At Dreamville Festival, J. Cole opened up about his latest album, “Might Delete Later,” and expressed regret over one particular track, “7 Minute Drill,” where he aimed a diss at Kendrick Lamar. The admission came amidst an ongoing feud between the two artists, prompting reflection from Cole on his actions.
In a candid moment with the crowd, Cole confessed, “I’m so proud of ‘Might Delete Later,’ except for one part. It’s one part of that sht that makes me feel like, man that’s the lamest sht I did in my f**king life, right?” He further revealed the emotional toll of the past two days, acknowledging the weight of his actions and the impact on his psyche.
The diss track, featuring lines like “He averagin’ one hard verse like every 30 months or somethin’” and “He still doin’ shows, but fell off like the Simpsons,” added fuel to the fire in the ongoing rivalry between Cole and Lamar. The feud escalated following Cole’s collaboration with Drake on “First Person Shooter,” where they hinted at being the “big three” alongside Lamar, inciting a response from the latter in March.
Cole’s onstage apology reflected a moment of humility and self-awareness, as he sought forgiveness for his “misstep” and expressed a desire to return to his true artistic path. Amidst the tension, he paused to acknowledge Lamar’s talent, asking the audience, “How many people think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest motherfkers to ever touch a fking microphone?”
The relationship between Cole and Lamar, alongside Drake, has been a defining narrative in contemporary hip-hop, with all three artists achieving immense success and influence in the industry. Despite their differences, the acknowledgment of Lamar’s greatness serves as a reminder of the mutual respect shared among artists striving for excellence in their craft.
As the saga continues to unfold, the reconciliation between Cole and Lamar remains uncertain. However, Cole’s public apology marks a moment of introspection and growth, highlighting the complexity of artistic rivalries amidst the pursuit of creative expression and personal integrity.