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Joseph Okpako / Contributor via Getty s, Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty s, and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty s
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Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake
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On the evening of Wednesday, October 9th, J. Cole candidly discussed his choice to refrain from engaging in the ongoing conflict between Drake and Kendrick Lamar through his new track, “Port Antonio.” This unexpected release was exclusive to his Instagram and YouTube platforms, mirroring the recent strategies of fellow top-tier rappers.
“I disengaged because I foresaw where that situation was heading/ They craved controversy, they needed attention to fill their wallets/ They perceive the spark in my writing and assume I’m evading trouble/ I wouldn’t have lost a battle, brother, I would’ve sacrificed a friend,” admitted Cole. “I would’ve invited an adversary, and for what? Just to gain a few more/ Acknowledgments from individuals who lack understanding of my true intentions?”
Earlier in April, Cole extended an olive branch and expressed remorse for releasing “7 Minute Drill,” his comeback to Lamar’s feature on “Like That.” During the Dreamville Festival in 2024, the Born Sinner artist remarked, “I hope my brother genuinely wasn’t feeling some type of way, and if he was, I’m ready to take it.” The track, which was featured on Might Delete Later, was removed from streaming platforms shortly after its release.
In “Port Antonio,” the North Carolina rapper addressed his “First Person Shooter” collaborator with clear intent. He rapped, “They claim I’m choosing sides, hey, don’t lie on me, my brother/ Then instigate another conflict, hey, Drake, you’ll forever be my brother/ I’m not hesitant to state you’ve contributed immensely to my journey, my brother/ Forget all the stories.”
Cole collaborated with Metro Boomin and Future for the track “Red Leather” in April, and later teamed up with ASAP Rocky for “Ruby Rosary” in September. Drake aimed some jabs at both the producer and the Harlem artist in his track “Family Matters,” where artists such as The Weeknd, Rick Ross, and Lamar were also targeted.
Leading up to “Port Antonio,” Cole had an impressive series of collaborations, which included tracks like Tee Grizzley’s “Blow For Blow” and Tems’ “Free Fall.” Check out the responses to the latest release below.