J. Cole then responded with a diss song called “7 Minute Drill.” I wrote an article that said this is what Hip Hop fans needed to hear. Then out of the blue J. Cole apologized to Kendrick Lamar on stage during his annual Dreamville Festival.
Mainly, because J. Cole’s subject matter in his most recent verses has centered around how dope he is lyrically. He lets it be known without hesitation that he is the best rapper in the game.
Then for him to get challenged by another emcee, and respond, only to apologize seems wack. I do understand with the history surrounding rap beef in Hip Hop, things can escalate quickly.
However, I don’t believe this particular battle could be classified in the same category as 2Pac and Biggie. J. Cole and Kendrick are not what we consider “drill” or “gangsta” rappers. The Hip Hop community would have been shocked if their battle extended beyond the music. That’s why I was confused with J. Cole’s apology.
From my understanding, Hip Hop is supposed to be a competitive sport. When an emcee is confronted by another emcee who thinks he or she is superior, you are supposed to respond, period.
Not only am I disappointed, but I’m also disinterested in the other artists’ responses who have followed J. Cole’s diss song.
Drake responded to Kendrick Lamar with a song called “Push-Ups.” Rick Ross jumped in the ring and made a diss song towards Drake called “Champagne Moments.” Even ASAP Rocky dissed Drake in a verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s song “Show of Hands.”
Blah, blah, blah! It sounds like a bunch of murmurs to me at the moment. It feels like all these artists are doing it for the attention, and not for the culture. I despise that and wish it would stop!
I blame J. Cole for this madness, if he had stayed the course, let Kendrick respond, and come back with another song, I would have been more receptive to this circus that is going on now. Now it seems fake and contrive.