J. Cole Ended 2024 Strong, After A Wild Year

We talked a lot about J. Cole in 2024, especially about his role in the Kendrick Lamar Vs. Drake battle. And when Cole decided to bow out of the battle and delete his "7 Minute Drill" record we all questioned what was next. Well, he bounced back in an inspiring way. Let's discuss!
#jcole #dreamville

[@wavecontroller5647]

Rob, I was at the concert! It was an incredible atmosphere and it made me realize Cole’s fans will always be loyal and will always show up for him! I think the social media discourse has no affect in real life for his fans, I was glad I saw him live

[@BluEx22329]

Herbal tea everywhere lol.jk

[@teddyhart2913]

Agreed!!!

[@DollaDidThat]

I was there too shit was crazy! Loudest concert I ever been to

[@NekyRomero]

Concert was special !

[@jazzyj904]

Duh

[@huesoftheheart139]

J Cole and Kendrick have lowki equally inspired me this year. Kendrick’s inspired me to truly embody passion as an artist. Cole inspired me to not lose yourself and your work ethic as an artist.

[@MDotBeats]

I think thats what separates cole from kendrick. Kendrick has that passion and edge. Coles my favourite technically but kdot has what pac had

[@El28122]

@@huesoftheheart139 they both bring something that is badly needed in music right now!!

[@progressiveGal73]

And both are acting out of their respective authentic personalities. It’s a rare thing, and both exemplify and model how it’s done. Unapologetically. [don’t mistake JColes apology about a misstep for an apology about who he is]. These two are flip-sides of the same coin. And that they are examples of our American black diaspora should make all of us have some feels~

[@realspitter2727]

Cole inspired me to talk big shit then run and tuck my tail

[@huesoftheheart139]

@ 😂😂😂😂 bruh go away lmaoo

[@AJgon]

There’s is very little Cole can do to make me turn my back on him. Truly an inspiring guy and has had an unreal career for 15 years.

[@RobMarkman]

Yeah. For his closest fans, the connection is just too real

[@tthebeasty1]

I could never. I don't think the fall off should be his last project I know he been playing with the thought of retirement but it's too early for that cole

[@jonharrington2376]

As someone who was in the building last night for that concert and has been to multiple dreamville fests, Cole knows the power of his fanbase better than anyone else. We always gonna rock with him bc he’s honest (sometimes to a fault) and always keeps the every day fan top of mind

[@memepapi]

J Cole never looked crazy if you’re a mature adult

[@Belowthaheavenz]

I streamed the concert last night and damn . It had me feeling nostalgic , turnt , and sad. Been following his career since 2009 can’t believe he’s gonna retire . Time flys

[@teddyhart2913]

@@Belowthaheavenz this journey went by way too fast. im HS class of 2011, and I remember my friend putting me onto the warm up my junior year (during my Wale phase) and J Cole quickly became my favorite

[@Belowthaheavenz]

@ facts bro I’m class of 2011 too . I first heard him on some MySpace ! Crazy how the years go by

[@teddyhart2913]

@@Belowthaheavenz its fkn depressing lmao

[@Cesxr._]

Hearing the inevitable series really showed how much love he had for drake and kendrick as his peers over the years. I listened to "Note to Self" the other day and forgot he shouts out drake and kendrick and made the point of it being love at the top. Who would've known 10 years later it was gonna turn out like this

[@Calintaemusic]

You’re absolutely right talkin about the battle. We would’ve always focused on Drake and Kendrick. IMO I think Cole poppin his GOAT talk is more so for whoever hops on a track with him. Not necessarily a (messy) battle. He’s been rapping the best out of the three for the last few years.

[@RobMarkman]

🫡

[@latrellwestby]

One if the sensibel fans

[@sae-breezy7206]

I agree dawg been rapping better than both the past few years but real talk he did also say he been waiting for sparks a few good times regardless of who

[@ayevisualz8726]

We gonna always show up for cole , it doesn’t matter. He really Been holding a lot of us down since highschool. The internet is fake anyway. Cole always gonna be one of them ones

[@Jonathan_Fitzsimmons]

until someone challenges calls his bluff

[@MrASAPAB]

@Jonathan_Fitzsimmons 99% of rappers flex in their raps about how good they are. This beef was never for cole and he realized that and bowed out of it. What are your thoughts on future talking about all the drugs he takes, only for him to come out and say he doesn’t do drugs?

[@Jonathan_Fitzsimmons]

@@MrASAPAB I think if he doesn't do drugs he shouldn't say he does drugs. (good he's not doing drugs tho) if you aren't going to give those who are asking for the smoke the smoke then don't say you're going to. Cole lost some credibility/edge. still one of the best if not the best going, but he's a liar, and sorta yellow. at least drake stepped in the ring.

[@MrASAPAB]

@ what are your thoughts then on future lying about his drug usage and negatively influencing other artists to the point where their lives get taken (juice world)

[@MrASAPAB]

@ and Drake literally sued too. Is apologizing worse than suing?

[@Averenaa]

Being authentically YOU will always rise above the bullish. Cole has always had that understanding of when he knew he was acting in and out of character and adjusted accordingly. That's why he is on top, cause us as fans and listeners see our a reflection of someone who is honest and authentic. It resonates heavy

[@prod.youngsensai]

Cole took his L and did what Drake couldn’t do: Accepted the situation did his thing and kept being himself without causing unnecessary drama

[@Richard-p6x4r]

🎯 🎯 🎯 💯

[@MichaelBrown-ti1un]

Port Antonio was a mistake, but I get what you're saying. Cole will be fine, ultimately. Nobody really about this hip hop sh## will ever consider him amongst the elite emcees ever again, but he'll stay out the way, and make music to feed his core fan base.

[@1dk_0bi]

@@MichaelBrown-ti1unwasn’t s mistake, great song niggas just always gonna find a way to hate

[@prod.youngsensai]

@@MichaelBrown-ti1un personally I agree with the criticisms of port Antonio wholeheartedly but it wasn’t a mistake. Matter of fact it was perfect time to drop it imo since it was late enough that the smoke had died down from the beef, but also early enough to not completely fuck up the rollout for his next project. He definitely divided and maybe even lost some fans because of it but he had to eventually address the elephant in the room. I disagree with how he described the beef and his involvement in it but at least he expressed how he felt now. I would rather he do that now and let us now his feelings on it, instead of waiting years to go by to address it while trying to change the narrative while everybody might’ve forgot about it in large.

[@Iamabutt5000]

​@@MichaelBrown-ti1un port Antonio isn't a mistake. It's a solid truck that shows his skills as a rapper and how he felt about the current climate of what was going on. Unfortunately still haven't gotten anything from Drake since the beef. So Cole and Kendrick to me look like grown men who understood their actions.

[@FreeArthurian]

Cole is the most mature, most reasonable rap artist of our time. And he's a great human being too. I dread the day this man retires. He's inspired so many of us

[@wearedecyphered]

J Cole’s PR reroute since the press run for 2014 FHD has been elite. It should be studied honestly. I have my own opinions on him and his music, but you can’t deny his teams grasp on PR campaigns and garnering his fan base’s attention and appreciation at will

[@paulturner8550]

Facts. Cole and his team are marketing geniuses. Doesn’t take away from his skill set, but he definitely shifted brand-wise during the 2014 FHD rollout. Happy he is getting back to that.

[@djdubc09271]

Honestly didn't even look wild or crazy this year. People just take shit too serious and over dramatize it became deep down they never really fw Cole and just been riding the bandwagon. Rappers have done much, MUCH worse. Side note: You're the 🐐 with this shit. I've put so many people on to you and they've thanked me for it. Keep being dope big dawg!

[@DeeIrish94]

Facts! They taking this to heart like it’s they family or homies. It’s idolatry. At the end of the day these dudes are entertainers, giving people something to talk about is what they do best.

[@rtoriq]

Facts. Lesson number umpteen of the whole time period was, many many many ppl ABSOLUTELY want someone to pedastalize, no matter how they claim they don’t.

[@LuckyDaVinci]

People don’t understand J.Cole and WHY he is the PERFECT artist and rapper. He is OKAY with being imperfect. Hes not trying to paint some sort of picture of perfection to us . He allows us to see his mistakes in real time. He not trying to be some messiah like Kendrick or Drake. He doesn’t diss his friends. He doesn’t feel like he has to put any artist down to prove his own greatness. Hes human, hes humble. The music speaks for itself. The internet can’t understand that.

[@jadencandelario7880]

You can feel however you want about Cole and the beef, him and dot are still the best two rappers of this generation.

[@evandaugherty1223]

He did! Thank you for speaking on it Rob! They tried to knock him down but Cole ain’t going nowhere 🙌🏽🐐

[@Priiskii]

I just love Cole’s energy post beef. At the end of the day, who really cares. And as long as he’s true to himself, and as long as he’s feeding his fans with the best he can offer, he’s good. If anything, this might make cole go super motivated to make sure the fall off is a masterpiece

[@Gunningham]

Pretty sure most people really took “Port Antonio” way out of context smh

[@PhalikBaxter]

@@Gunninghamthey really did. Reading comprehension was insane that day

[@Gunningham]

@ folks acting like they didn’t understand Cole’s “I wouldn’t have lost a battle.. lost a friend” line is beyond remedial lol.

[@Fresh3v0]

its crazy to see how much Cole has given us as fans , while so many artist have changed for the better or worse hes one that feels we have evolved with him and he still sees us like the start of his come up with gratitude and honesty ....same energy from this video

[@ifitwaseazy9219]

Cole has had this planned for awhile. The battle just interrupted the roll out, which Cole is historically great at doing. It’s all leading up to this possible last album where he feels he’s hit his peak as a rapper. He’s been sharping his pen for the past few years on this crazy feature run, putting the mixtapes on DSP, etc, all to say goodbye (I think).

[@indigo7454]

i believe so

[@NekyRomero]

Cole says on fire squad "Outro] We all kings (We all kings, nigga) Kings of ourselves first and foremost (True) While the people debate who's the king of this rap game (Hehehaha) Here comes lil' ol' Jermaine With every ounce of strength in his veins To snatch the crown from whoever y'all think has it (True) But rather than place it on his head as soon as he grabs it Poof, boom, paow, it's like magic With a flash and a bang, the crown disintegrates And falls to the Earth from which it came It's done Ain't gon' be no more kings (Ain't gon' be no more kings) Be wary of any man that claims Because deep down he clings onto the need for power" which basically explains his real thoughts on the top. I also think "might delete later" is slept on because of the beef. It has some gems

[@shettywap]

I think it's easier to stomach these sorts of lyrics if his actions didn't prove otherwise. Cole can rap his ass off, and he knows that. He also considers himself the king. Those lines dont really do much in the way removing the numerous other things he says.

[@Suprem3_Intel]

all facts!!!!!

[@jordancasses231]

That album and concert is exactly why Cole fans rock with Cole. Good for him, I think he’s settled into his rightful place. I believe people just have to reimagine where they thought he’d end up and accept that moving forward. I just hope he doesn’t get froggy again because that would be corny

[@ThisIsDNic]

Win or lose with that battle, whether he engaged fully or not, no matter what….. Cole was always gonna get back to his fans and move forward with his career after it was over. It was never gonna change who he is and how dope he is lyrically as a rapper. Whoever holds on to that moment on that stage and feels like they can never listen to him again prolly never truly rocked with him to begin with. Battle over, time to get back to these dope rhymes man. Cole is the man. 2025 is gonna be crazy for Cole

[@ThisIsDNic]

side bar: yall never gon make me hate 7 Minute Drill 🫣…… 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@isaibnwali]

Might Delete Later was dope!, the Inevitable series was amazing!, and watching the live stream last night right before my bday felt like a gift! Especially hearing those Muhammad classics👌🏾 s/o to Cole and the whole Dreamville squad for an ill rollout, It's A Boy or The Fall Off dropping early 2025 👀

[@RobMarkman]

Yeah. Feel like we gotta get something before dreamville fest

[@WeeGeeX]

Perfectly captures my feelings towards this era of cole! This has been great and going direct to fans with a small paywall must have been huge

[@wh0_odat644]

Dawg I hope we get "It's a boy" first. I'm not ready for the retirement album!!😅

[@TiffanyRayneOfficial]

I don't think anyone questioned Cole's talent or abilities. They just didn't agree with how he handled some situations. Which is fine, people don't have to agree with everything someone says/does but can still like them.

[@djdubc09271]

Nah, mfs was and still are saying insaaaaane stuff. Full 360 from the tune mfs was singing earlier in the year.

[@georgeojoje4045]

​@@djdubc09271 exactly and it disgusts me

[@Afroamerinegro]

Just for clarity, Cole announced that him and Ib was doing the audio series in his interview with Lil Yachty towards the end of 2023, so as you stated, he didn't bite off of 100gigs

[@lordtitan.21]

Throughout the audio pod they kept saying that they were recording in 2022

[@djortiz3884]

Cole gon’ be aight. He just gotta keep being him. Kendrick has Love&War in him, but Kendrick is in war mode right now. Cole is always Love. No war. Love wins every time. When this settles Kendrick and Cole gon be good. Let time do its thing..

[@davidcici11Evolution]

Love is meaningless when you love the wrong person or thing and pander to that person side ( Drake) to uplift him when he has been tearing you and everyone down including your own genre of music in which you love. Nah war wins in a battle.

[@djortiz3884]

Cole made his stance clear on Jan 28th. That dropped 10 yrs ago. Cole thought this was gon’ be a competitive battle that stood on wax. That clearly isn’t what happened. And truthfully, if something is personal btwn 2 men, you’re supposed to step to the side. At its core this ain’t got shit to do w/ u.

[@AdrianArturoMora]

That is incorrect, it is better to be feared than loved. You can read this in “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli.

[@djortiz3884]

@@AdrianArturoMora Lmao. Just cause you quoted “Machiavelli” that doesn’t make it correct. Tell that to every tough guy, or dictator. They never win in the end. Don’t let subjective quotes fool you.

[@Axecarter91]

Then why has he been calling for smoke for the past few years?

[@youngm.a.r.s2614]

I ain’t gon’ lie, at first I was one of them ones who was disappointed in Cole for dropping out of the battle because for many many years I wanted to see a lyrical spar between Cole and Kendrick over Drake and Kendrick even though we kinda already got it on “Black Friday”, but I wanted more from them since it clearly looks like we are never getting the collab album from them. I say all that to say that after everything that transpired, I still never counted Cole out or written him off as my GOAT. Regardless, Cole will always be my #1 out of the big 3. I like Kendrick too, and I rank him 2nd even though in the battle he’s the clear winner and obviously Drake is 3rd, but from a personal and very relatable standpoint Cole is who I can connect with through his lyricism and storytelling. I’ve been a J. Cole fan for 10+ yrs and have always held him over the other 2 and that’s never gonna change. I feel like “The Fall Off” will be a reminder that Cole is still HIM and all of the people who counted him out and said that he’s no longer part of the big 3 and that he’s cancelled will all come running back trying to hop on the bandwagon🙄.

[@georgeojoje4045]

Them Charlemagne and Joe Budden guys are gonna be real quiet when it drops

[@youngm.a.r.s2614]

@@georgeojoje4045 facts!

[@memoriesofthefuture4804]

I feel like fans and media outlets try too hard to give Cole a pass. You could still love Cole and admit that he didn’t stand by the words that he was rapping in his songs. J Cole is still my favorite out of the big 3. J Cole is the one who makes the best music. And J Cole said no one wanted smoke but he himself fumbled when smoke actually came. Two things can be true.

[@RobMarkman]

I don’t think anyone is denying that. Also doesn’t matter if media gives Cole a pass or not - his fans are gonna define what it is for him

[@skydivemag8718]

Based on what? Consensus wise Kendrick has the best discography so how does Cole make the best music lol? You can say he makes your favorite music personally. But best is not true.

[@wh0_odat644]

​@@skydivemag8718did you not read his comment? He stated outa the big3 Cole is his favorite, so therefore for him his music is better

[@Arjr72]

I can say Cole has the best Bars. He doesn’t make the best music tho.

[@prod.youngsensai]

I agree with you but to be fair when he said nobody wanted smoke I personally always understood that the smoke was for the rappers who features with. For example Black Friday could be seen as Kendrick and Cole competing for who could kill the other persons instrumental the most. And the general consensus was that Kendrick out-rapped Cole and won. On the other hand I would also view FPS as competition between Cole and Drake for the better verse. Most would say that Cole out-rapped so he won that imo. Both Kendrick and Cole have made it clear in the past that whenever they get on features that it’s natural competition and that if they were to get in a track with each other they would compete for verses. So to me when Cole says he eats features for lunch and talks about how nobody wants smoke, it’s always been obvious TO ME that the “smoke” he was talking about was going verse for verse, bars for bars and winning which in turn would make him the better MC. And not necessarily by having to diss anyone. Cus we have to remember that Cole has atp only “dissed” one person and that was Ye and even that barely counts as a diss since he was mostly calling out the culture for failing to see the deterioration of his idol🤷🏾‍♂️. 1985 wasn’t a diss. His response to Noname as weird as it was, also wasn’t a diss. Don’t get me wrong it makes sense that his talk would invite someone to eventually go after him like Kendrick did on Like that so I won’t excuse it in that sense but it’s a thought that I’ve had lingering in my kind for a while now. It’s only natural that his braggadocio raps invited an eventual call out so it’s still a bad look to do what he did especially considering that he participated for a while, but as you said two things can be true.

[@ronaldroberts9555]

As I’ve said since prior to 7 minute drill…this had nothing to do with Cole so I never had a problem with what he did. And I’ll continue to say, he did the hardest thing out of all three them. Go debate a wall. Mad respect for all three artist in this situation

[@Suprem3_Intel]

facts!

[@quintonrichardson8245]

I still wish Kendrick and Cole would’ve done a collab album though.

[@lynnwhitehead6439]

I believe that will happen and after listening to Cole's podcast/music it seems it might happen🥰🥰⚜⚜

[@_NoHandle_]

Sadly, I think any possibility of that ended after "Black Friday" dropped.

[@marcusjones6989]

Hindsight is always 20/20. I dont know how any sensible person can’t understand the foresight Cole had at the time. From the speech at DVF down to Port Antonio people are doing their best to misunderstand Cole’s perspective to keep a narrative going. Completely disregarding that Cole and Dot spoke and cleared the air concerning 7MD.

[@CandieSimone1113]

The social media perception of this beef has always been funny to me. Cole never said “ I’m sorry Kendrick” he said he wanted his fans to forgive him and Kendrick never clearly called out J Cole for him to be dodging smoke. Didn’t like him taking back 7 minute drill but I love him staying true to self and saying he moved in a way that’s against what he believes. Cole has always said he ain’t about the beef but when it comes to rapping he’ll see anybody on a track. Outside of grippy name a feature he didn’t kill. Excited to see what Cole has planned for 2025.

[@shettywap]

Good for Cole. I dont really mess with him enough to even see a concert of his that cheap, but im glad that he gave his fans an opportunity to see him for so cheap. Most artists wouldn't do that sort of thing.

[@DollaDidThat]

I was there last night and it was great. Growing up Cole was my number 1 artist. Some songs I forgot I had memorized lol.

[@eleshia12181991]

Who said his career was over though and his fans were going to abandon him? I think chronically online people took the things said on Twitter and in the battle too literal.

[@Troll3000]

He can Hold his L forever. He a goofy now

[@RaghuRoxx]

​@@Troll3000 how about you hold that and ride it instead of commenting kid

[@wavecontroller5647]

@@Troll3000you one of the chronically online niggas lmao, nobody talks about this shit in real life man

[@huesoftheheart139]

Man I grew up on 2014 FHD, really impacted my life. Looking at the concert makes me appreciate Cole not getting into the beef and focusing on his work rn. Really dope fr

[@Kareyn2]

I would have absolutely no issue with JCole. I respected him for backing out of the beef, and conducting himself well. …Then Port Antonio happened.

[@Papajoe14]

Let me be 100% honest. No true kendrick lamar fan hates j cole. We believe he is a monster. We love cole too. We wanted the album too. I'm happy "now" that he backed out. Kdot fan respect cole.

[@RobMarkman]

I’d like to think so too

[@El28122]

I strongly believe that time is on Cole’s side. Right now there is a lot of noise but the reality is that he’s a rare talent and a voice that is badly needed. I have a lot of respect for the way he’s handled himself and people getting upset will fade into the background when all is said and done. His performance last night was stellar! I don’t know a lot of rappers/artists today including Kendrick (who I absolutely love) who are rapping without a backtrack and performing at Cole’s level. I wish people could just acknowledge a great artist when they are right in front of them. Life is too short. Don’t take people for granted.

[@ka8480-t1h]

Kendrick doesn't use a backtrack and he absolutely kills it. They're both great performers.

[@_NoHandle_]

We all saw The Pop Out bro. We know that Kendrick doesn't use a backtrack and absolutely kills it. There's a reason he was selected for the Super Bowl, he's an amazing performer. Cole is cool, but there's no need to lie about Kendrick's performances.

[@happygucci5094]

And apparently Kendrick don’t even need a sip of water! Kendrick is the better rapper- thematically, artistically, lyricallly- he built for it. Like I am going to click off this video because I literally don’t care enough about J Cole the rapper enough 😬

[@happygucci5094]

@@_NoHandle_ 💯🎯

[@Zou523]

Kendrick and Cole fans know that they can trust their favorite artists because they always come through in the end. Whether it’s long waits between albums or the beef both sides knew they’d be proven right. Drake on the other hand is posting gambling promos on his instagram and dragging his reputation through the mud atm with the lawsuits

[@westendjoe9167]

People fail understand Cole stance on how he handles competition. If we gonna reall break down his lyrics. He clear has said he battle with killing features. So by his standard if you not trying to get on a song with him. He's not interested.

[@A-Kings-Cut]

Rob on the road Markman 🫡

[@RobMarkman]

Lol

[@samanthal-d5199]

I agree 1000% with you. I think all three of them played their own individual part in the battle. I believe through the battle we really got to see the true essence of each of their true essence. I definitely agree that J. Cole came in 2nd without even participating after he withdrew because he allowed hisself to keep his peace! And that’s a high level of self care for a person to demonstrate. I had family at MSG last night and they said it was EPIC🙌🏾 Buy hey I love Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole music and way of life, the way they stand on business for what they believe in. The way they are true to self even as mega celebrities. The fact that they realize they are human beings. I respect that💯

[@BluEx22329]

That concert looked dope. Ima have to check it

[@RobMarkman]

He really did

[@ChrisHtown]

A real PR team, good music, and friends will get you out of the slump and back in favor with the fans.

[@jazzyj904]

It’s not always PR. These people do have their own thoughts and feelings.

[@ChrisHtown]

@jazzyj904 true. But I'm sure he bounce ideas off somebody

[@nate_thegreat313]

Could care less about that stupid battle/beef, the fact J Cole came back from all that drama, returned to his roots and not worrying about winning people over was a commendable way to bounce back. Seeing Cole finish the year off strong like that last night made me appreciate him even more

[@skydivemag8718]

The battle is only stupid because Cole didn't come out the winner. Yall be sore losers 😂

[@MichaelBrown-ti1un]

Copium post lol. If Cole engaged the battle instead of folding, and fared well, no way you Cole stans would be pushing these narratives.

[@wh0_odat644]

💯‼️

[@_lady_bugz_]

It was a beautiful night for Cole fans. Classics and great energy. The building was electric 💐💐💐💐

[@_lady_bugz_]

And that January 28th hit different!!

[@slick1hit]

Nah, he still look crazy.

[@geraldandrews3934]

Glad you said what I’ve been thinking since the whole battle. At the time, I was a bit disappointed with Cole. However, over time looking back at the battle he would’ve had to have exited out anyway when Drake and Kendrick started to get personal with each other. What was Cole going to do then besides just rapping? He would’ve had to get out regardless. Cole had an amazing show last night and I came away from it feeling inspired and looking forward to his next album.

[@officialconch]

Idc how poorly Drake “moves” Cole can’t be 2nd without even competing.

[@RobMarkman]

Lol

[@BIG4oePodcast]

Cole still number 1 check da catalog and he produce shit Cole more relatable the beef was not in no friendly shit Kendrick talkin about drake fam and he a peto you think Cole going down that road naaa Cole saw how dat shit was going and said let me get up out dis hoe it ain’t going like I thought it was gone go ima let my homies kill each other now do a feature with come and he gone kill ya on ya own song it’s still a Cole world🥶 🌎

[@AdrianGuardiola-t1t]

I was in the studio when you interviewed Wiz for Taylor Alderice, fam you are a legend !!

[@wonderboyj8]

You’re conetely right about if Cole stayed in the battle. No way we would have cared cuz he wasnt about to take it where kendrick and drake went. So its a lose lose. This way was definitely the lesser of 2 evils.

[@elsamarks8477]

It’s crazy. I can’t believe it’s been ten years since that record. Hearing Born Sinner took me from liking rap as a teen to a lover of the art form in my early 20’s The last few years I fell out a little, life got busy and it’s sometimes hard to keep up. Then the beef kicked off and I feel like I have so much to catch up on! Except Cole had a weird year, and I don’t think I was really feeling his output (except his First Person Shooter verse oddly enough) I couldn’t even get into the Off Season retroactively. I was feeling like Cole fell off, but this video has me feeling things! I am going to watch that concert and try to get caught up. Thanks man, I’m subbing

[@JChap88]

I just finished the last episode today on my way to work, very dope series. Definitely can see other artists doing this.

[@_NoHandle_]

I questioned why, given the history of the other two emcees, Cole would jump into the beef in the first place. So, I respected and commended him for backing out and just letting those two go at it. I was thinking that Cole was a smart guy, _but then,_ he released "Port Antonio" and gaslighted us. Nevertheless, I'm glad that his fans got what sounds like a great concert for them, and I appreciate him selling some tickets for $1. More artists should offer discounted tickets to their fans.

[@goldengoddess1083]

Uhhh I’m so happy J. Cole is able to release content to connect with his fans but he definitely still looks crazy 😂😂😂 I commend him for his honesty but he looks insane.

[@TVilese]

Insane??? Lol...that's a strong word 😳 lol

[@goldengoddess1083]

@ 🤷🏽‍♀️ the way J. Cole has been talking in his verses over the years vs his performance when he was actually tested looks insane to me personally.

[@TVilese]

@goldengoddess1083 I gotcha..understandable. I just think insane is wild...I think it's just human...lol. I think we can all relate to having multiple parts of ourselves...he's just more open about it than other rappers and we're not used to it...just my opinion.

[@TeyWay23_tv]

That wasnt Cole way of battling if they get on song that’s a battle you wanted drama and dirt

[@goldengoddess1083]

@ there had been no dirt or drama up to that point so we have no reason to assume Cole and Kendrick would’ve gotten dirty or dramatic with each other. Even when battling each other Kendrick & Drake both mentioned Cole and never once disrespected him, in the midst of obliterating each other. This belief that a battle between J Cole vs ANYBODY would get dirty & dramatic doesn’t make sense to me.

[@RaynellJamal]

After the battle everyone’s fanbase will stay intact. They all put a lot of work and time in cultivating their audience. I never expected that to change. At this point, these are our modern day legacy acts so they’ll be fine moving forward. Kendrick is the guy right now rightfully so!

[@kaaygoldmine]

I watched it on stream with my friends, we had so much fun lol. He has an insane catalog.

[@Xfactorbb]

a bounce back into a send off/farewell... everything you said was spot on... leaving 2023 with the best rap song and verse, co headline with drake on tour, dropped a dope rollout for MDL and MDL delivered well minus 7min drill, yeah Dreamville fest was a confusing mood but 4 and a 1/2 features (possible a verse of the year nod) inevitable S1 has us wanting S2, now 2014 forest hill drive 10 year anniversary.. what a year for Cole and us his fans. I always compare rappers to basketball players, I have Dot as Kobe, Cole is Duncan

[@no_face101]

2024 will go down in hip hop history

[@RobMarkman]

That’s a fact

[@RonDJuan]

I was at Dreamville disappointed when he backed out, but if the battle wasn’t going to be about who the best rapper then he did the right thing. It was about barz for him, not tabloid music

[@_lady_bugz_]

Listening to that apology live in the crowd was a wave of emotions. I didn’t know how to feel about it at first. Clearly a solid decision though.

[@shettywap]

I think if it had been Cole vs. Kendrick, it had a much higher chance of being completely rap. Obviously, you'll jab at personality and junk, but nothing like dissecting and murdering a man's image and personality. I really think it was a combination of it not being received well and him knowing that he didn't mean what he said. And funnily enough, he didn't have to actually mean those things. Sane people understand that rap battles are highly hyperbolic.

[@RonDJuan]

@@_lady_bugz_ it was definitely the right decision, just executed/delivered poorly

[@RonDJuan]

@@shettywap I believe Cole was with a “rap” battle with Kendrick, but was able to read the room and realize this was going in a different direction he didn’t have the hatred to participate in

[@kaaygoldmine]

Right I had to realize this too. That shit way past being about who the best rapper is.

[@Fonzie_619]

Cole the 🐐🥶🌎 the show was amazing even

[@brandonjohnson3189]

Cole tapped out and still came in 2nd is crazy.... and absolutely true.

[@luisgomez777]

Love your takes Rob! And I def understand what you mean about joking cole was still able to come out 2nd after bowing out, but going to both shows these past few days proved to me that to real Cole fans he still came out #1 TO US. Anybody that’s still hating are just people that were never even fans, who only wanted to see rappers beefing for entertainment. And I don’t understand how that’s called “friendly sparring” . Idk any rappers in history that went at each other crazy and said it was “friendly sparring”. Two rappers getting on a song and trying to outrap one another sounds more fitting for that label “this is just my thoughts.” But Cole came out on top cause he has a real and loyal core fan base and he’s been rewarding us with nostalgia and we still getting an album 🙌🏼 that to me is why he’s #1 💯

[@maxnazario4037]

Concert was amazing Looking forward to Dreamville festival later this year too Garden was packed

[@professorskye]

I think you said it all and that you are spot on. If you’re gonna lose a competition, then at least have a good time hanging with your friends.

[@Suavelife85]

The group chat statement is very accurate.

[@RobMarkman]

I said it joking. But it kinda tracks

[@ka8480-t1h]

I'm glad Cole is landing well at the end of 2024. But it's hard to look at him the same. It's one thing to back out and say I want no parts. Cool, we respect your right to not engage. But Port Antonio marked him as a habitual fence sitter who throws stones and hides behind this false peace and harmony when people call him to task. The same false peace and harmony that was thankfully shattered this year. We needed the veil lifted from our eyes. I'm glad for Cole's success, and I'm so happy for his diehard fans having this moment with him. But it's hard to look past his ways.

[@DeeIrish94]

You gotta understand, that’s not our problem or issue to judge. It’s idolatry at this point. The song is all we got, we don’t know these dudes personally. And the message on that song is wildly misunderstood. It’s introspective, it’s raw honesty even to a fault. Most people can’t handle that and are also too afraid to let others hear that side of them.

[@ka8480-t1h]

​@DeeIrish94 I hear you, but I don't view it as idolatry. I'm making observations based on his actions overall, not just in this battle. When he brought it back up in Port Antonio, I feel he opened the dialogue back up. Many of us were happy to let him be because we didn't have an issue with the apology. Speaking on it is brave because many of us would never voice those inner thoughts, but it also opens the floodgates to scrutiny. And I think that's fair.

[@robfoster8356]

Cole is my favorite rapper after Nas, but he still looks crazy imo. Now, he definitely has handled the aftermath masterfully (minus port antonio). Cole still talked big for 5-6 years, released 7 Minute Drill to only take it back, & then did a bad job at explaining the situation on Port Antonio. All in all, I do have to look at Cole a lil different...but I still respect Cole for how he has manuevered since the apology.

[@yaasiynmuhammad6892]

I just sent that message to my guys! Cole showed us how to come back from a setback, and he still came in second!

[@08Coolster]

Interesting enough, Cole didn't perform any of his new songs from his new album. Almost like he wants people to forget this year and just remember the nostalgic moments of his career

[@robertsolis3642]

Clearly, you didn't understand that the one night event was about his 10 year anniversary of FHD and his Muhammad classics. Why would he drop his music past FHD?

[@mannymengs]

My only issue with Cole is his friendship with Drake, it just seems so contradictory to everything Cole stands for and makes me look at him sideways

[@ks_wallace2324]

Well you don't know these ppl personally and you clearly haven't been listening to inevitable. Cole has known drake for 15 years. Drake has helped Cole when no one else was willing to. You can't throw that away because the Internet says so.

[@supascrape2916]

​@ks_wallace2324 it's deeper than that. I agree, it is a contradiction. Drake is everything he speaks against.

[@mannymengs]

@@ks_wallace2324 I hear you, but also Drake wasn’t as weird back then and they were both just young and hungry rappers on the come up; since then, Cole has matured in his success while Drake has not, and it’s evident in their music and behavior.

[@emperorace6067]

Yes and no, because Drake at one point did carry the spirit of hip hop. In the early days when they first met I'm sure there was a mutual passion for this genre, over time they both went on to be revered as artists, Drake of course went on to become this industry juggernaut, and J Cole maintained the illusivity of "no features", or the the "1985 effect", almost like he became a prophet in the genre. Then something weird happened post pandemic, he started talking ab being 3rd in the race and just being happy to be here, idk I believe he's been insecure post pandemic, despite sounding better than ever, and I think linking up w Drake for the past 2 years was a way to feel validated, and I think Drakes antics rubbed off on him, that's y he put out that diss earlier this year. Furthermore I think Drake was trying to turn him into his ghost writer ngl. So I believe Cole has been lost for the past 2 years and that's y he was linking up with Drake for a while

[@mannymengs]

@@emperorace6067 yeah I don’t necessarily disagree with anything you said, but I was talking about what they stand for as men and how that’s reflected in their art and actions. I see Cole as a man who values respect, integrity, humility, honesty, and introspection (signs of maturity); I see Drake as someone who called fame, power, conquest (especially with women), all signs of showing up as a 7 year old lol

[@barcatable8781]

He does still look crazy!!!!

[@kimzziereenee1638]

The peeps who to believe Cole still looks crazy after all that has happened are the real crazy ones!! That being said, Cole just simply didn’t go back to the basics after the retraction. He clearly said at DVF that he needed to stay on the path he was on and regretted he allowed himself to briefly step away from it. Everything he has done since DVF had been months if not years in the making. Participating in the beef would have disrupted this plan and diminished the impact of his roll out.

[@Firebrandah]

I never looked at it crazy, definitely a pleasant surprise. Everyone makes mistakes. Warm greetings and love from Malawi.

[@RobMarkman]

Hey Malawi 👋

[@baconatorva]

You wylin on the Chino Pacas song. Shit is fire. I’m waiting on him to do a song with Peso Pluma, Eslabon Armado or Grupo Frontera too

[@RobMarkman]

I just don’t know that it’s the right move after Dot says “ain’t no accent you can sell me”

[@baconatorva]

@ no nos importa por nada sobre lo que dijó Kendrick Lamar. ¿Drake no debería crear ninguna mas canción con la melodia?

[@ComradeSam_007]

I love Cole

[@Bigchi3f]

1:39 Yes because we all needed another J.Cole introduction right.... lmao we gotta stop making excuses for this dude.

[@happygucci5094]

@@Bigchi3f Like put Cole up against Roc Marciano- it would definitely be another apology coming…😂 back to mainstream… Or any of the Wu, Or 3stacks, Or Big Boi Or Mos Def Or Prodigy Or Q-Tip Or BLACKTHOUGHT ‼️

[@Bigchi3f]

@ straight Facts😂

[@magnacarta46]

What do we gotta do to get you to cover Roc Marciano and Alc man? There is hip-hop happening in front our eyes at the highest level.

[@RobMarkman]

I’ll get to it eventually, but for starters watch the video where i covered Skyzoo. I cover underground and folks don’t really watch. But i plan to get to it eventually.

[@magnacarta46]

@@RobMarkman that’s fair enough, appreciate the response Rob keep doing your thing

[@JimmyHopkins-bw9jb]

We not doing the revisionist history, that shit was crazy

[@lulu1night4ever]

FAX. Why is no one holding anyone accountable in this situation. He swung and got stung. End of story. The whole "Cole came out on top" is mega cope.

[@kaygreene3305]

What was so crazy about it? A surprise, yes, but let's be real you think Cole was going to slander his peers personal lives, race, etc? If anything, this route suited him

[@JimmyHopkins-bw9jb]

@@kaygreene3305 Swinging and saying sorry before you even get hit back is a nasty route

[@AndresMenaSimba]

Right lol

[@Sol19891]

Group think is real among podcasters and the internet. I respect that Rob stands on his own opinions, has different takes and doesn't ride waves. Some thoughts for you Rob 1. Kendrick, Cole and Drake each has a very large, loyal and dedicated fan base. Each one can feel loud at given times. No one should be surprised that Cole sold out the garden in minutes. Drake and Kendrick can do it too. If you think Drake is "done" your CRAZY. Watch Cole's livestream and watch the whole stadium recite word for word some of Drake's songs. 2. Because of the hate on the internet, each fan base will now cling closer to their favorite among the three and listen less of the others. 3. This means Kendrick lost a lot of fans this year (Some from Cole and some from Drake). I think he lost more than he gained and that's crazy. Cole's fans tend to also be Kendrick's fans. This year is the first time I've seen Kendrick hate among Cole's fans. I know people here will think I am crazy but it's true. People are just lurking, judging and staying quiet. 4. The big three is beyond the point now where narratives can stop any of them. Their skill level is at an all time high. They will do what they want to do at this point. Bloggers, reactors etc don't speak for people as you saw with Cole's show. Your (Not you Rob) 15 minute rant videos or tweets won't convince a Cole fan or Drake fan to love Kendrick or to stop loving their favorites. 5. Cole has a lot of respect from the artist community. I'd go as far as saying he has more respect than Kendrick and Drake. I think this is the reason people weren't congratulating Kendrick for the Super bowl. Cole has been helping a lot of the rap community. On the other side of his features is artists trying to make it and Cole gave them a look. If you think Cole lost respect from the artist community you aren't paying attention.

[@teddyhart2913]

@@Sol19891 exactly. Well said

[@jstun2318]

2014 tickets for a dollar but he did sell out

[@Sol19891]

@@jstun2318 the queue was 140k large so had those 2014 tickets been on Ticket master they wouldn't have survived 10 minutes.

[@moniquestaley7460]

This is a solid perspective. As a cole fan, i skip kendrick songs now although i never really listened to him anyways outside of his mainstream songs

[@happygucci5094]

@@Sol19891 I’m sorry but did I miss the part where this was supposed to unite the Rap fandom…? Kendrick don’t give two fux about nothing but Whitney, his children and LA!!!!! He wanted LA united - he ain’t on some mission to save the world. And to the Cole and Drake fans- Dot smoked both.

[@XxChrisxX51]

First person shooter part 2 directed at Kendrick would be crazy

[@roderick_owens1013]

It’s not about him backing out. It’s about his reason especially when he disregarded wale and Ye when they were suffering from mental breakdowns.

[@MrASAPAB]

What did he say about wale that was so bad? Basically what he said to wale was that you're talented, make music for your large fan base, and don't let what critics say get you down. And using "mental breakdowns" is a cop out for Ye. Cole had every right to feel how he felt about Ye especially when he was saying things like "slavery was a choice." Now, look at Ye. Was he also having mental breakdowns on Alex Jones podcast when he said he likes Hitler?

[@roderick_owens1013]

@ it’s the fact he did it when they both were having mental breakdowns. He all but minimized what wale was experiencing. The fact that anyone would assume they knew what was best for someone who was dealing with mental trauma is insane. Everyone makes light of mental health, but not everyone is certified to fully comprehend how different and difficult each individuals mental health is. That goes for Ye too. Yeah we can say all that was wild and we can also say we all knew and seen him breaking down following his mother’s death. If he wanted to help then would have been the time.

[@MrASAPAB]

@roderick_owens1013 what mental breakdown was Wale having? This is the first time I’ve heard of this. And I’m tired of the excuses for Ye, blaming all the things he says about black people on “mental illness.” Cole felt a way about it as someone he used to look up to saying absolute blasphemy, and he made a song about it. Pac has made fun of prodigy for having sickle cell, Pusha T joked about 40 dying… much worse has been said than what cole has said, lol.

[@roderick_owens1013]

@ he openly admitted he was suffering from depression. Just because you don’t comprehend the seriousness of mental health and illness does not mean you can minimize it. That’s called ignorance.

[@MrASAPAB]

@ you know cole was suffering from depression during that time period too, right? It’s not like he got on the track and started minimizing and mocking their mental health. In fact he tried to uplift wale on the track and told him he has so many fans and not to focus on the critics… what did he say that was bad about Wale? And again with Ye, he’s not a good person. I’m sick and tired when someone has been saying crazy things their whole career, to continuously use “mental health” as a scapegoat. As a black man, cole felt a way of his one time idol saying “slavery was a choice.” And he checked him for it. Has Kanye changed since then? Nope. Only said crazier and more ignorant things. But yea… “mental health.” Lol.

[@humblebragger500]

Cole backed out before it got vicious... the info Ant got from ebony prince was after he had already folded.

[@jackietunes]

If J Cole had not drop out of the battle, would it had turn into a three way battle?....I've never heard of such thing, Cole did the right thing.

[@Doomer253]

I'm warming back up to Cole. Just as long as he doesn't do anything off Code. But yeah, he good.

[@curselifted28]

I agree 7 min drill was a misstep and even though port Antonio is a beautiful record from the beat to the flow that part about the battle and coddling Drake was nasty 🤣🤣🤣

[@AQuincyJones11]

GREAT CONCERT. Shout it to the live stream. CLUTCH. I wonder if the inevitable series was already scheduled to come out or if this was a reaction to the battle.

[@RobMarkman]

Well they did it in 2022. I feel like it was always meant to come out. Good point.

[@agbesiamenyo7577]

the audio series was already scheduled to come out- he said so on the interview with lil yatchy last year , its on yt.but i cannot say if it was to come out this year for sure, but seeing how his features dropped, i would think so. good he didn't let a battle derail his plans tho.

[@_lady_bugz_]

It was definitely in the works because the inevitable hoodie was available at dreamville fest merch store last April.

[@AQuincyJones11]

@@_lady_bugz_ Ty okay

[@XORGNMN]

Why can’t Cole still be viewed as the dope mc to not live up to it lol. Nothing will change for Cole besides him not battling to defend his lyrics. He still a dope artist

[@afnanbogey]

No matter what, Kendrick should always remember that J Cole had his back when Diddy was a billionaire menace

[@bobbysealemeals]

I really wish I didn't have work so I could've lined up for the tickets. I knew it'd be at Irving Plaza and I didn't get to go to the dollar and dream shows he did there. The whole extended roll out to The Fall Off has been amazing, I can't wait and hope it lives up to the hype Rob, since you're a journalist do you know if any sources close to Cole have said anything about the rumors that he'll retire after this?

[@juanelijah11]

I was pro Cole apology from the beginning 😭

[@hanzo6778]

A big thing I think is that Cole has a team that loves him and is honest with him. Seems like drake has nobody telling him not to do the things he’s doing.

[@B333D33]

What I find interesting about Cole's position in the beef and you reminded me about it with your comments is how people always frame it as they wouldn't see Cole diss Dot after it got heat. It implies the GOAT status was a 2v1. When they were fighting to be at the top top. Either people don't see Drake as fair competition or Cole is automatically on Drake side, which starts the battle on the wrong foot. What really irks me is that Cole went at Dot but he never said anything about Drake taking it there. Even on Port Antonio he doubled down on it.

[@BrentGrier]

at the time of 7 Min Drill, Drake hadn't said a word

[@JK-wp4nl]

​@@BrentGrier@ the time of Port Antonio everything was done.

[@BrentGrier]

@@JK-wp4nl maybe he knows something we don’t

[@tee16marketing2]

Outside of the memes and jokes I respect Coles decision and he made the right choice.

[@exoex5128]

cole can drop the hardest heat ever dropped, he was the first rapper in history to drop a diss and apologize before the response he could had this opinion before dropping the diss, but dropping then go the crow “kendrick is the greatest” on some thtty shy AND then rap a verse saying “I would not have lost”😂 thtty sht

[@MsYooToob]

I love Cole but I missed the concert. Resale prices were absolutely nuts and I was tied up at work and missed the stream anyway. Is there a link to watch it again?

[@trujiebeats7190]

Had no issue with him not continuing with the battle. But that Port Antonio was weird and slightly back pedaling.

[@kaygreene3305]

He stated the truth. PA a classic bar song.

[@wavecontroller5647]

@@kaygreene3305port antonio was incredible

[@trujiebeats7190]

@kaygreene3305 it's revisionist, therefore not stating truth. Also, kissing Drake's ass and even pushing his bot narrative. No thanks. What a waste of otherwise great bars only to shit the bed attempting to reframe and explain dropping out of a battle. All the while still telling us his pen is lethal 🤦🏽 It's lame

[@sandilejwara7174]

All I know is the ninja can never be the greatest anymore no matter what he does