J. Cole’s new track “Port Antonio” speaks on Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef [AUDIO]

J. Cole Addresses Apology for Kendrick Lamar Diss in “Port Antonio”

J. Cole’s new track “Port Antonio” sheds light on the rapper’s regret over his involvement in the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Released late this evening, the reflective single highlights how Cole’s decision to release and later remove his diss track, “7 Minute Drill,” became a turning point in the feud. The rapper doesn’t shy away from addressing the personal and professional fallout that followed, revealing how deeply the conflict between two of hip hop’s biggest stars affected him.

In “Port Antonio,” Cole acknowledges the tension, rapping, “Some lines got crossed, perhaps regrettably / My friends went to war / I walked away with all their blood on me.” This line speaks directly to his earlier diss aimed at Kendrick Lamar, which he later apologized for and scrubbed from streaming services. The track feels like a full-circle moment for Cole, allowing him to confront the impact of his actions while staying true to his introspective style.

The Weight of an Apology

J. Cole’s decision to apologize and remove “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms after Kendrick Lamar’s diss on “Like That” sent shockwaves through the hip hop community. Fans speculated whether his choice was a sign of reconciliation or simply a tactical retreat. Now, with “Port Antonio,” Cole clarifies his stance, expressing his regret for getting involved in the beef to begin with. His lyric, “Now some will discredit me / Try wipe away my pedigree,” suggests that the rapper is fully aware of how his diss track may have tarnished his reputation, especially in the eyes of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s fans.

Cole’s apology, delivered publicly on stage at Dreamville earlier in 2024, now finds its lyrical counterpart in “Port Antonio,” where he continues to reflect on the decisions that led him to this point. Rather than engaging further in the feud, Cole has chosen a different path: stepping back and reevaluating his priorities. The single doesn’t just address the drama; it’s a candid acknowledgment of personal growth and the complexities of navigating friendships in the highly competitive world of rap.

The Kendrick-Drake Feud: A Complex Web

The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been building for over a decade, with both rappers taking subliminal shots at each other through their music. However, things escalated in 2024 when Lamar’s verse on “Like That” targeted both Drake and Cole, dismissing the notion of the “Big Three” rappers of modern hip hop. Lamar’s lyric, “Motherf*** the big three, n*** it’s just big me,” was a clear declaration that he no longer saw himself as part of a trio with Drake and Cole.

Previously, J. Cole collaborated with Drake on “First Person Shooter.” It was a single off Drake’s album, For All The Dogs. In his verse, Cole alluded to himself, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar being a “Big Three,” of sorts. Kendrick took direct aim at this on Future’s “Like That.” He calls both the song and Drake’s album out by name. In addition, he directly addresses J. Cole’s “Big Three” line. As a result, Drake and J. Cole both responded.

J. Cole’s response to this on “7 Minute Drill” added fuel to the fire, but his subsequent apology and decision to remove the track from streaming services marked a significant shift. While many fans interpreted this as a sign of Cole choosing peace over conflict, the rapper’s latest track shows just how conflicted he’s been about his role in the beef.

The Apology That Shook Hip-Hop

In “Port Antonio,” Cole’s lyrics hint at the weight he carried after releasing the diss track “7 Minute Drill” in April 2024, where he responded to Lamar. He reflects on this moment in Port Antonio, with the line, “I woulda gained a foe / And all for what? / Just to attain some mo’ props from strangers that don’t got a clue what I been aimin’ for?”

This revelation is significant, considering the hyper-competitive nature of the rap industry. Many fans were taken aback by Cole’s decision to pull back and apologize—a rarity in hip-hop, where beef often fuels careers. But Cole has consistently been an artist who prioritizes personal growth over the spectacle. By offering his apology, Cole showed that he was willing to risk the optics in favor of staying true to his values.

A Message of Unity, Not Division

Despite the regret and introspection, J. Cole ends “Port Antonio” on a note of reconciliation. He directly addresses Drake, saying: “To start another war, aye Drake, you’ll always be my n***a / I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n***a.” This acknowledgment shows that Cole is willing to set aside any residual tension and affirm his respect for the Canadian superstar.

This message is further emphasized in the line, “F**k all the narratives / Tappin’ back into your magic pen is what’s imperative,” where Cole urges his peers to focus on the craft of making music, rather than the drama surrounding it. His reflection serves as a reminder that the heart of hip-hop lies in creativity, expression, and pushing boundaries—not in feuds that detract from the art itself.

The Impact on the “Big Three”

As J. Cole takes a step back from the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud, the question remains: how will this affect the “Big Three” dynamic that has been central to hip hop for the past decade? With Lamar dismissing the trio entirely and Drake choosing not to directly address Cole’s actions, the tension between these three rap heavyweights remains palpable.

However, “Port Antonio” provides a rare glimpse into Cole’s personal reckoning. While he may not be on the front lines of the beef any longer, his introspective approach continues to influence the culture. By addressing his apology head-on, Cole reinforces his commitment to personal integrity, proving that even in a genre built on competition and rivalries, it’s possible to prioritize self-awareness and growth.

The Bigger Picture

Cole’s willingness to address the conflict head-on, and then step back, serves as a powerful statement about maturity in an industry where ego clashes often dominate the narrative. He makes it clear that for him, the art of rap is more important than winning beefs or securing momentary praise from fans or critics. “They strip me of my spot, and now I’m finally free,” he raps, signaling his release from the burden of competing for a top spot in the industry.

In “Port Antonio,” J. Cole speaks not only to his peers but also to his fans, offering a glimpse into his thought process as he navigates the complicated dynamics of fame, friendship, and rivalry. It’s a track that showcases the depth of Cole’s artistry and his refusal to play into the hands of those who would seek to use his talent for their own ends.

As the hip hop world continues to dissect his latest track, one thing is clear: J. Cole is forging his own path, one that values reflection, accountability, and lyrical excellence above all else.