Kanye West vs. J. Cole: A Story of Hip-Hop Conflict
- Related Stories: Kanye West And J. Cole 2024 Beef Explained
He's falling apart, but we deny it Justifying that half-ass shit he dropped, we always buy it When he tell us he a genius but it's clearer lately.”
- J. Cole
Released in 2016, "The Life of Pablo" was marked by Kanye's meticulous attention to detail, including multiple revisions to the tracklist and album title.
J. Cole's assertion that Kanye's work is met with blind acceptance despite its flaws suggests a sense of disappointment in the direction Kanye's music has taken.
Additionally, J. Cole takes aim at Kanye's self-proclaimed genius status with the line:
When he tell us he a genius but it's clearer lately.”
- J. Cole
This critique reflects J. Cole's perception of Kanye's inflated ego, as Kanye has often boasted about his own brilliance throughout his career.
As proof of what J. Cole meant, we have this interview where the interviewer asked Kanye West: "In an interview, you referred to yourself as a genius. When you said that, what did you mean?" Then Kanye responded:
Exactly that; I'm a creative genius. I have a perspective, and if I apply myself and get the right tools, I will make the best version that you've ever seen of anything.”
- Kanye West
Additionally, J. Cole expressed disappointment in Kanye's perceived hypocrisy, rapping:
There was a time when this nigga was my hero, maybe. That's the reason why his fall from grace is hard to take. Cause I believed him when he said his shit was purer and he The type of nigga swear he real but all around him's fake.”
- J. Cole
This feeling reflects J. Cole's disillusionment with Kanye, whom he once viewed as an inspiration.
Kanye West's influence on J. Cole's music is undeniable, serving as a profound source of inspiration for the latter's creative endeavors.
This homage to West's musical genius highlights Cole's appreciation for his artistry and demonstrates the depth of his influence on the hip-hop landscape.
Despite the mutual respect between the two artists, tensions arose when Cole subtly criticized West in his song "False Prophets," released on December 5, 2016.
- Related News: J. Cole Apologizes For Dissing Kendrick Lamar
In the track, Cole lamented West's perceived decline from grace, expressing disappointment in the authenticity of his recent work.
This thinly veiled critique struck a chord with West, who felt betrayed by Cole's departure from their previously harmonious relationship.
In an interview with Angie Martinez on May 16, 2018, Cole addressed the rift between him and West, acknowledging the delicate nature of their bond.
Despite his efforts to avoid exacerbating the situation, Cole's candid commentary inadvertently fueled West's resentment towards him.
The once-admired mentorship dynamic between the two artists was overshadowed by underlying tensions, leading to a strained relationship that persisted over the years.
Watch: J. Cole Speaks on Kanye West With Angie Martinez
- Related Content: Ye Weighs In on J. Cole's Kendrick Lamar Apology In New Interview
Watch: J. Cole Issues An Apology to Kendrick Lamar For His “7 Minute Drill” Diss Track
J. Cole issues an apology to Kendrick Lamar for his “7 Minute Drill” diss track at Dreamville Fest.
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) April 8, 2024
“That was the lamest, goofiest sh*t […] That sh*t don’t sit right with my spirit”
pic.twitter.com/9vMsALXegA
However, West saw this as an opportunity to undermine Cole's credibility and reignite their simmering feud.
Seizing upon Cole's public apology to Lamar, West mocked Cole on social media and released a diss track titled "Like That," which directly targeted Cole and reignited old grievances between the two rappers.
Listen: "Like That" Remix
Y’all so outta sight, outta mind I can’t even think of a Drake line play j cole, get the p*ssy dry.”
- Ye
Moreover, Kanye's actions extend beyond mere verbal jabs. On April 20, 2024, he posted a mocking image on Twitter, poking fun at J. Cole's perceived lack of appeal to female listeners.
This public taunt further fueled the flames of the ongoing feud.
Following this incident, West's full interview with Justin LaBoy was made public on April 12, 2024. In the interview, West addressed his grievances and further escalated tensions between himself and Cole.
Watch: Ye Speaks on J. Cole Apologizing To Kendrick Lamar
Despite the passage of several years since the initial provocation, Kanye's animosity towards J. Cole remains palpable.
The rift between the two artists underscores the competitive nature of the hip-hop industry and serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of artistic rivalry.
The feud between Kanye West and J. Cole is a testament to the complexities of creative collaboration and competition in the world of hip-hop.
While their initial partnership may have been fruitful, it ultimately devolved into a clash of egos and words. Only time will tell if these two titans of rap can reconcile their differences and bury the hatchet once and for all.