J. Cole’s latest album, “Might Delete Later,” stirred up more than just excitement among fans. The rapper found himself caught in the whirlwind of controversy after dropping a diss track aimed at none other than Kendrick Lamar. However, in a surprising twist, Cole took to the stage at Raleigh’s Dreamville Festival to publicly express regret over the diss.
Addressing the crowd with a mix of humility and remorse, J. Cole confessed, “I’m so proud of [‘Might Delete Later’], except for one part. It’s one part of that s—t that makes me feel like, man that’s the lamest s—t I did in my f—king life, right?” His candid admission left many stunned, as Cole revealed the inner turmoil he experienced in the aftermath of releasing the track.
Reflecting on the past two days since the album’s release, Cole admitted to feeling the weight of his actions. “I damn near had a relapse … I ain’t gonna lie to y’all. The past two days have felt terrible. It let me know how good I’ve been sleeping for the past 10 years,” he shared with the audience. Seeking redemption, J. Cole extended a heartfelt apology for his “misstep” and expressed a desire to realign with his true artistic path.
In a poignant moment, J. Cole acknowledged Kendrick Lamar’s greatness, prompting cheers from the crowd. The gesture served as a testament to the mutual respect between the two artists, despite their longstanding rivalry. This rivalry reached new heights in October 2023 following the release of “First Person Shooter,” a collaboration between Cole, Drake, and himself, where they claimed the title of the rap “big three.”
Kendrick Lamar swiftly responded with a verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” asserting his individual greatness with the line, “It’s just big me.” The tension between the artists escalated further amidst rumors of a beef involving Drake and Travis Scott, culminating in Drake’s symbolic act of shooting a giant inflatable head resembling Scott’s likeness during a concert.
While the origins of the beef remain unclear, one thing is certain: J. Cole’s public apology serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the rap game. As fans await further developments, one can’t help but wonder if this moment of vulnerability will pave the way for reconciliation or further fuel the flames of rivalry in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.