J. Cole on Drake Backlash: ‘A Whole Campaign’

The hip-hop world was set ablaze by the recent lyrical battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole is now weighing in on the aftermath. In a candid conversation on Cam’ron’s “Talk With Flee” podcast, Cole expressed his frustration with how the culture reacted, particularly the criticism directed at Drake.

A Divided Culture

Cole described the intense division that emerged, comparing it to political polarization. “Right away, the world, it became like politics,” he explained. “You’re either Democrat or Republican, you’re either Kendrick or you’re Drake, and you’ve got to pick a side.” He admitted feeling disgusted by the way people were forced to choose, feeling caught in the middle.

While Cole avoids judging the creative merits or whether personal attacks crossed a line, he’s deeply troubled by the discourse surrounding the feud. He specifically criticized those who used the opportunity to express long-held grievances against Drake, calling it a “disgusting” effort to tear him down.

The ‘Campaign’ Against Drake

Cole believes there was a deliberate “whole campaign” to diminish Drake’s legacy. “It was a whole campaign and probably still is ’til this day,” he stated, expressing dismay at how people tried to create a narrative that Drake “is not great.” He acknowledged the significant momentum Kendrick Lamar gained, especially with his Grammy wins and high-profile performances.

Despite his personal ties to both artists, Cole finds himself rooting for Drake to bounce back. He expressed hope that Drake’s upcoming album, “Iceman,” will be a powerful response. The feud, which saw intense diss tracks and personal jabs, ultimately shifted public perception, elevating Lamar’s stature while placing Drake under heightened scrutiny.

Cole’s Own Role and Retreat

J. Cole himself was briefly involved in the conflict, initially appearing on Drake’s track “First Person Shooter” and later releasing a diss track aimed at Lamar. However, he quickly walked back his involvement, choosing to step away from the hostility and advocate for a more balanced perspective amidst the chaos.