J. Cole has never been one to shy away from lyrical sparring, and his latest track, “7 Minute Drill,” is no exception. The song, tucked away as the closing track on his surprise album “Might Delete Later,” serves as a direct response to Kendrick Lamar’s recent diss on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That.” Let’s dissect the fiery exchange and explore the implications.
The Prelude
Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Like That” was a calculated strike. He aimed at both Drake and J. Cole, asserting his dominance in the rap game. The line “Yeah get up with me, fuck sneak dissing / ‘First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches / Motherfuck the big three, n—a, it’s just big me” reverberated across social media and sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. Fans dissected every syllable, decoding the cryptic references.
Cole’s Retort
Enter J. Cole’s “7 Minute Drill.” The opening bars hit like a haymaker: “I got a phone call, they say that somebody dissing / You want some attention, it come with extensions.” Cole doesn’t mince words; he’s ready for war. But it’s the subsequent lines that cut deep: “Your first shit was classic, your last shit was tragic / Your second shit put n-s to sleep but they gassed it / Your third shit was massive and that was your prime / I was trailing right behind and I just now hit mine
Here, Cole dissects Kendrick’s discography. He acknowledges the brilliance of Kendrick’s debut album (“classic”), the lukewarm reception of his sophomore effort (“well-received, but not very exciting”), and the pinnacle of his career (“massive”). But then comes the twist—the revelation that Cole himself is now hitting his prime. It’s a bold assertion, a passing of the torch in real-time.
The Heart of the Matter
Cole doesn’t stop there. He takes a jab at Kendrick’s sporadic output: “He averaging one ‘Heart’ verse like every 30 months or something.” The “Heart” series, known for its introspective and raw lyricism, has become a hallmark of Kendrick’s artistry. But Cole questions the frequency—why the scarcity? It’s a subtle dig, implying that Kendrick’s creative well might be running dry.
And then, the mic-drop moment: “Blood doesn’t make me have to smoke this n—a ’cause I fuck with him / But push come to shove on this mic I will humble him.” Cole acknowledges their camaraderie but draws a line in the sand. If Kendrick wants lyrical warfare, Cole is ready.
The Aftermath
“Like That” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, fueled by Kendrick’s verse. But now, “7 Minute Drill” has entered the ring. The rap world watches, anticipates, and debates. Is this a friendly spar or the beginning of a feud? Only time will tell.
In the end, J. Cole’s response is more than a diss track—it’s a declaration. He asserts his place in the pantheon of rap, challenging Kendrick to rise to the occasion. As fans dissect every bar, the tension builds. And amidst it all, the question lingers: Will Kendrick respond?
“Might Delete Later” may vanish from our playlists, but the echoes of “7 Minute Drill” will resonate. The rap gods are watching, and the stage is set. Let the lyrical battle commence.
