J. Cole offered up his response to ducking the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud with his "Port Antonio" track last week, which sparked plenty of debate on X and other social media platforms. One person not feeling Cole's reply was Joe Budden,

However, in Port Antonio, J. Cole expresses that he never intended to engage in a serious feud with Kendrick, clarifying that their beef wasn’t personal. Despite explaining that he prioritized friendship over competition, fans have criticized him for seemingly backing out of the competitive rap culture, which thrives on lyrical battles.

J. Cole shocked the music world when he bowed out of the escalating Drake and Kendrick Lamar rap beef. He finally explains the move in "Port Antonio."

In 'Port Antonio', J. Cole's new track, he addresses bowing out of Drake, Kendrick Lamar feud, and thanks Drake for his support over the years.

J. Cole has returned with a new single, "Port Antonio," and yes, he dived back into the Kendrick Lamar - Drake beef that he sidestepped.

I pulled the plug because I’ve seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow,” Cole raps.

The highly publicized lyrical battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake in 2024 almost began as a three-way feud, with J. Cole initially in the mix. Fans were quick to express their disappointment when the emcee opted to step back from the showdown.