In a rare interview with Apple Music on J. Cole expressed his genuine love for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and explained why he apologized to Kendrick during their rap feud. Reflecting on his past actions, J. Cole admitted that he regretted his diss track "7 Minute Drill" aimed at Kendrick and felt he had misrepresented himself. The moment of realization came just an hour before his performance at Dreamville Fest in 2024, when he decided to publicly apologize and set the record straight. J. Cole emphasized that he never intended to fuel division and that he genuinely cares for Kendrick, as well as Drake, and dislikes seeing either artist be torn down.