J. Cole’s decision to bow out of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rap battle sparked debates among hip-hop fans, with some questioning his approach. However, Joe Budden, despite his critiques, believes the Dreamville boss made the best possible move for himself. On a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the veteran media personality and former rapper reflected on J. Cole’s role in the highly publicized feud while also giving him well-deserved credit.

The Joe Budden Podcast’s Take on J. Cole’s New Song “cLOUDs”

During the podcast, Budden and his co-hosts discussed J. Cole’s latest track, cLOUDs, with special attention to how it was distributed. Parks, one of the co-hosts, suggested that Cole should consider bypassing streaming services and instead sell his music directly to his fans. He pointed out that this is a strategy Kanye West has embraced recently, although he noted that Kanye’s execution hasn’t always maintained the same level of quality as Cole’s releases.

Meanwhile, Ice chimed in, reinforcing the idea that Cole is navigating the industry in a unique way. But it was Joe Budden who steered the conversation toward the larger context of the ongoing battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which J. Cole distanced himself from earlier this year.

J. Cole’s Strategic Exit from the Kendrick vs. Drake War

Budden took a deep dive into J. Cole’s position within hip-hop’s so-called “Big Three,” acknowledging that while the rapper faced criticism for apologizing after releasing his Kendrick Lamar diss track, his exit might have been the smartest move of all.

“Cole made out really good out of that whole ‘Big Three’ s**t,” Budden remarked. “I know he got his back kicked in a bunch. I maybe have even said this before. But with every release, and I just hear his tone and how he goes about things, it’s clear that not only did he not want to end up being the Drake in that battle – like, the person who caught the worst end of the stick. I don’t think he wanted to end up being the Kendrick in that battle, either. Which is the winner and having to run all around and having this be demanded of you. I think he landed in the perfect spot. And he told us that, and it’s hip-hop, so we didn’t care.”

Public Reactions: A Bold Move or a Weak Retreat?

J. Cole’s decision to step away from the battle and even apologize for his diss track was met with mixed reactions. While some fans ridiculed him for backing down, others viewed his honesty as a courageous act. The rapper admitted that his heart wasn’t in the feud, leading some to label him weak, while others praised him for prioritizing his artistry over unnecessary hostility.

Despite the controversy surrounding his withdrawal, many believe J. Cole ultimately positioned himself favorably in the rap game. Rather than being caught up in an all-consuming rivalry, he was able to shift focus back to what truly matters—his music and his fans.

The Fall Off: J. Cole’s Next Chapter

While the debate over his rap battle exit continues, J. Cole has far more pressing matters on his agenda. His upcoming album, The Fall Off, has generated immense anticipation among fans, though an official release date has yet to be announced. The success of cLOUDs has only heightened the excitement, and fans eagerly await confirmation of what’s next.

With Cole’s track record of delivering deeply introspective and sonically impressive projects, The Fall Off is expected to be another defining moment in his career. If the response to cLOUDs is any indication, fans are in for something special when the album finally drops.

Final Thoughts: Joe Budden’s Take on J. Cole’s Choices

Joe Budden’s analysis of J. Cole’s actions suggests that, rather than taking an “L,” the rapper played the long game. By stepping away from the feud, he avoided unnecessary distractions and maintained his focus on creating timeless music.

As hip-hop continues to evolve, J. Cole remains a fascinating figure who defies industry norms and prioritizes authenticity over hype. Whether or not fans agree with his approach, one thing is certain—he’s moving at his own pace, and when The Fall Off arrives, it’s bound to be worth the wait.

Joe budden says J.Cole landed in the best place post battle compared to Drake and Kendrick Lamar . He didn’t want to be Drake who caught the worst end of the stick in the batter or kdot who won but now has to be running all over the place with massive expectations pic.twitter.com/jaJYHa7lf0

— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@Chatnigga101) February 22, 2025