True Music In Hip Hop: J. Cole Responds To Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” Verse On Justin Timberlake’s “TKO (Remix)”

J. Cole was one of the many rappers Kendrick Lamar named as wanting to “murder” lyrically on his much talked about “Control” verse. While scores of emcees dropped responses to Kendrick, Cole had remained silent about the matter - until now. Unlike most rappers, Cole didn't throw a hissy-fit. I'm sure if Cole is half the rapper I think he is, he feels the exact same way as Kendrick.

The Roc Nation rapper finally addressed the situation on the opening verse to Justin Timberlake’s “TKO (Remix).” The new version of The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 track also features A$AP Rocky and Pusha T.

Kendrick and Cole have a long working relationship. K. Dot performed the hook to Cole’s Born Sinner song “Forbidden Fruit,” and Cole produced Kendrick’s song “HiiiPower” off Section.80. The two have hinted at creating a joint project together for years. They both will also be touring with Eminem in Australia early next year.

It seems all the attention “Control” received left Cole feeling he had to respond. On “TKO (Remix)” he raps:

Cole to the rescue, never save a ho / Hoes like to hide their behavior though / Thought you was a down ass b***h / Til I found that s**t a couple days ago / I was home alone, next thing I know / That long as verse from a song called “Control” was on / The room got nearer, the tomb got clearer / That’s when I seen the s**t playin’ on your phone / Girl, what is that? A ringtone? / S**t, not you too / Man that hype done got you too / Everybody and their momma gassed / Even my momma asked what I’mma do / Decisions, decisions / In case this is war, then I load up on all ammunition / If a n***a want problems, my trigger’s on auto / I’ll make sure that nobody miss him

Although, Cole's ill verse seems to be nothing more than friendly competition between the two MC's, it's nice to see rappers continuing to step their game up. Clearly, the reverberating effects of Kendrick's Control verse has produced a great deal of positive results for hip hop. Thanks K.Dot