Hip-hop fans long thought the idea of a J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar collaborative project was a distant dream, but Cole reignited that hope with the latest episode of his audio series, Inevitable. During the show, he previewed two unreleased tracks featuring Lamar, “Temptations” and “Shock The World,” giving fans a rare glimpse into their early chemistry despite their current strained relationship.
A Nostalgic Surprise
The tracks, which also feature BJ The Chicago Kid on “Shock The World,” date back to 2010 when snippets were first heard at a record store release event. However, the songs were never released in full or in high-quality formats. For the first time, Cole shared the CDQ versions with his audience, taking a bittersweet trip down memory lane as he reflected on the creative synergy he once shared with Lamar.
The Fallout Between Cole and Kendrick
While “Temptations” and “Shock The World” remind fans of the duo’s potential, their relationship in 2024 tells a different story. The fallout reportedly began in 2023 when Lamar declined to feature on Cole’s track “First Person Shooter” with Drake. What followed was a series of lyrical jabs and subtle (and not-so-subtle) disses.
Cole’s Initial Dig: On “First Person Shooter,” Cole referred to himself and Drake as the “GOATs” while seemingly dismissing Kendrick. He later made comments interpreted as a jab at Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album.
Kendrick’s Response: Lamar hit back on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” stating “f**k the Big 3,” a clear dismissal of the rap elite, including Cole.
Cole’s Diss Track: In April, Cole dropped “7 Minute Drill,” accusing Lamar of clout-chasing and criticizing his discography. He later apologized publicly at the Dreamville Festival, calling the diss “the lamest sh*t” he’d ever done.
Kendrick’s Continued Jabs: Though Kendrick shifted focus to Drake, he continued referencing Cole in subtle ways, keeping the tension alive.
Addressing the Rift
In October, Cole released “Port Antonio,” where he candidly reflected on the beef. He explained that his reluctance to engage further stemmed from fear of losing Lamar as a friend, reaffirmed his bond with Drake, and asserted his position as one of the best in the game without resorting to mudslinging.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
The release of “Temptations” and “Shock The World” serves as a reminder of the magic Cole and Lamar can create together, sparking renewed calls from fans for the long-awaited collaborative project. While the prospect of such a project remains uncertain, the tracks stand as a testament to the duo’s unparalleled potential in hip-hop.
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