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Paras Griffin / Stringer via Getty Images and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty Images
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Joe Budden and J. Cole
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Earlier this week, J. Cole articulated his perspective on stepping back from the much-publicized feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake on “Port Antonio.” Numerous listeners felt that the track came much too late in the game, particularly since the altercation had dwindled by July, including Joe Budden.
This past Saturday (Oct. 12), the “Pump It Up” artist and his podcast collaborators engaged in a passionate discussion. In response to Cole’s line, “They strip me of my spot, and now I’m finally free,” Budden expressed, “What do you mean you’re finally free? That sidesteps all responsibility for his role in the ‘big three’ controversy. What does ‘finally free’ mean, as if you never desired a piece of the ‘big three’ discourse? That’s complete nonsense.”
“Why don’t you go sit over there with Sunshine Anderson and the others who’ve had a change of heart? Don’t suddenly show up and say, ‘If I would’ve, I could’ve, but then I would’ve lost [a friend],’” the rapper-turned-podcaster continued. “I can’t stand this weak Hip Hop stuff. It’s soft; let’s just call it for what it is. These Hip Hop artists are acting like they’re scared out here.”
Budden’s remarks stood in stark contrast to the compliments he had previously given the North Carolina rapper for his recent series of features. In recent months, Cole notably teamed up with Tee Grizzley on “Blow For Blow,” Tems on “Free Fall,” and ASAP Rocky on “Ruby Rosary.”
“I appreciate it more as time progresses. He did well to keep himself out of [the] drama,” Budden remarked at the start of October. “I believe he strayed for a moment, had some private conversations, and got back to his groove.”
Regarding “Port Antonio,” Cole brushed off the critics and conveyed his gratitude towards Drake. It’s important to note that the Canadian superstar assisted him in achieving his first No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart with “First Person Shooter” in 2023.