J. Cole has taken the internet crazy. After choosing peace over lyrical violence and denouncing Kendrick Lamar's diss song, “7 Minute Drill,” at the 2024 Dreamville Festival last night, Cole's move has polarized hip-hop fans. Many people have voiced their opinions on social media. While fans have expressed disdain or understanding of Cole's decision, most rappers have remained mum.
Which rappers have talked about J. Cole ending this beef
It's been less than 24 hours since J. Cole slammed his own diss song and announced he'll be removing it from streaming services right before closing out Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, NC on Sunday (April 7).
“I am so proud [Might Delete Later] except for one part,” Cole told the crowd before performing his final song of the night at the festival. “There's a part of this s**t that makes me feel like 'man, this is the dumbest song I've got ever does. I did in my life, right? And I know that's not what a lot of people want to hear. I can hear my *** up there saying “But don't do that”. But I have to keep it with you”.
And he continued: “At the end of the day, when I hear it…and I see the conversation, that it doesn't suit my spirit. I have peace…in the midst of doing this…and I try to find a little corner and to downgrade this f***in catalog of n***a and his greatness I want to say right away tonight, how many People think Kendrick Lamar is one of the biggest muthaf**kas to ever touch the mic? Dreamville, you love Kendrick Lamar, right? As do I.”
A handful of rappers weighed in. Mick Jenkins let his feelings be known on Monday (April 8) via X, formerly known as Twitter. He's disgusted that Cole threw in the towel. Styles P and Guapdad 4000 shared similar thoughts, saying they were both upset but understanding of Cole's decision.
“Cole just killed my spirit” Guapdad tweeted. “But it's his happiness not mine, it's selfish to think other wise but at the end of the day I'm just a fan.”
Meek Mill admitted he wants to see the footage continue, but offered an alternative to the diss tracks. “I'd rather Cole and Kendrick do the historic album of throwing shots at the same album and eating it,” Meek told X. they say you're crazy “house on fire.”
As great a hip-hop story as this is, it's surprising that many more MCs aren't offering their two cents.
Why don't most rappers talk?
The outcry from fans is far greater than the public opinions of Cole's peers. So what gives? Well, for one, a lot of rappers don't seem to want to be in the mix. Choosing one side or the other could lead to a rapper being caught in the middle. While Cole has been simmering about K-Dot, he could have easily redirected the smoke to the rapper's way of choosing to discuss a topic that was none of their business. There's also the possibility that all this beef is a ruse, and jumping out the window with a harsh opinion could lead to trouble down the road.
For whatever reason, most of Cole's peers seem to be reserving judgment, for now.
