J. Cole has caught the attention of hip-hop fans worldwide with not just a surprise album drop, but with a new track that many speculate is his response to Kendrick Lamar’s recent diss towards Cole and Drake.

Titled “7 Minute Drill,” the track is part of Cole’s unexpected project, “Might Delete Later,” which he announced via Instagram on Friday (April 5). The song’s lyrics have sparked intense discussion on social media, with many interpreting them as a direct retort to Kendrick’s fiery verses on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” from their “We Don’t Trust You” album.

Although J. Cole refrains from mentioning names, listeners have inferred that his bars are aimed at K-Dot. “I came up in the ’Ville, so I’m good when it’s tension/He still doin’ shows, but fell off like The Simpsons/Your first st was classic/Your last st was tragic/Your second st put n*as to sleep, but they gassed it/Your third s**t was massive and that was your prime/I was trailing right behind and I just now hit mine/Now I’m front of the line with a comfortable lead/How ironic? Soon as I got it, now he wants something with me,” Cole spits.

Earlier in the track, J. Cole hinted at addressing the diss directly. “I got a phone call, they say that somebody dissin’/You want some attention/It comes with extensions/My dawg like, ‘Say the word’/He on bulls**t, he itchin’/Done put in so much work in these streets, he got pension/I told him, ‘Chill out’/How I look having henchmen?/If shots get to poppin’ off, I’m the one doing the clenchin’,” he rhymes.

Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Like That” ignited anticipation for responses from both J. Cole and Drake. As fans eagerly await Drake’s reaction, Cole has delivered an unexpected and comprehensive retort, leaving the hip-hop community abuzz with excitement and anticipation.