You can always expect some drama in the world of rap, and recently, J. Cole found himself at the centre of it after releasing a diss track aimed at fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. Titled 7 Minute Drill, the song was Cole’s response to Lamar’s verse on the hit single Like That, where Lamar asserted his dominance in the rap game.
Cole didn’t hold back in his response, criticising Lamar and even going as far as calling his latest album “tragic”. However, it seems Cole had a change of heart after the track’s release. Speaking at the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, Cole expressed regret over his “lame” and “goofy” response, stating that he felt terrible in the days following the song’s release and even felt like he was on the verge of a relapse.
Seeking forgiveness from Lamar, Cole acknowledged that his diss track was a misstep and expressed his desire to get back on track. The controversy didn’t stop there, as the feud between Cole, Lamar, and Drake escalated further. Last year, Cole suggested that he, Drake, and Lamar were the current “big three” in hip-hop, sparking a reaction from Lamar who declared himself as the sole standout with no “big three – it’s just big me”.
The pressure to respond to Lamar’s taunts led Cole to write a comeback, which he described as a “bazooka” dropped on the game. Despite friends and colleagues calling it “war time” and encouraging him to show no mercy, Cole admitted that the end result didn’t sit right with him spiritually.
In a surprising move, Cole publicly praised Lamar’s talent and back catalogue, hailing him as “one of the greatest”. He even welcomed Lamar to take his best shot if he felt offended by the diss track. As a gesture of goodwill, Cole vowed to either remove or update 7 Minute Drill from streaming services, in a de-escalation attempt to mend fences.
This isn’t the first time a rapper has retracted a diss track after its release. In Cole’s early career, veteran MC Canibus apologised to him for a diss track and acknowledged Cole’s reign in the hip-hop world. The apology highlights the respect and camaraderie that can exist in the rap industry, even amidst feuds and controversies.
The incident involving J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar serves as a reminder of the power of words in the world of hip-hop and the importance of maintaining respect and integrity in artistic expression. While disagreements and rivalries may arise, ultimately, it is the music and the fans that should take precedence over petty disputes and ego clashes.
Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.
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