In a highly anticipated move, renowned rapper and lyricist J. Cole has unleashed his latest masterpiece onto the world with the release of his new mixtape, Might Delete Later. The 12-song project, which hit streaming platforms earlier today, has already sent shockwaves through the music industry, particularly due to its standout track, “7 Minute Drill,” which takes aim at rival rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Might Delete Later marks J. Cole’s fourth mixtape, and his first project not to be released through Roc Nation. This time it’s coming through Cole’s own Dreamville Records and Interscope Records. With tracks exploring themes of self-discovery, social justice, and personal growth, Cole once again demonstrates his prowess as both a storyteller and a social commentator. The tape’s title itself reflects the modern digital age, where decisions are made with the caveat of potential deletion, mirroring the uncertainty and impermanence of life itself.
The 7 Minute Drill
However, it is the track “7 Minute Drill” that has really ignited fervent discussion among fans and critics alike. The song, actually clocking in at just over three minutes and thiry seconds, sees J. Cole delivering a relentless barrage of bars in response to Lamar’s “Like That” diss which was featured on Future and Metro Boomin’s collaborative album, We Don’t Trust You.
According the various sources, including Genius, the title of the track may be a reference to J. Cole’s “7 Minute Drills” mentioned in his The Off Season Documentary, which were drills he put himself through to “sharpen his craft.”
“Light work like it’s PWC
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”
In the track, Cole claims he’s now in his prime, and that he’s clearly surpassed the Compton legend on rap’s hierarchy of importance. He also claims that the only reason people are even talking about Lamar is because he’s dissing people. He also challenges Lamar’s consistency and implies that his relevance is fading.
“He averagin’ one hard verse like every thirty months or somethin’
If he wasn’t dissin’, then we wouldn’t be discussin’ him
Lord, don’t make me have to smoke this nigga ’cause I fuck with him
But push come to shove, on this mic, I will humble him”
To close out the track, Cole insists “7 Minute Drill” is just a warning shot, essentially daring Lamar (or anyone else) to take things further. There’s no questoning Cole’s confidence in his own lyrical abilities, and by the looks of social media, a growing number of fans are starting to think he’s the stronger artist.
Might Delete Later Features Several Canadian Producers
But beyond the diss track, Might Delete Later offers a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. It features guest appearances from Young Dro, Gucci Mane, Ari Lennox, Cam’ron, Central Cee, Bas, Daylyt, and, interestingly enough, frequent Lamar’s former Black Hippy groupmate, Ab-Soul.
There’s also a significant Canadian presence on the tape, with T-Minus and Michael “DZL” Holmes producing on several songs. Not to mention, “Stickz n Stonez” co-produced by Canadian beatsmith (and T-Minus signee) Steve “Hundo” Bilodeau and legendary producer, The Alchemist.
For fans of J. Cole, Might Delete Later serves as both a continuation of his legacy and a testament to his evolution as an artist. With its poignant lyrics and evocative production, the project reinforces his place as one of the foremost voices in contemporary hip-hop. Whether the controversy surrounding “7 Minute Drill” will lead to a response from Lamar remains to be seen.
for now, fans can immerse themselves in the raw emotion and unflinching honesty of J. Cole’s latest gem, Might Delete Later. You can find it on Apple Music, Spotify, and various other digital streaming platforms.
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