J. Cole on Drake-Kendrick Feud: ‘Disgusting’ Opportunism & Hip-Hop’s Divides
Rapper J. Cole publicly addressed the ongoing fallout from the highly publicized feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, criticizing what he described as a rush to judgment and a campaign to diminish Drake’s legacy. Cole’s remarks, made during a conversation with Cam’ron for an upcoming episode of Cam’ron’s Talk With Flee podcast, surfaced online Monday and quickly ignited discussion among fans and observers of the hip-hop rivalry.
According to a clip shared on Instagram by @nfrpodcast, Cole lamented the divisive nature of the conflict, stating, “Right away, the world, it became like politics. You’re either Democrat or Republican, you’re either Kendrick or you’re Drake, and you’ve got to pick a side. And I felt like the ni–a that was disgusted both ways, damn near.” The comments, scheduled for full release on Tuesday, March 24, reveal Cole’s frustration with the polarized reactions to the escalating tensions.
The feud, which has been simmering since 2013 following Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” intensified dramatically in 2024 with Lamar’s lyrics in “Like That.” Cole’s initial involvement came through a feature on Drake’s “First Person Shooter,” followed by his own brief foray into the conflict with a diss track he later retracted. He now appears to be advocating for a more nuanced perspective.
Cole specifically criticized what he characterized as a coordinated effort to undermine Drake’s standing in the hip-hop community. “It’s disgusting how people tried to apply that opportunity to either display how they really felt about Drake the whole time or just pile on and tear this dude down and create a narrative as if he’s not great. It was a whole campaign and probably still is ’til this day,” he said. This assessment comes as Drake faces increased scrutiny following a series of pointed diss tracks from Lamar.
While acknowledging the negative attention directed at Drake, Cole also recognized Kendrick Lamar’s surge in cultural prominence during and after the feud. Lamar’s recent successes include the critically acclaimed GNX project, high-profile performances like “The L.A. Pop Out: Ken &. Friends,” a Super Bowl halftime show performance, and multiple Grammy Awards. Cole conceded that Lamar’s momentum was undeniable, even as he expressed sympathy for Drake.
Despite his reservations about the public spectacle, Cole expressed hope for Drake’s future, particularly regarding the release of his long-awaited album, Iceman. “But I also hate that for Drake and I hate how the world turns on him,” Cole stated. “Still, he’s rooting for Drake to respond in a big way this year, as he’s set to release his long-awaited Iceman, which Cole ‘hopes goes crazy.’”
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar rivalry, now entering its thirteenth year, has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern hip-hop. The conflict, marked by increasingly personal attacks and a clear shift in public sentiment favoring Lamar, continues to unfold, leaving the future of both artists’ careers and their relationship uncertain.