J. Cole's Mentor Mark Pitts on the Kendrick Apology: 'As a Fan, the F--k Are You Doing?'

Two years later, J. Cole is still getting asked about the apology. In his new GQ sit-down with longtime mentor Mark Pitts, the Dreamville rapper opened up about how he handled Kendrick Lamar's 2024 shot, and Pitts admitted his first reaction wasn't exactly supportive, according to XXL.

Cole explained that having Kendrick featured on his own album put him in an awkward position. "I got to respond without responding, but still try to save face," he said, per XXL. He added that he thought he was done with the album at the time, describing himself as "retired, uninspired" in his own mind.

Read More: Symba Says J. Cole 'F---ed Up' His Barbershop Argument by Backing Out of the Drake-Kendrick Beef

Pitts says Cole never told him he planned to pull "7 Minute Drill" and apologize, so he found out along with the rest of the world. "As a man, I was like, 'I'm proud of you for real. But right now as a fan, the f--k are you doing?'" Pitts said with a laugh, per XXL, before adding, "But I get it!"

Pitts says he eventually told Cole the noise would last about a month and then blow over, and both now look at the apology as the right call long term. The same interview is where Cole walked back his retirement talk, which Billboard also highlighted. The Kendrick part reportedly starts around the 36-minute mark.

Read More: J. Cole Backs Off Retirement Talk: 'I'll Never Say I'm Going to Retire'

Was the apology the right move, or should Cole have kept swinging?

Sources: XXL, Billboard, GQ

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