Joe Budden Critiques J.Cole’s “Port Antonio”: Calls It “Soft”

Joe Budden has stirred the pot once again, this time taking aim at J. Cole following the release of his latest single, “Port Antonio.” Budden’s critique comes in light of Cole’s comments regarding the ongoing tensions between hip-hop titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

In “Port Antonio,” J. Cole delves into the complexities surrounding the rap beef, drawing on his past confrontations with Kendrick. There was a notable moment in hip-hop history when Cole unleashed a full diss track targeting Kendrick, declaring his rival’s latest album to be “trash.” However, in a surprising twist, Cole later removed the diss from streaming platforms and publicly apologized to Kendrick during a live performance, leaving fans wondering about his position in the so-called “big three” discussion alongside Drake and Kendrick.

Budden didn’t hold back, questioning Cole’s newfound attitude of freedom. “What do you mean you’re finally free? That disregards any accountability for your role in the big three situation,” Budden exclaimed during one of his recent podcasts. He seemed to be adamant that Cole is downplaying his past involvement, saying, “You can’t just pop up and act like you don’t care after all the drama you stirred.”

His words reflected a deeper frustration with what he perceives as a softer approach to hip-hop taken by some artists in recent years. Budden elaborated, rejecting Cole’s narrative of not wanting to engage in the beef, pointing to the aggressive and passionate tracks that have characterized rap’s history. “Real hip-hop isn’t about shying away from conflict. I was hoping J. Cole would come harder,” Budden remarked, likening the situation to when Jay-Z passionately declared his intent to confront rivals, referencing the iconic “Dead Presidents” song where Jay expresses a fierce commitment to loyalty and revenge.

Budden’s critique also highlighted a notable absence in Kendrick’s direct jabs at Cole in his recent work, which could be attributed to that aforementioned apology. This dynamic creates a fascinating narrative within the hip-hop community as artists navigate their relationships and rivalries.

His comments leave fans debating whether Cole indeed has softened or if he’s merely evolved in his artistry and approach. Has J. Cole shifted away from the aggressive lyrical battles of his earlier days to focus on introspection and personal growth? If so, is that a sign of growth or a retreat from the competitive essence that has long defined the genre?

As discussions around “Port Antonio” continue to heat up, hip-hop enthusiasts find themselves in a music scene that is constantly shifting and reinventing itself. The question remains: is Joe Budden’s assessment valid, or is it simply a reflection of his own preferences in hip-hop’s evolving landscape?

Only time will tell how this debate unfolds and whether J. Cole’s style will continue to resonate with the audience that values lyrical ferocity just as much as emotional intelligence.