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Paras Griffin / Stringer via Getty s and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty s
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Joe Budden and J. Cole
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This week, J. Cole explained his decision to step aside from the notorious feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake on “Port Antonio.” Many fans considered the track to be released too late, given that the rivalry had largely died down since July, including Joe Budden’s perspective.
On Saturday (Oct. 12), the “Pump It Up” artist and his podcast team engaged in a lively discussion. Reflecting on Cole’s lyric, “They strip me of my spot, and now I’m finally free,” Budden remarked, “What do you mean you’re finally free? That statement entirely disregards any accountability regarding his role in the ‘big three’ controversy. It sounds like a bunch of nonsense to claim you’re finally free as if you were uninterested in the ‘big three’ discourse.
“Why don’t you go sit with Sunshine Anderson and those who changed their minds? Don’t come back and say, ‘If I would’ve, I could’ve, but then I would’ve lost [a friend],’” the rapper-turned-podcaster further elaborated. “I can’t stand this soft approach in Hip Hop. Let’s call it what it is. These Hip Hop artists are acting like cowards.”
Budden’s remarks were in stark contrast to the previous accolades he granted to the North Carolina rapper for his recent collaboration spree. In recent months, Cole has worked with Tee Grizzley on “Blow For Blow,” Tems on “Free Fall,” and ASAP Rocky on “Ruby Rosary.”
“As time passes, I have more respect for the way he navigated this situation. He skillfully distanced himself from [the] drama,” Budden commented earlier in October. “He briefly strayed from his character, had some private conversations, and quickly got back to business.”
Regarding “Port Antonio,” Cole seemed unbothered by the criticism and expressed appreciation for Drake. It’s noteworthy that the Canadian artist played a pivotal role in helping him achieve his first No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart with the track “First Person Shooter” in 2023.