J. Cole is driving the internet crazy. After Cole chose peace over lyrical violence and denounced his Kendrick Lamar song “7 Minute Drill” at last night’s 2024 Dreamville Music Festival Cole’s move polarized hip-hop fans. Many people expressed their opinions through social media. While fans have openly expressed disdain or understanding for Cole’s decision, most rappers have remained silent.
Which rappers have talked about J. Cole ending this beef
It’s been less than 24 hours since J. Cole denounced his diss song and announced it would be removed from streaming services ahead of the finale of Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday (April 7).
“I am very proud [Might Delete Later] Except for one part,” Cole told the audience before performing his final song of the night at the festival. “There was a part of the song where I was like, ‘Man, this is the lamest song I’ve ever heard. Did it in my fucking life, right? I know that’s not what a lot of people want to hear. I can Hear my voice up there saying, ‘No, don’t do that.’ But I gotta stay close to you guys.”
He continued, “At the end of the day, when I heard it…I saw the speech, it was at odds with my spirit. It disrupted my life. Peace…and while I was doing it… …and try to find a little angle and downplay this n***a’s catalog and his greatness. I would say tonight right now, how many people consider Kendrick Lamar to be one of the greatest Mutafkas to ever touch a microphone? Dreamville, you all love Kendrick Lamar, right? Me too. “
Some rappers also weighed in. Mick Jenkins took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his feelings on Monday (April 8). He was disgusted that Cole had thrown in the towel. Styles P and Guapdad 4000 had similar thoughts, saying they were both upset by Cole’s decision but also understood.
“Cole just killed my spirit,” Guarda wrote on Twitter. “But this is his happiness, not mine, and it would be selfish to think otherwise, but at the end of the day I’m just a fan.”
Meek Mill admitted he’d like to see the shots continue, but offered an alternative to the track. “I’d rather Cole and Kendrick throw shots at the same album and eat up this historic album,” Meek shared on X. “It was just words! They knew it wasn’t going to be violent. Why is everyone pushing beef but they say you’re crazy when you’re on that album ‘House on Fire.'”
Even though this is a big hip-hop story, it’s surprising more hosts don’t offer their two cents.
Why don’t most rappers speak out?
The fans’ protest was far greater than the public opinion of Cole’s peers. So, what gives? Well, for one thing, a lot of rappers don’t seem to want to get involved. Choosing one side or the other can leave a rapper stuck in the middle. While Cole has cooled down on the K-Dot thing, he could easily redirect Smoke like the rapper who chose to engage in a topic that has nothing to do with them. There’s also the possibility that all these complaints could be a ruse, and jumping out the window with a harsh opinion could lead to problems down the road.
Whatever the reason, most of Cole’s peers appear to be reserving judgment for now.
