J. Cole Owns Up to Lame Kendrick Lamar Diss: “The Lamest S*** I Ever Did”

In the world of hip-hop, beefs and diss tracks have long been a part of the culture, with rappers trading verbal jabs and lyrical shots. However, not all disses are created equal, and sometimes, even the most talented artists can find themselves regretting their choice of words. Such was the case for J. Cole, who recently expressed remorse over a Kendrick Lamar diss on his newly released album, “Might Delete Later.”

The Track That Started It All: “7 Minute Drill”

On the track “7 Minute Drill,” which features Cole’s alter ego “KiLL.EDWARDł,” the rapper takes aim at Kendrick Lamar, one of the most acclaimed and respected emcees in the game. In a surprising twist, Cole himself admitted that the diss was a misstep, calling it “the lamest s*** I ever did in my f—— life.”

During his performance at the Dreamville Fest on Sunday, Cole opened up about the controversy, revealing his mixed feelings about the album. “I’m so proud of that project, except for one part,” he confessed to the crowd. “It’s one part of that s— that make me feel like, ‘Man, that’s the lamest s— I ever did in my f—— life.’ And I know this is not what a lot of people want to hear.”

The Backstory: Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That” Verse

The diss track on Cole’s album was a response to Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on the song “Like That” by rapper Future and producer Metro Boomin. In the verse, Lamar took shots at both Cole and Drake, seemingly addressing a line in their collaborative track “First Person Shooter” where Cole declared himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “Big Three” of rap music.

Lamar’s verse sparked widespread speculation and anticipation among fans, who believed it was too scathing for Cole and Drake to ignore. Many expected a response, and Cole’s “7 Minute Drill” was his attempt to “jab” back at Lamar.

J. Cole Quotes: Owning Up to the Misstep

However, in a display of maturity and self-awareness, Cole acknowledged that his diss track didn’t sit well with him. “I tried to jab,” he admitted, “but I didn’t feel no way, and I hope he [Kendrick Lamar] didn’t feel no way. I’m saying if he did, I’ll take that s— on the chin.”

Cole’s willingness to own up to his mistake and express remorse is a refreshing departure from the typical bravado and ego-driven responses that often fuel rap beefs. Instead of doubling down or defending his actions, he chose to take accountability and acknowledge that the diss track was a misstep.

The Diss That Didn’t Land

In the controversial verse, Cole takes a shot at Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” suggesting that it “put people to sleep.” This particular line drew criticism from fans and critics alike, as “TPAB” is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a seminal work in hip-hop.

Some rap fans online felt that Cole’s diss was weak and ineffective, given the overwhelming praise and accolades that “To Pimp a Butterfly” received upon its release. The album not only won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2016 but also earned Lamar a Pulitzer Prize in 2018, making him the first rapper to receive the prestigious award.

Moving Forward: Respect and Accountability

Despite the misstep, Cole’s candid admission and willingness to take responsibility for his actions have earned him respect from fans and fellow artists alike. In an era where rap beefs often spiral out of control and escalate into real-life conflicts, Cole’s approach highlights the importance of accountability and self-reflection.

By acknowledging his mistake and expressing a willingness to “take it on the chin” if Lamar was offended, Cole demonstrated a level of maturity that is sometimes lacking in the rap game. It’s a reminder that even the biggest artists are human and capable of making mistakes, but it’s how they own up to those mistakes that truly matters.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether Kendrick Lamar will respond to Cole’s diss or accept his olive branch. Regardless, Cole’s willingness to express regret and take accountability for his actions has set a positive example for the hip-hop community, reminding us that true artistry extends beyond just lyrics and beats – it’s also about owning up to one’s mistakes and striving for personal growth.

As the dust settles on this particular rap feud, fans and artists alike can take away valuable lessons from J. Cole’s candid admission. In an industry often plagued by ego and bravado, his willingness to acknowledge a misstep and express remorse is a refreshing display of humility and self-awareness – qualities that are just as vital to the art of hip-hop as lyrical prowess and beat-making skills.