Rapper J. Cole recently discussed his feelings toward Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and explained the reasoning behind his public apology to Lamar, in a rare interview with Apple Music on March 20, 2026.
Context of the Apology
Cole’s apology occurred at Dreamville Fest in April of 2024, shortly before the highly publicized feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar escalated. The decision to apologize came to Cole just one hour before he took the stage. He had previously released a diss track aimed at Lamar, titled “7 Minute Drill.”
According to Cole, he realized a few days before the festival that releasing “7 Minute Drill” had been a misstep. He felt he had misrepresented his true feelings and was contributing to unnecessary division. He stated, “It’s like all of a sudden I’m giving life to division and to negative storylines or negative perceptions on somebody that I f**k with and got love for.”
Maintaining Relationships
Cole emphasized his genuine affection for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He expressed his frustration with the tendency for fans to grab sides, stating, “I hate to observe the world sh*t on either one of them in defense of the other.” He clarified that he holds “genuine love” for both artists.
Cole saw an opportunity to correct his previous statement and reaffirm his respect for Lamar on a larger platform. He described the moment as feeling “like, ‘Thank you, God.’”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did J. Cole apologize to Kendrick Lamar?
J. Cole apologized to Kendrick Lamar because he felt he had misrepresented himself with the release of his diss track, “7 Minute Drill,” and did not want to contribute to division or negative perceptions of someone he respects.
When did J. Cole apologize to Kendrick Lamar?
J. Cole apologized to Kendrick Lamar at Dreamville Fest in April of 2024.
What did J. Cole say about Drake and Kendrick Lamar?
J. Cole stated that he has “genuine love” for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar and dislikes seeing people take sides in their feud.
As the music industry continues to evolve, will artists prioritize maintaining personal relationships over engaging in public disputes?
