The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been ongoing since 2013, with the rappers releasing diss tracks targeting one another. J. Cole was pulled into the feud after collaborating with Drake on a single, where he referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as “the big three” of contemporary hip-hop. Lamar responded to this lyric in his song “Like That,” dismissing the idea of a big three and asserting his own individual talent. As more celebrities weigh in on the feud, a resurfaced video of a journalist trying to get J. Cole to criticize Drake has gone viral.
In the interview footage from 2010, the journalist questions why Drake has such a big buzz compared to artists like J. Cole, whom he believes are more talented. Cole responds by saying that Drake’s success was destined for him and that everything happens for a reason. Fans praised Cole for his mature response, calling him a class act and applauding his level of maturity and wisdom at an early age. Many criticized the journalist for trying to get a negative sound bite against Drake and appreciated Cole’s refusal to engage in the negativity.
The ongoing beef between Drake and Lamar has led to a renewed interest in their music and their place in contemporary hip-hop. While the feud has resulted in diss tracks being released by both artists, it has also sparked discussions about talent, success, and the dynamics of the music industry. In the midst of all this, J. Cole has emerged as a voice of reason and maturity, choosing not to engage in the drama and instead focusing on his own career and artistic pursuits.
As fans and commentators continue to analyze the feud and its implications for the music industry, J. Cole’s response to the journalist’s questions stands out as a moment of grace and maturity. By refusing to criticize Drake and instead acknowledging his success as something that was destined for him, Cole exemplifies a humility and wisdom that is rare in the competitive world of hip-hop. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting caught up in the negativity and drama that can sometimes accompany fame and success.
