures. The clash of titans in the rap world adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing saga of music industry drama and intrigue.
