J. Cole Breaks Down Kendrick Lamar and Drake Rivalry in Latest Track “Port Antonio”: Listen Up
J. Cole is back in the conversation with his new song “Port Antonio,” shedding light on the long-standing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The track arrives as both an analysis and a response to the rap game’s ongoing drama. After igniting tensions with his verse on Drake’s “First Person Shooter”—where he dubbed himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three” of mainstream rap—Cole has taken a step back to reflect.
This new offering serves as a response to prior exchanges, including Lamar’s sharp rebuttal on “Like That,” where he dismissed the idea of a trio, and Drake’s reply with “Push Ups.” Following that, Cole even issued an apology for his part in the escalation with “7 Minute Drill.” Now, he finds himself in a unique position, acting as a peacemaker.
Cole’s lyrics on “Port Antonio” highlight his stance amidst the rivalry. “They say I’m pickin’ sides, don’t you lie on me,” he declares, expressing gratitude towards Drake while also addressing the narratives that fuel conflict in the industry. The beat, sampling Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved,” allows Cole to explore the questionable tactics some rappers adopt to boost their profiles and streams, criticizing the competitive nature of social media that drives this behavior.
Ultimately, “Port Antonio” serves as Cole’s conscious choice to withdraw from the feud—“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go.” He recognizes that the conflict isn’t just personal but tied to the broader interests of those seeking controversy to enhance their financial gain. With poignant lines like, “They wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow,” Cole makes it clear that he prioritizes loyalty over battle.
In recording “Port Antonio,” J. Cole not only addresses the current state of rap feuds but also makes a case for camaraderie, emphasizing that sometimes, stepping away is the wisest choice when faced with pressure from the industry.