In the world of hip-hop, collaborations often spark excitement among fans, but sometimes they also ignite unexpected feuds. This was precisely the case when Future and Metro Boomin dropped their latest joint album, “We Don’t Trust You,” last month.
While the album itself garnered attention for its beats and features, it was Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on the track “Like That” that really stirred the pot. In his bars, Lamar took direct shots at Drake and J. Cole, questioning their portrayal of him as part of the “big three” in their previous collaboration, “First Person Shooter,” released just a year prior.
The response was swift. J. Cole, never one to shy away from addressing controversy head-on, surprised fans with the release of his project “Might Delete Later.” On the final track, “7 Minute Drill,” he didn’t hold back in responding to Lamar’s diss. Opening with a direct reference to the phone call informing him of the diss, Cole delivered bars aimed squarely at Lamar. He critiqued Lamar’s career trajectory, from a promising start to what he perceived as a decline in quality, and even took a dig at the sporadic releases of Lamar’s acclaimed “The Heart” series.
Fans, eagerly awaiting responses from both sides, found themselves caught in the middle of a lyrical sparring match. Lamar’s original diss had set social media ablaze, but it wasn’t long before another track from “Might Delete Later” drew criticism of its own. On “Pi,” Cole’s lyrics were deemed transphobic by some listeners, sparking discussions about accountability and language within the hip-hop community.
This isn’t the first time J. Cole has found himself embroiled in controversy over his lyrics. Back in 2013, he faced backlash for what many perceived as veiled homophobia in his song “Villuminati.” Now, with “Might Delete Later” adding fuel to the fire, it seems Cole’s words continue to provoke debate among fans and critics alike.
Despite the controversy surrounding his latest project, “Might Delete Later” marks another chapter in J. Cole’s prolific career. Coming off the success of his sixth solo album, “The Off-Season,” released in 2021, Cole demonstrates his versatility and willingness to tackle challenging subject matter through his music. With guest appearances from artists like Ari Lennox, Gucci Mane, and Bas, the album showcases Cole’s ability to collaborate with a diverse range of talent while staying true to his own unique style.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, feuds and controversies are par for the course. But amidst the drama, artists like J. Cole continue to push boundaries and spark important conversations through their music. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the impact J. Cole has had on the rap game, and “Might Delete Later” is just the latest chapter in his ongoing legacy.