J. Cole Expresses Genuine Love for Drake and Kendrick Lamar

Rapper addresses Kendrick Lamar apology during historic rap feud

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:06am

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In a rare interview, rapper J. Cole discussed his relationships with fellow hip-hop stars Drake and Kendrick Lamar, stating he has "genuine love" for both artists. Cole also opened up about his decision to apologize to Kendrick during their 2024 rap feud, explaining he realized his diss track "7 Minute Drill" did not reflect his true feelings.

Why it matters

The interview provides a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics between three of the biggest names in hip-hop, shedding light on the complex relationships and rivalries within the genre. Cole's comments about his love for Drake and Kendrick, as well as his regret over the diss track, offer a more nuanced perspective on the high-profile feud.

The details

In the interview with journalist Nadeska Alexis on Apple Music, J. Cole discussed the success of his latest album, The Fall-Off, and his involvement in the 2024 rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Cole said he has "genuine love" for both artists and did not want to see either one "sh*t on" in defense of the other. He also recalled his decision to apologize to Kendrick at Dreamville Fest, just an hour before taking the stage, realizing his diss track "7 Minute Drill" did not reflect his true feelings about the Compton rapper.

  • In April 2024, J. Cole apologized to Kendrick Lamar during Dreamville Fest, just before the start of the Drake-Kendrick feud.
  • The interview with Nadeska Alexis on Apple Music took place on March 20, 2026.

The players

J. Cole

An American rapper, singer, and record producer who is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation.

Drake

A Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor, widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artists of the 2010s and 2020s.

Kendrick Lamar

An American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, often cited as one of the most influential and acclaimed hip-hop artists of his generation.

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What they’re saying

“I got genuine love for these dudes. I hate to see the world sh*t on either one of them in defense of the other.”

— J. Cole

“It hit me an hour before...because, like, two or three days before that, it was it was like, 'Oh nah, this was terrible' because I felt like I misrepresented myself.”

— J. Cole

The takeaway

J. Cole's candid comments about his relationships with Drake and Kendrick Lamar offer a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics between three of hip-hop's biggest stars. His decision to apologize to Kendrick during their 2024 feud, despite releasing a diss track, demonstrates Cole's desire to maintain genuine connections within the genre, even amidst high-profile rivalries.