Fat Joe sparked debate this week by questioning whether J. Cole still deserves to be considered among the “Big Three” of rap – alongside Kendrick Lamar and Drake – after Cole publicly apologized to Lamar.
The Bronx rapper raised the issue during a recent interview, suggesting Cole’s apology diminished his standing in the competitive landscape. “I don’t no if he’s in the Big Three anymore after apologizing,” Joe said, according to Rap-Up.
Jadakiss quickly came to Cole’s defense.Speaking on the Million Dollar Worth of Game podcast, Kiss argued that lyrical skill and fan support are more crucial than involvement in rap beefs. “You gotta look at what he did before the beef,” Jadakiss explained. “Lyrics matter. The fans matter. What he did for the culture matters.”
The discussion highlights the evolving criteria for defining hip-hop’s elite. While lyrical prowess and cultural impact have traditionally been key factors, recent debates have centered on how artists navigate public disputes and maintain a competitive edge.
- Fat Joe questioned J.Cole’s place in the “Big three” because the rapper apologized to Kendrick Lamar.
- Jadakiss defended Cole, saying lyrics and fans matter more than beef.
