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Johnny Nunez / Contributor via Getty Images and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty Images
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Joe Budden and J. Cole
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At the start of the year, J. Cole exited the rap rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, subsequently embarking on another impressive streak of collaborations. On Wednesday (Oct. 2), Joe Budden praised the North Carolina artist for rediscovering his groove following what could have been a career-threatening choice.
“I admire it more with each passing moment. Great job staying out of [the] drama. I believe J. Cole has excelled at keeping himself distanced from [the] turmoil,” Budden remarked on his podcast. “He momentarily stepped out of himself, but after some private phone conversations, he was able to get back on track. [He] didn’t wish to jeopardize a friendship due to trivial rap disputes.”
Cole notably responded to Lamar’s jabs in “Like That” with his track “7 Minute Drill,” which was subsequently removed from streaming services shortly after its release. His collaboration on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Red Leather” marked his return to guest features since that incident.
“It involves more than just his connections. It’s about him and all his artists [at Dreamville Records], the friendships we hold with everyone from that part of the industry,” Budden elaborated. As previously mentioned by Rap-Up, TDE artists ScHoolboy Q and SiR appeared to have their Toronto shows canceled because of Lamar’s heated exchange with Drake.
In the course of their discussion, Budden suggested that the “MIDDLE CHILD” artist has reached his lyrical limit. He clarified, “My viewpoint with Cole is that there’s no additional rapping that could confirm his brilliance as a rapper. I’ve witnessed him outshine others in numerous collaborations. It feels like he risks diminishing the greatness of his lyrical prowess.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Cole has contributed his voice to Tee Grizzley’s “Blow For Blow,” Tems’ “Free Fall,” and ASAP Rocky’s “Ruby Rosary,” among several other collaborations.