J. Cole‘s recent retraction of his diss towards Kendrick Lamar has sparked a heated debate among fans, with many expressing their disappointment and even disgust.
Not only were many hip-hop heads offended by J. Cole’s apology, but some expressed their hurt by the gesture and said it signaled the demise of the music genre.
Cole, 39, expressed remorse during his concert performance at Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina, about 50 miles north of his hometown of Fayetteville. He explained to the crowd that the diss song “7 Minute Drill” was “lame” and “corny” and that it disturbed his spirit to fire back at Lamar.
Lamar, 36, had thrown shade at J. Cole and Drake, 37, on the heat-seeking single “Like That,” a collaborative piece he did with Future and Metro Boomin for the “We Don’t Trust You” album.
J. Cole apologized to Kendrick Lamar at Dreamville Fest. He called 7 Minute Drill lame and said K Dot can respond but he won’t be responding back. #dreamville #jcole #kendricklamar #hiphop #drake #ovo #tde #kendricklamar pic.twitter.com/LgSTSdaJqA
— Thought Crimez (@Thought_Crimez) April 9, 2024
Even the disgraced Suge Knight flamed J. Cole
Fans’ sensibilities weren’t the only ones rankled by J. Cole. Even the notorious convict Suge Knight, who fanned the flames of the most infamous and tragic rap beef of all time between the East and West coasts, was merciless in his assessment of J. Cole.
The Death Row founder taunted J. Cole by saying he couldn’t handle the Los Angeles heat — Lamar was born and raised in suburban Compton — and that he should be resigned to playing “flag football” since he can’t handle tackle.
Suge Knight gives J Cole harsh criticism for apologizing to Kendrick Lamar. Claims victory for the west coast. “Can’t handle a field of tackle, find a flag!” pic.twitter.com/ArcA1x7Ti4
— VideoMixtapeTV (@videomixtapetv) April 9, 2024
Fans bark at J. Cole on social media
Others’ sentiments ranged from disappointment to severely offended.
Megan didn't respond to Nicki
J Cole apologizing to Kendrick
real rap, hip hop is done i fear 😭 pic.twitter.com/oVr2yxIK2N— spicebae (@spicebae_) April 8, 2024
J Cole apologizing for making a diss record, what happened to hip hop pic.twitter.com/gYYLKb5E81
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 8, 2024
What J Cole did might not be good for hip hop but it’s most definitely good for the black community. Our culture DESPERATELY needs to see black men apologizing and showing maturity.
— I Hope I Dont Sound Ridiculous but.. (@DasaniWThaDrip) April 8, 2024
in all seriousness, the man said he almost relapsed and that this whole thing was taking a toll on his peace. so he’s done. why come on here and continue to bash him & contribute to a possible decline in his mental health? for the sake of “hip hop”? yikes
— jelly rowland (@blkbruja) April 8, 2024
It went from “hip hop is a competitive sport” to j cole being the bigger person for apologizing to Kendrick yall don’t stand on nothing. 😭
— somebody pls get that man a gun. (@maliegotit) April 8, 2024
Competition between elite artists in hip-hop has been missing, and what Cole and Kendrick gave us a week ago was really refreshing. It's disappointing to see Cole bow out pic.twitter.com/2lEn3NhWJI
— Aye Yo B (@BeSmoove7) April 8, 2024
I feel bad for the rappers who really love hip hop, the sport and competition of it all. The ability to bar your way to the elite status and eliminate any who stand in your way.
Your now being told that’s immature and not the peaceful way to ascend. YUCK.
— Yusuf Yuie ✨ #VeteranFreshman (@YusufYuie) April 8, 2024
Apologising for competitive friendly rap beefs. This is the state of hip hop now because you guys said the best rappers are light skin
— .. (@BodegaaCat) April 8, 2024
