50 Cent Says J. Cole ‘Paid the Most’ By Opting Out of Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Battle: ‘It’s a Part of Hip-Hop Culture to Compete’
50 Cent said J. Cole may have lost the most by withdrawing from the 2024 feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, arguing that competition is part of hip-hop culture. He also praised Cole’s confidence and unconventional image, saying the rapper is comfortable without the jewellery and status symbols often associated with the genre.
Cole released “7 Minute Drill”, aimed at Lamar, then apologised at Dreamville Fest and removed the track from streaming services, leaving Drake and Lamar to continue their clash. 50 Cent agreed Drake lost the battle in the feud, but said the loss had not harmed his career; the article reports that Drake later became the first artist to occupy the top three places on the Billboard 200 at once with three albums.
- 50 Cent says J. Cole lost most by opting out of the 2024 feud.
- Cole apologised to Kendrick Lamar and withdrew “7 Minute Drill”.
- 50 Cent says Drake’s career continued despite losing the battle.
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Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole are prominent American rappers who have often been grouped together as the “Big Three” of their generation. Rap rivalries, in which artists trade pointed lyrics and responses, have long been part of hip-hop, though they can vary in tone and intensity.
In 2024, tension between Lamar and Drake grew into a widely followed exchange of diss tracks, or songs aimed at criticising a rival. Cole briefly entered the dispute with “7 Minute Drill”, then apologised and withdrew the track; the other two continued. 50 Cent is a rapper and music executive known for his own high-profile feuds, and his comments reflect discussion about whether competing publicly is expected of artists and what stepping away can mean for their standing.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Taking part in a high-profile rap rivalry can demonstrate competitive confidence and respect a tradition in which lyrical challenges are part of hip-hop culture. By withdrawing, Cole may have missed a chance to test himself publicly and shape how audiences judged his place in the exchange.
The case against
Stepping away can reflect artistic integrity and a refusal to prolong a feud that a rapper no longer believes is worthwhile. Cole’s apology and removal of the track may be seen as a considered choice to avoid escalating personal conflict, while his success need not depend on winning a public battle.