J. Cole Addresses His Exit From Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Beef in New Track “Port Antonio”

As a long-time fan who has followed J. Cole’s career since his early mixtapes, I must say that his latest release, “Port Antonio,” showcases not only his lyrical prowess but also his maturity and wisdom beyond his years. The song is a testament to the power of words, reminding us that they can build bridges as well as stir up conflict.

In his latest track titled “Port Antonio,” J. Cole shares his perspective on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud, addressing the issue from his point of view.

The unexpected solo track, currently found only as a standalone piece, can currently be streamed exclusively on YouTube. In this song, Cole references Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved” in the sample and discusses the issue at hand. In the second verse, Cole explains that he chose to step away from the dispute because he didn’t want to be involved in something that could potentially escalate into violence for monetary reasons.

He expresses that people perceive a smoldering fire in his actions as if he’m avoiding trouble, but he clarifies that he wouldn’t have lost a fight; instead, I would have lost a friend. Gaining an enemy over what? Just to earn more recognition from strangers who don’t understand my goals. Additionally, he emphasizes that he doesn’t care about unearthing old scandals or hiring teams of artificial intelligence to win back hip-hop’s acceptance.

Although he stepped away from the beef, Cole continues to refrain from cleaning his hands, accepting that he contributed to stirring up the conflict through his verse on “First Person Shooter.” Drake and J. Cole may have overstepped boundaries in an attempt to safeguard their legacies, but Cole remains resolute in his choice to withdraw and emphasizes that public criticism does not impact his own legacy. He concludes his track by acknowledging Drake and advising other rappers that they were granted the ability to write, not to engage in feuds, but to express themselves.

Stream J. Cole’s “Port Antonio” above.

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