J. Cole’s “Port Antonio” Response: Joe Budden Critiques the Timing and Accountability of the Track

Earlier this week, J. Cole revealed his thoughts on stepping away from the high-profile feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake with his new track, “Port Antonio.” Many fans felt the release was too late, given the feud had cooled off by July, and Joe Budden made his frustrations clear during a heated debate on his podcast.

On Saturday (October 12), Budden, alongside his co-hosts, shared their thoughts on the record, particularly focusing on Cole’s line, “They strip me of my spot, and now I’m finally free.” Budden took issue with the sentiment, claiming it dismissed Cole’s role in the “big three” conversation and appeared to avoid any accountability. “What do you mean you’re finally free?” Budden asked. “That is a whole load of crap.” He further criticized Cole’s timing, suggesting that the rapper was too soft and that the state of Hip Hop had become too sentimental.

Budden’s comments were a sharp contrast to his earlier praise for Cole’s recent feature work. In October, Budden had lauded Cole for staying out of the drama, stating that Cole’s features—like his collaborations with Tee Grizzley on “Blow For Blow” and Tems on “Free Fall”—showed a more mature and composed approach to the industry.

Regarding “Port Antonio,” J. Cole dismissed the criticisms, expressing gratitude to Drake, who helped him achieve his first-ever No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 chart with their collaboration “First Person Shooter” earlier this year.

Though the “big three” conversation might be over, the debate continues, with Cole’s “Port Antonio” track stirring up new discussions around timing, accountability, and the evolving landscape of Hip Hop.