J Cole extends olive branch to Kendrick Lamar

WEB DESK: In the world of rap, rivalries and feuds are commonplace. Recently, the genre witnessed tensions escalate yet again within the ongoing saga between two prominent rappers: J Cole and Kendrick Lamar.

At the Dreamville Music Festival in North Carolina, USA, J. Cole took the chance to talk about the ongoing tension between himself and Kendrick Lamar. After dropping a surprise track that many saw as a response to Lamar, Cole took a moment to reflect on the entire saga, particularly, his own actions.

Read more: Rapper J Cole finally responds to Kendrick Lamar’s recent jabs

J Cole confessed his regret to the audience. He stated that “I am so proud of that project, except for one part. It’s one part on that that make me feel like, ‘Man, that’s the lamest [thing] I ever did”.

J Cole’s latest track was seen as a response to Lamar’s verses “Like That”. Lamar’s verses on the song were seen by many as directly attacking J Cole and Drake. Like That was in response to a collaboration between J Cole and Drake, in which J Cole called himself, Drake and Lamar as the “big three” of the current rap scene.

Lamar’s lyrics in Like That were seen as refuting those claims. He allegedly raps about his rival’s works being inferior and that he is not hesitant to jump to ‘violence’ if provoked. Lamar also explicitly declares in his lyrics that there isn’t any ‘big three’, it is just him, elevating him to higher position than Drake and J Cole.

Weeks after Like That was released, J Cole finally responded with a surprise release of his latest song “7 Minute Drill” on his official YouTube account. In 7 Minute Drill, J Cole directs sharp barbs aimed at Lamar’s career and stature in the rap scene.

However, as tensions brewed, it seems J Cole regretted the entire saga. Cole seems to have publicly apologised to Lamar, conceding that his latest track “didn’t sit right” with him.

Read more: Kendrick Lamar’s new song suggests tension with Drake – again

The young rapper expressed regret for downplaying Lamar’s contributions to rap. He acknowledged Kendrick Lamar’s talent and his significant contributions to the genre.

Cole reached out to his longstanding rival, offering him the opportunity to “take your best shot” and presenting his figurative “chin” for any potential response.