J. Cole found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after the release of his diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar, “7 Minute Drill.” However, the rapper swiftly backtracked, offering a heartfelt apology and pledging to rectify his misstep by either revising the track or pulling it from streaming services altogether.
The controversy stemmed from a lyrical exchange that began months prior, when J. Cole, alongside Drake, positioned themselves alongside Lamar as the hip-hop “big three” in the song “First Person Shooter.” Lamar, however, dismissed this comparison in a guest verse on “Like That,” stating, “it’s just big me.”
In response, J. Cole retaliated with “7 Minute Drill,” featured on his surprise album, “Might Delete Later.” Yet, the song’s release was met with immediate backlash, prompting J. Cole to take to the stage at his Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, N.C., to issue a public apology. Expressing regret for the diss track, he acknowledged that it didn’t align with his principles and sought to put an end to any lingering animosity between him and Lamar.
During his performance, J. Cole emphasized Lamar’s unparalleled talent, referring to him as one of the “greatest” in the industry and expressing hope for forgiveness. Reflecting on the aftermath, he admitted to feeling unsettled by the situation, recognizing the toll it took on him emotionally.
Despite his apology, “7 Minute Drill” remained accessible on major streaming platforms, indicating that the rapper’s promise to amend the situation was yet to be fulfilled. The album “Might Delete Later” was released under J. Cole’s Dreamville Records label, a subsidiary of Interscope Records, which falls under the umbrella of Universal Music Group.
While Lamar has yet to publicly address the controversy, Drake indirectly responded to his verse during a concert in late March. The trio, comprising J. Cole, Lamar, and Drake, has a history of collaboration and individual success in the music industry, with accolades including Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as Lamar’s 2018 Pulitzer Prize win for his album “DAMN.”
