J. Cole’s latest drop is shaking things up.
Out of the blue, "Port Antonio" hit the scene on Wednesday, October 9, and it's already got fans talking.
Cole is finally speaking out on the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar - a feud that's been dominating the game all year. While the drama was unfolding, Cole stayed in his lane, choosing peace over chaos.
Now, he’s letting us know exactly why he sat this one out,
The backdrop to this drama? Kendrick Lamar stirred up the rap world back in April with his diss track "Like That", aimed squarely at both Cole and Drake.
While others took sides, Cole chose the path of peace, becoming the “silent dynamite” of the industry. He admitted to feeling the heat to respond, sharing that he felt “spiritually” uneasy about the whole thing.
“That sht don’t sit right with my spirit, that sht disrupts my f***n’ peace,” he explained. He even threw some shade at the situation, saying, “that was the lamest, goofiest sht”.
Fast forward to "Port Antonio," and Cole is ready to explain himself. In this five-minute track, he reflects on the fallout of the rap beef and why he ultimately pulled the plug.
J. Cole reveals why he backed out the Kendrick Lamar & Drake beef on 'Port Antonio' 👀
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) October 10, 2024
“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go, they wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow”
“I wouldn't have lost the battle, dog, I would've lost a bro, I… pic.twitter.com/VILlDpIxjF
"I pulled the plug because I've seen where that was 'bout to go."
Here, he acknowledges the escalating tension and wisely chooses to step back to protect his relationships. After all, he adds, "They wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow."
This line is a sharp critique of how some industry players thrive on drama, showing Cole’s desire to avoid the chaos.
He dives deeper, venting about the current state of rap: “I hate what raps become but like do-not-disturb signs.”
This shows he's fed up with artists chasing clout and drama instead of dropping real bars. Cole's all about that authenticity, craving the genuine in an industry that often sells out for the money.
Cole doesn’t shy away from giving props to Canadian Drake either, spittin’, “Drake, you’ll always be my n***a, I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me.”
This shout-out shines a light on their bond, especially in a time filled with chaos, proving that loyalty in the game means everything.
In the end, Cole sums it up perfectly with, “It’s not for beefin’, it’s for speakin’ our thoughts, pushin' ourselves, reachin' the charts.”
He’s calling for hip-hop to be about self-expression and connecting with one another instead of just tearing each other down.