Cole has recently addressed why he chose to steer clear of the much-publicized feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar in a new surprise track called Port Antonio. Released unexpectedly on Wednesday, the song finds Cole reflecting on the rap beef that erupted earlier this year, including his decision to stay out of the escalating tensions between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars.
The feud itself gained significant attention when Kendrick Lamar dropped a diss track titled Like That back in April, taking shots at both Cole and Drake. This move sent shockwaves throughout the rap community, igniting debates and fueling speculation about what would come next. However, unlike the expected response, J. Cole chose to withdraw from the battle entirely.
In Port Antonio, Cole explains his rationale behind stepping back, detailing the dangers he saw in continuing down that path.
“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go, they wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow. Wouldn’t have lost the battle, dog, I would’ve lost a bro, I would’ve gained a foe, and all for what?”
He raps, speaking directly to the pitfalls of engaging in public beef just for entertainment or financial gain. For Cole, the cost of losing friendships or gaining new enemies outweighed any temporary victory he might achieve in the rap war.
The five-minute track also sees Cole addressing Drake by name, offering words of encouragement to the fellow rapper. He emphasizes their long-standing relationship and expresses his desire for Drake to return to his best creative form: “Aye Drake, you’ll always be my n***a, I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n***a. F**k all the narratives, tapping back into your magic pen is what’s imperative,” Cole raps. This public show of respect further solidifies his position of unity rather than division, rejecting the common narrative of rap rivalries and choosing instead to uplift those around him.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Cole has addressed his involvement—or lack thereof—in the ongoing tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Back in May, Cole raised the metaphorical white flag when he publicly apologized for releasing 7 Minute Drill, a diss track he had dropped in response to Kendrick’s initial shots. During his Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, Cole expressed regret over releasing the track, describing how he felt “lame” and “terrible” for going after Kendrick. In a sign of remorse, he pulled the track from all streaming platforms shortly afterward.
The North Carolina rapper’s decision to bow out of the so-called “rap war of 2024” was met with mixed reactions across the hip-hop world. Some praised Cole for prioritizing peace and long-term relationships over short-lived drama, while others were more critical. Notably, rapper Fat Joe expressed disappointment in Cole’s decision to retract his diss track, suggesting that by apologizing to Kendrick, Cole had damaged his own reputation. Fat Joe implied that the act of taking back his words was a missed opportunity for Cole to solidify his place in the upper echelon of rap battles.
Other prominent voices in the hip-hop community also weighed in. 50 Cent took to Instagram, writing, “WTF how I miss this, @realcoleworld call my phone right now!” His comment suggested confusion and curiosity about Cole’s unexpected move. On the other hand, Kanye West, never one to shy away from controversy, had a more critical stance. In a blunt social media post, Ye called Cole “p***y” and stated that the rapper “can’t run now,” further fueling the narrative of Cole’s perceived retreat from the rap battlefield.
Despite the divided opinions, J. Cole’s decision in Port Antonio marks a clear statement about his approach to conflict and artistry. Rather than engaging in what he perceives as manufactured drama for clicks and attention, Cole seeks to rise above, maintaining respect for his peers while focusing on his own craft. His reflections on the track showcase the maturity and wisdom that have become hallmarks of his career, reinforcing his commitment to genuine relationships over fleeting battles that only serve to benefit those looking for drama.
In the end, Port Antonio is not just another song—it’s a declaration of J. Cole’s values, highlighting the importance of integrity and personal growth in an industry that often thrives on conflict and spectacle.
