Charlamagne Tha God urges J. Cole to fire back at Kendrick Lamar: Hip-hop’s new rivalry heats up

The hip-hop universe is buzzing with anticipation as Charlamagne Tha God, the outspoken radio personality and cultural commentator, weighs in on the latest rap feud. In a recent Breakfast Club episode, Charlamagne didn’t mince words: 

"J. Cole needs to step up and respond to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical challenge."

The Kendrick Lamar factor

It all started with Kendrick’s incendiary guest verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That.” The Compton wordsmith took direct aim at both J. Cole and Drake, reigniting a simmering rivalry that has fans and critics alike on the edge of their seats. Kendrick’s bars cut deep, addressing the subliminal disses from his fellow rap heavyweights.

Charlamagne’s and Breakfast Club take

Charlamagne Tha God expressed his readiness for the situation regarding "LIKE THAT" and the relationship between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. He mentioned that Cole and Drake can't take the high road, and that Kendrick has been asking for a response for years.

He also suggested that Cole needs to jump out and say something, and that Big Sean should wait a week before responding. Additionally, he discussed the "Big Three" in the context of Kendrick, Future, Drake, and Cole, emphasizing the musical aspect over the lyrical aspect.

"That's right, [I'm ready for this]," Charlamagne Tha God said of "LIKE THAT" and the relationship between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. "That's right, Cole and Drake, they can't take the high road. Kendrick's been asking for smoke for years, since 'Control.' No, Cole's the one that really needs to jump out, [not Drake]. '"

- Charlamagne Tha God

"Cause you said you was Muhammad Ali and you got an album coming out. You the one that really need to say something. Not right now, [Big] Sean. Wait a week. Sean, this is what always happens to you. You always get lost in the sauce of the Big Three. You know what, though? There was a couple of years, Sean was lyrically better than a lot of them. I was saying that. Sean was really, really, lyrically in his bag."

- Charlamagne Tha God

DJ Nyla Symone expressed her readiness for the situation and discussed Metro unfollowing Drake, tweeting "We don't trust you," and the subsequent album release. She also questioned whether Big Sean should be considered as the fourth member of the "Big Three," emphasizing the importance of keeping Cole in the top.

"The Big Three is Kendrick, Future, and then it's Drake and Cole. That's the four! The Big Three is Kendrick, Future, fill in the blank, but I know the other two is Drake and Cole. I'm just talking about musically. Not lyrically, musically." "I'm ready for this," DJ Nyla Symone remarked.

Metro unfollowed Drake, then tweeted out 'We don't trust you,' and then the album dropped, WE DON'T TRUST YOU," Nyla continued. "Do you think... is Sean four? Drake, Kendrick, Cole. You gotta keep Cole in the top." "

- Nyla Symone

The big 3 revisited

The Kendrick-J. Cole-Drake trifecta, often dubbed the “Big Three,” has dominated hip-hop conversations for years. Each artist brings a distinct style and perspective to the game. Kendrick, with his intricate wordplay and socially conscious themes, has long been hailed as one of the genre’s greatest lyricists. J. Cole, the introspective storyteller, and Drake, the chart-topping hitmaker, complete the trio.

Why J. Cole’s response matters

Charlamagne’s call for J. Cole to fire back isn’t just about stirring up drama. It’s about the essence of hip-hop—the competitive spirit, the lyrical jousting, and the hunger to prove oneself. Kendrick’s challenge demands a response, and fans are eager to witness a lyrical showdown between two of the industry’s heavyweights.

What’s next?

As the rap world holds its breath, we await J. Cole’s move. Will he accept Kendrick’s invitation to spar on the mic? Or will he choose to remain silent? Either way, this feud has elevated the stakes, reminding us that hip-hop thrives on competition and authenticity.