J Cole Reflects on Controversial Diss Track at Dreamville Festival
The Backstory: Kendrick Lamar vs. J Cole
The feud between J Cole and Kendrick Lamar ignited with Cole's song "7 Minute Drill," a response to Lamar's verse on "Like That." Lamar challenged Cole's assertion of being part of the "big three" in hip-hop, sparking a war of words.
Regret and Reflection
During his performance at the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, J Cole confessed to feeling "terrible" about his response to Lamar's verse. He admitted feeling conflicted and pressured by industry expectations to retaliate.
A Change of Heart
Despite initial intentions to stand his ground, Cole expressed remorse for his "lame" and "goofy" response. He recognized the misstep and apologized to Lamar, acknowledging the song's negative impact on his spirit.
De-escalation and Removal
Cole emphasized his respect for Lamar's artistry and promised to remove or update "7 Minute Drill" from streaming platforms. He recognized the need for de-escalation and reconciliation in the hip-hop community.
Historical Precedent
This isn't the first time a rapper has retracted a diss track. In 2011, Canibus apologized to J Cole after releasing a song accusing him of disrespect, acknowledging the backlash and expressing regret for his actions.
