J.Cole dropped a surprise album titled “Might Delete Later” on Friday, where he appeared to respond to Kendrick Lamar’s recent diss track aimed at him and Drake.
In the track “7 Minute Drill,” Cole hinted at hearing about Lamar’s diss, rapping lines such as “I got a phone call, they say that somebody dissing / You want some attention, it come with extensions.” He also referenced Lamar’s discography, mentioning his first album as “classic” and his latest as “tragic,” implying that Lamar’s prime is past while his own is just beginning.
Additionally, Cole made mention of Lamar’s infrequent releases in his “The Heart” series, suggesting that without diss tracks, there wouldn’t be much discussion about Lamar’s music. He ended the verse by stating his appreciation for Lamar’s music but asserting his ability to outshine him on the mic.
Speculation arose among fans that Cole’s track samples Drake’s “Energy” from his 2015 mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.”
This apparent retaliation comes after Lamar dissed Cole and Drake in Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” claiming sole dominance in the rap industry.
The relationship between Cole, Lamar, and Drake has a history of collaboration and friendly competition. Despite their past collaborations, tensions have arisen, particularly after Lamar’s infamous verse on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013, where he challenged his contemporaries, including Drake, to up their game. This led to ongoing banter and occasional disses between the three artists over the years.
Drake has yet to respond directly to Lamar’s latest diss, but the history between the three rappers suggests that this rap beef might continue to escalate.
