One of the most introspective and sincere rappers, J. Cole, found himself in a whirlwind of controversy after the release of his diss track “7 Minute Drill.” The song was aimed at Kendrick Lamar and served as controversial material in the hip-hop community. His fans wondered what the rapper’s intention was. However, the track was taken off streaming platforms after seven days, and only insinuations were left.
J. Cole Reportedly Advised by ScHoolboy Q to Exit Kendrick Lamar Beef PIC.TWITTER.COM/EJUNCWXK4T
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) MAY 6, 2024
Therefore, the answer to this mystery appears to be in the conversation between J. Cole and ScHoolboy Q at the Dreamville Festival. ScHoolboy Q was a friend of both performers and reportedly advised J. Cole to step back from the feud. The full details are unclear, but it is likely that ScHoolboy Q’s advice did make an impact on J. Cole that made him want to not continue.
Shortly after the diss track was removed, while performing at his Dreamville Festival, he expressed disappointment in himself. He characterized the release of the diss track as “the lamest shit I did in my fuckin’ life” and described Kendrick Lamar as “one of the greatest motherfuckers to ever touch a microphone” . The removal of the diss track and the public apology was J. Cole’s attempt to repair relationships.
J. Cole apologizes to Kendrick Lamar for dissing him on ‘7 Minute Drill’ at Dreamville Fest…
“How many of y’all think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest ever to pick up a mic”
“I haven’t been sleeping right the last few days… Ib, we taking that diss off streaming… PIC.TWITTER.COM/GAFW1G6HW9
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) APRIL 8, 2024
However, the consequences of the diss brought a significant change to their relationship. Although J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar had a lot of respect for each other prior to the conflict and even collaborated on featured songs a couple of times, the creation of the beef undoubtedly affected the relationship.
J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar have a long-standing relationship of collaboration and admiration. Still, in 2023, Cole soured things when, on Drake’s “For All the Dogs” album, he proclaimed himself, Lamar, and Drake to be a Hip Hop’s big three. Lamar didn’t take too kindly to the comment and decided to make it clear that he was in a class of his own, rejecting the classification of big three.
Cole and Lamar have worked together and admired one another for many years. However, the well-intentioned beef turned sour in 2023 when J. Cole, in a verse on Drake’s “For All the Dogs” album, identified himself, Lamar, and Drake, which was the “big three” of the industry, and Lamar replied, standing apart from the other two, saying he was not in a “big three.”
Fans quickly panned J. Cole’s verdict to pull out of the beef. Nevertheless, many have had a change of heart since then, apologizing for failing to comprehend the bigger problem at the heart of the hip-hop community and its attitudes toward conflict.
