J. Cole removes Kendrick Lamar diss track “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms

J. Cole removes “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms after apology

In a surprising turn of events, J. Cole has officially removed his diss track, “7 Minute Drill,” from all major streaming platforms. The song directly responded to Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That.” It was part of Cole’s recent mixtape, Might Delete Later. The mixtape set the internet ablaze with 12 tracks featuring high-profile collaborators like Ari Lennox, Cam’ron, and Gucci Mane. However, it was “7 Minute Drill” that caught the most attention for its intensity and focus on Lamar.

Cole and Kendrick Lamar have shared a long-standing friendship. However things took a competitive turn, last month, when Kendrick dissed both Cole and Drake on “Like That.” Kendrick’s aggressive verse rejected the notion of the “big three” in rap, claiming, “Motherf*** the big three, n***a, it’s just big me,” positioning himself at the top of the rap hierarchy. This came after J. Cole and Drake referred to themselves, along with Lamar, as the “big three” on Drake’s For All the Dogs track, “First Person Shooter.”

J. Cole’s Initial Response

J. Cole’s response came in the form of “7 Minute Drill,” a track where he fired back at Lamar. He was criticizing Kendrick’s approach and referencing their earlier collaborative projects. In the diss, Cole took aim at the narrative Kendrick was trying to establish. Thus, implying that while they had always been competitive, he wasn’t willing to be undermined by anyone — not even Lamar. However, despite the excitement from fans, it quickly became clear that Cole had second thoughts about releasing the track.

In his performance at Dreamville Festival, which took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cole paused his set to address the situation. He openly apologized for the diss track, saying, he felt terrible about it, among other things. His candid apology showed a side of Cole that many have grown to admire — his ability to reflect on his actions and make changes when necessary.

The Relationship Between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar

While the feud between Cole and Lamar caught many off guard, their relationship has always been a complicated one. The two rappers first met in 2010 and quickly hit it off. After that, they began collaborating on several tracks and projects over the years. In 2011, they were rumored to be working on a joint album, a project that has never come to fruition. However, it continues to be a point of interest for fans. Despite their competitive nature, the two have maintained a level of mutual respect.

However, in 2013, Lamar turned heads when he called out J. Cole, along with several other rappers, on his now-iconic verse on Big Sean’s track “Control.” He declared that he was “tryna murder” his competition. It was a bold statement that put everyone, including Cole, on alert. While Cole responded in his own way over the years, their beef was never fully realized until Lamar’s verse on “Like That” earlier this year.

This latest exchange began with the Kendrick diss on Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You album. It seemed to reignite old flames. Fans of both artists took sides, speculating on what this could mean for their future collaborations and public relationship. Lamar’s diss, though cutting, was framed as an assertion of his dominance in the rap game. Thus, setting the stage for Cole’s retort on “7 Minute Drill.”

J. Cole’s Decision to Remove “7 Minute Drill”

J. Cole’s decision to pull “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms speaks volumes about his character. It wasn’t long after his Dreamville Festival apology that the track mysteriously disappeared from Might Delete Later on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Though the title of the song remains listed, the actual audio is no longer available.

For fans, this was a shocking move, as many viewed “7 Minute Drill” as one of Cole’s more intense and raw moments. But for Cole, the decision appears to be rooted in his desire to repair the relationship with Kendrick Lamar and to move forward in a more positive direction.

While Cole has not given a formal statement on why he pulled the song, his actions at Dreamville Festival suggest that the rapper is prioritizing his personal and professional relationships over public feuds. This isn’t the first time Cole has walked back on something he’s done in the heat of the moment — in fact, it’s a trait that has defined much of his career, where he frequently reflects on his growth as an artist and a person.

Fan Reaction

The removal of “7 Minute Drill” left fans divided. Some praised Cole for taking the high road, while others were disappointed that the track was no longer available for streaming. Social media was buzzing with comments from fans who had downloaded the song before it was pulled, with many sharing clips and lyrics in an attempt to preserve its legacy.

Despite the mixed reactions, the general consensus was that Cole’s decision was a personal one. Many longtime fans understand his introspective nature and recognize that this move aligns with the artist they’ve come to appreciate. The transparency Cole displayed during his Dreamville Festival set only further solidified his connection with his audience, even if it meant losing a track that had the potential to escalate the feud further.

What’s Next for J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar?

As for what’s next in the ongoing dynamic between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, that remains to be seen. With the removal of “7 Minute Drill,” it’s clear that Cole is stepping back from the feud, at least for now. However, Kendrick Lamar has yet to publicly respond to Cole’s apology or the removal of the diss track.

Whether this will open the door for future collaborations or continue to fuel their competitive rivalry is something fans are eager to find out. As two of the most respected artists in the rap game today, both Cole and Lamar have the ability to shape the culture, and their next moves will be closely watched.

For now, J. Cole seems content with stepping back and focusing on his music, relationships, and growth as an artist. As he continues to reflect on his career, it’s likely that we’ll see more moments like this — where he chooses to elevate the conversation rather than engage in conflict.