50 Cent Says J. Cole Lost More Than Drake in Kendrick Lamar Rap Battle

Oct 15, 2026 | 12:47 AM

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50 Cent believes J. Cole faced the biggest setback in the highly publicized rap feud involving Kendrick Lamar and Drake, despite choosing to step away from the competition.

During a conversation with comedian Andrew Schulz, the rapper shared his perspective on the 2024 battle and explained why Cole’s decision to withdraw may have affected his standing in hip-hop more than Drake’s participation.

Cole initially entered the feud with a response to Lamar but later apologized and removed his diss track, 7 Minute Drill, from streaming services.

50 Cent emphasized that competition has always been part of hip-hop culture. He suggested that stepping away from a lyrical confrontation can carry consequences, especially for artists recognized for their technical abilities.

While questioning Cole’s decision, 50 Cent also acknowledged his individuality and confidence as an artist.

He offered a different assessment of Drake, suggesting that losing a rap battle does not necessarily damage an artist’s commercial success.

His comments revisit a major moment in modern hip-hop, highlighting the different ways competition, reputation, and career success are measured within the genre.