J. Cole Expresses Regret Over Kendrick Lamar Diss Track

J. Cole has expressed regret for releasing a diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar during their ongoing feud.

During the Dreamville Festival, videos surfaced on social media showing Cole addressing the crowd. He apologized for a song on his new album "Might Delete Later" called "7 Minute Drill."

"I'm really proud of 'Might Delete Later,' but there's one part that I'm not too happy about," he mentioned. "That one part just makes me cringe and think, 'Man, that's the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life, you know?"

J. Cole performs on stage during Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration in December 2023.

J. Cole performs on stage during Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration in December 2023.

Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Images

He admitted, "I almost had a relapse... to be honest with you all. The last two days have been rough. It made me realize how well I've been sleeping for the past decade."

In the song, Cole criticized Lamar with lines such as "He only drops a solid verse every 30 months or so" and "He's still performing, but his career has declined like the Simpsons."

Their long-standing rivalry reached a new level last October when Drake and J. Cole worked together on the popular song "First Person Shooter." In the song, they hinted that they, along with Lamar, were the top three in the hip-hop scene.

A scene from Drake's music video for his 2015 hit "Hotline Bling".

A scene from Drake's music video for his 2015 hit "Hotline Bling".

Cash Money Records/YouTube

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Lamar fired back in March, stating in a verse of Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” that there was no big three, “just big me.” This was a response to a previous verse on Big Sean’s 2013 “Control,” where he mentioned his fellow rappers and expressed his competitive drive by saying “I got love for you all, but I’m tryna murder you.”

In an interview with Hot 97’s “Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg” show, Lamar clarified that his lyrics were meant to convey his hunger and drive to succeed, rather than making a statement about his talent compared to others.

Two days after the heated exchange, Cole took the stage and openly apologized for his recent actions. He acknowledged his mistake and asked for forgiveness, expressing his desire to return to the right path.

During his apology, Cole praised Kendrick Lamar, calling him one of the greatest artists to ever touch a microphone. The audience responded with cheers and applause, showing their support for both artists.

They have collaborated in the past and are considered some of the most influential hip-hop artists of their time. Together with Drake, they have achieved great success in the music industry. Kendrick Lamar, in particular, made history by becoming the first non-classical or jazz musician to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 2018. Additionally, all three artists have been honored with multiple Grammy Awards for their exceptional talent.

Editor's P/S:

J. Cole's regret over his diss track towards Kendrick Lamar highlights the complexities of hip-hop culture, where competition and respect often intertwine. While the rivalry between these two icons has fueled memorable music, Cole's apology demonstrates the importance of maintaining a level of sportsmanship and acknowledging the talent of one's peers. It also serves as a reminder that even the most successful artists are not immune to missteps and that growth and reconciliation are possible.

The article provides a glimpse into the ongoing dynamics between J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, who have shaped the landscape of hip-hop in recent years. Their collaboration on "First Person Shooter" sparked speculation about a "big three" within the genre, while Lamar's response in "Like That" asserted his singular position. However, Cole's apology and his praise for Lamar suggest a willingness to move beyond the competitive aspect and recognize the artistic excellence of his fellow rapper. Ultimately, this episode underscores the multifaceted nature of hip-hop, where rivalry, respect, and mutual admiration coexist.