J. Cole Opens Up About Regrettable Kendrick Lamar Diss in His Recent Album: 'Reflecting on the Mistake'

J. Cole Regrets 'One Part' on His Latest Album Which Includes His Kendrick Lamar Diss Track

J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar. Getty Images(2)

J. Cole has had a change of heart about his recent Kendrick Lamar diss track in a surprising turn of events.

Videos circulating on social media captured Cole, 39, addressing the crowd during his performance at Raleigh’s Dreamville Festival on Sunday, April 7. Just two days before, Cole had released his latest album, Might Delete Later, which features the song “7 Minute Drill” with lyrics aimed at Lamar, 36, like, "He averagin’ one hard verse like every 30 months or somethin’” and “He still doin’ shows, but fell off like The Simpsons.”

Cole expressed his pride in [Might Delete Later], but admitted there was one part he wasn't happy with. He reflected on feeling like it was the "lamest" thing he had ever done in his life.

He opened up about nearly having a relapse, confessing that the past two days had been tough. This experience made him realize how well he had been sleeping for the past decade. Cole apologized for his mistake and humbly asked for forgiveness as he aimed to return to his true path.

He asked the crowd, "Who here believes Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers to ever grab a mic?" The audience erupted in cheers.

J. Cole Regrets 'One Part' on His Latest Album Which Includes His Kendrick Lamar Diss Track

Cole and Lamar's rivalry had been ongoing for quite some time, but things took a turn in October 2023. This happened after the release of the song "First Person Shooter" by Cole, Lamar, and Drake. In the song, they referred to themselves as the "big three" of rap.

Cole, Drake, and Lamar have won numerous Grammy Awards. In 2018, Lamar made history as the first non-classical or jazz musician to receive the Pulitzer Prize.

Lamar responded with a powerful verse on the track "Like That" by Future and Metro Boomin. He confidently declared that there was no "big three," asserting, "It’s just big me." This track was featured on the collaborative album "We Don’t Trust You" by Metro Boomin and Future, released on March 22.

Drake may not share the same feelings as Cole. At a concert on March 31 as part of his It’s All A Blur – Big as the What? Tour, fan videos captured Drake performing "Meltdown," his collaboration with Travis Scott from Scott's 2023 album Utopia. In a playful moment during the show, Drake acted as if he was shooting a large inflatable head resembling Scott.

Some theories suggest that the tension began when Scott made an appearance during Metro Boomin and Future’s performance at Rolling Loud California in March. During the set, Scott seemed to encourage the duo to tease a track called "Like That." However, the live performance did not include any diss towards Drake from Lamar.

Editor's P/S:

J. Cole's recent apology for his Kendrick Lamar diss track highlights the complexities of hip-hop rivalries. While these feuds can generate excitement and buzz, they can also lead to personal reflection and a reevaluation of one's actions. Cole's admission that his diss was "the lamest" thing he had ever done suggests that he recognizes the potential for such conflicts to overshadow his artistic integrity.

The article also sheds light on the dynamic between Cole, Lamar, and Drake. Lamar's assertive response to Cole's diss, coupled with Drake's seemingly playful mockery of Travis Scott, hints at a simmering tension within the rap community. However, the article acknowledges that the origins of this tension remain unclear, with some speculating that Scott's appearance during Metro Boomin and Future's performance may have played a role. Ultimately, the article serves as a reminder that behind the larger-than-life personas of hip-hop stars, there are complex individuals navigating the challenges of fame, competition, and personal growth.