J. Cole released his new album “Might Delete Later” on April 5th, which came as a surprise to his fans. The album follows his 2022 mixtape “D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape,” featuring contributions from Dreamville artists Ari Lennox, Bas, EarthGang, Omen, JID, Cozz, and Lute, along with guest appearances from ASAP Ferg, Kenny Mason, 2 Chainz, Reason, Young Nudy, Sheck Wes, G Perico, with DJ Drama’s assistance.
This album marks his first full-length release since May 2021’s “The Off-Season,” which boasted collaborations with a variety of artists including Ab-Soul, Central Cee, Ari Lennox, Cam’ron, Gucci Mane, Bas, The Alchemist, Mike Will Made-It, Conductor Williams, Young Dro, Charlie Heat, T-Minus, and more.
When Future and Metro Boomin dropped their recent collaborative album “We Don’t Trust You” last month, fans quickly noticed Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on “Like That,” where he took shots at Drake and J. Cole for including him in the “big three” on their duet “First Person Shooter,” released last year. “F* sneak dissin’, first-person shooter, I hope they came with three switches,” Lamar rapped. He continued, “Motherf*** the big three, n****, it’s just big me. N****, bum. What? I’m really like that. And your best work is a light pack. n****, Prince outlived Mike Jack’.” Coming at drake rapping “N****, bum. ‘Fore all your dogs gettin’ buried. That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary.” While Drake has vaguely referenced Lamar’s diss on his current tour, J. Cole took a direct approach with the surprise release of his new album.
“Might Delete Later” arrives just two weeks after Kendrick Lamar took aim at Drake and J. Cole on “Like That.” J. Cole addresses Lamar on the new album’s closing song, “7 Minute Drill.” He begins the song by addressing Lamar’s diss, “It’s a cold world, keep the heat under your seat. I got a phone call, they say that somebody dissin’. You want some attention, it come with extensions. My dog like, ‘Say the word,’ he on bulls***, he itchin’.” He continued to diss Kendrick, saying “He’s still doin’ shows, but fell off like the Simpsons. Your first s was classic, your last s* was tragic. Your second s* put n**s to sleep, but they gassed it. Your third s*** was massive and that was your prime.”
Although J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar fans are primarily invested in the ongoing battle between “The Big 3,” some listeners revisited Cole’s new album “Might Delete Later” after hearing an offensive line on the song “Pi.” Cole delivered a verse that troubled even some of his own fans, prompting many to call the rapper out for transphobia, which is not his first time having issues with the community. He last faced criticism with his single “Auntie Diaries” on the album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” where he discussed his aunt transitioning.
“Is you a demon or is that demeanor for the ‘Gram? Tell us. They plead the fifth, I’m seeing hints of a trans fella,” Cole rapped. “In cancel culture’s vicinity, he’s no killer, trust me. Beneath his chosen identity, there is still a pussy, period,” he continued in the song “Pi.”
Following the release of J. Cole’s album “Might Delete Later,” the album’s impact on the charts has been notable. Despite the controversy surrounding certain lyrics, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating J. Cole’s continued popularity and ability to resonate with his fan base. Tracks from the album, including “7 Minute Drill,” have garnered significant attention and are climbing the charts, showcasing J. Cole’s enduring influence in the hip-hop community. Despite mixed reactions from listeners, “Might Delete Later” has solidified J. Cole’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary rap music.
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