Drake responds to J. Cole’s new song "Port Antonio" after shoutout amid Kendrick Lamar beef

The track reflects Cole's admiration for Drake, despite the heated rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.

J. Cole’s unexpected new song, "Port Antonio," has stirred up the hip-hop world, as the rapper addresses the much-publicized feud between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and himself. Released on October 9, the track dives into the "Big Three" debate that has defined 2024’s rap landscape. Cole takes a reflective approach, acknowledging Drake’s significant role in his career and addressing the ongoing tension between the two.

On the track, J. Cole doesn’t shy away from discussing the pressure to pick sides in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar rivalry. “They say I'm picking sides, don't you lie on me,” Cole raps. “Hey Drake, you'll always be my n**ga. I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me.” His heartfelt lyrics suggest a desire to move beyond the drama, signaling that he has no intention of participating in the feud. Instead, Cole highlights the importance of his friendship with Drake, despite past disagreements.

Drake Acknowledges J. Cole’s Olive Branch
Drake’s reaction to the song was swift, as he liked an Instagram post featuring "Port Antonio." This small gesture didn’t go unnoticed by fans, who saw it as a positive step toward mending their relationship. The shoutout comes at a time when Drake has publicly spoken about betrayal from close friends, which some speculated might have included J. Cole. Drake's appreciation of the post may signal that he values Cole’s willingness to clear the air.

A History of Collaboration and Rivalry
Drake and J. Cole’s history dates back to 2010, and they have collaborated on numerous occasions, including the 2023 hit "First Person Shooter." However, their relationship has been tested by the rising tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, who are considered two of the greatest rappers of their generation. While Kendrick and Drake have continued to clash, J. Cole previously stayed out of the dispute, a stance he elaborates on in "Port Antonio."

In the song, Cole emphasizes that he does not want to be remembered for tearing down his peers. He criticizes the toxic nature of social media beefs and refuses to "dig up dirt" on people he respects. “Jermaine is no king if that means I gotta dig up dirt,” he raps, alluding to the lengths some rappers go to for clout.

Will This End the Feud?
With J. Cole extending an olive branch, fans are hopeful that this could lead to a resolution between him and Drake. The "Big Three" feud has been a hot topic in 2024, dominating rap headlines. J. Cole’s latest song offers a rare moment of introspection, showing that he values his relationships with both Drake and Kendrick Lamar, but is uninterested in fueling further animosity.

Time will tell if "Port Antonio" marks the end of the feud, but for now, J. Cole’s words and Drake’s subtle response indicate that peace might be on the horizon.