Kanye West Slams Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole in Another Heated Rant

Kanye West has once again publicly criticized Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, harshly dismissing their skills as rappers during a recent livestream with Toronto artist Top5.

“I hate J. Cole. It can’t even be called music,” Kanye said bluntly. He also grouped Kendrick in with Cole, saying that both artists lack what he considers “that sauce,” and that their music reminds him of each other — in a bad way.

West went further, taking shots at Kendrick’s fanbase: “Anybody that says Kendrick is one of their favorite rappers doesn’t know about real rap.”

His criticism of Kendrick Lamar has intensified recently, with West accusing him of copying The Life of Pablo on his 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Kanye claimed the drums and approach were direct imitations of his own work.

On social media, West also warned Kendrick not to “cross the line,” referencing a past JAY-Z tweet, and suggested Lamar is part of a broader industry agenda. Regarding J. Cole, he posted earlier this year that he “hates” his music and mocked the idea that Cole could carry a Super Bowl ad or hit song without support from artists like SZA.

West even recalled a past conversation with Drake during the Donda sessions, in which he claimed to have told the Toronto rapper that backing J. Cole was damaging to hip-hop. He contrasted Cole with Future, whom he praised instead.

As of now, neither Kendrick Lamar nor J. Cole has responded publicly to West’s repeated provocations.