J. Cole Sparks Controversy With Subliminal Shots at Kendrick Lamar and Drake in New Song “Cloud”

The hip-hop battlefield is heating up again as J. Cole appears to be taking subliminal shots at Kendrick Lamar and Drake in his latest track, “Cloud.” The lyrics have sparked immediate speculation, with fans wondering if Cole is reigniting a war he once backed away from.

In the song, Cole raps: “I proceed with caution, and I’m not flossin’. Unlike ‘Some,’ I’m not defined by my fortune.” The line, which many believe is aimed at Drake and Kendrick, seems to contrast his own authenticity with the lavish lifestyles and industry dominance of his rivals. But the real question is: Why now?

Fans quickly recalled that Cole previously stepped away from direct competition, even apologizing for dissing Kendrick in the past. In 2023, he admitted that he had no interest in escalating rap beefs, saying he respected both Kendrick and Drake too much to go to war with them. But with “Cloud,” it seems like he might be having second thoughts.

The timing of these subliminals couldn’t be more intriguing. With Kendrick Lamar and Drake still locked in a cold war of lyrical tension, some believe that Cole might be trying to insert himself back into the conversation—either as a challenger or as a mediator. But if he truly wanted to keep the peace, why throw shade at all?

One possibility is that Cole is responding to critics who claim he lacks the hunger to battle with the greats. By subtly addressing both Kendrick’s reclusive nature and Drake’s commercial dominance, Cole might be trying to remind the industry that he belongs in the GOAT conversation too—not just as an observer, but as an active competitor.

However, others think this move is a dangerous gamble. Kendrick Lamar, also known as “Kung Fu Kenny,” is notorious for his brutal and strategic diss tracks. If he perceives Cole’s words as a true challenge, fans could be in for one of the most intense lyrical battles in modern hip-hop.

On the other hand, Drake is no stranger to responding either. If he feels like Cole is undermining his legacy or questioning his status, he might decide to fire back with a track of his own. The history between Drake and Cole has been largely friendly, but in rap, everything can change with a single bar.

The hip-hop community is now split—some fans are hyped at the possibility of seeing J. Cole engage in a lyrical war, while others feel he missed his chance to go at Kendrick and Drake when it really mattered. After backing down in the past, does Cole really have the credibility to stir the pot now?

At this point, the ball is in Kendrick and Drake’s court. Will either of them take the bait and respond? Or will they dismiss Cole’s subliminals as nothing more than an attempt to stay relevant in the ongoing GOAT debate?

One thing is certain—hip-hop just got a whole lot more interesting. Whether this turns into a full-blown feud or just another missed opportunity for a real battle, the anticipation for what happens next is at an all-time high.