J. Cole seems to have taken shots at Kendrick Lamar with his newly released diss track “7 Minute Drill” after Lamar seemingly dissed Drake and J. Cole on the track “Like That.” Lamar’s verse on the song, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, appeared to be aimed at Drake, accusing him of “sneak dissing.” On a previous collab, J. Cole identified himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three” of rap, but Lamar rejected this idea on “Like That,” stating it’s just “big me.”
The beef between Drake and Lamar dates back to at least 2013 when Lamar called out Drake on the song “Control,” expressing his desire to “murder” other rappers, including Drake, and take their fans. Since then, fans have interpreted various lyrics in songs by both artists as shots at each other. Despite their ongoing feud, Drake and Lamar have collaborated multiple times, but their public interest lies in who is considered greater. Lamar has won 17 Grammy Awards, while Drake has dominated music sales and streaming, with a mention by former President Barack Obama in a 2016 interview favoring Lamar’s work over Drake’s.
Future and Metro Boomin released their collaborative album “We Don’t Trust You,” with the song “Like That” debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100 this week. The album also topped the Billboard 200 chart with 251,000 album equivalent units driven by streaming, marking the biggest debut for an album in 2024 so far. The success of the album sheds light on the ongoing rap beef between Drake, Lamar, and J. Cole that has captivated fans and music enthusiasts over the years. The intricate dynamics of the rap scene further fueled by other beefs, such as the one between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, have helped boost songs like “Hiss” to the top of the charts.
The competition between artists, particularly in the rap genre, often spills over into diss tracks and public feuds, generating buzz and interest among fans. With the release of surprise diss tracks like “7 Minute Drill” and veiled disses on chart-topping songs like “Like That,” the tension between Drake, Lamar, and J. Cole continues to captivate audiences. The significance of these rap beefs lies not only in the lyrical sparring between artists but also in the larger context of the music industry and the quest for supremacy in the rap game. As artists jockey for position and recognition, their respective fan bases eagerly await the next move in this ongoing saga of diss tracks and verbal warfare.
Despite their differences and lyrical jabs, Drake, Lamar, and J. Cole remain influential figures in the music industry, each carving out their own lane and leaving a lasting impact on the rap genre. While fans may debate over who holds the title of the “big three” or the greatest of all time, the success and acclaim garnered by these artists speak to their individual talents and contributions to the rap landscape. As the saga of rap beefs continues to unfold, with surprise releases and chart-topping diss tracks, audiences can expect more drama, tension, and lyrical fireworks from these prominent figures in the industry.
In a landscape where artistry, competition, and personal vendettas intersect, the rap beefs between Drake, Lamar, and J. Cole offer a glimpse into the complex world of hip-hop and the power dynamics at play within the genre. As fans dissect lyrics, analyze verses, and await the next move from their favorite artists, the ongoing saga of rap beefs serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit and creative energy that drive the music industry forward. Whether through surprise diss tracks, chart-topping collaborations, or public feuds, artists like Drake, Lamar, and J. Cole continue to shape the narrative of modern rap, leaving a lasting legacy in their wake.
