J. Cole once threw an unexpected lyrical jab at NBA star Shane Battier, and it was during a chance meeting in Miami that he finally offered an apology.
On his 2011 debut album, J. Cole referenced Shane Battier in a diss track, calling him “lame” on “Rise & Shine.” Years later, Cole had the opportunity to address this line in person while dining at a Miami restaurant where Battier was also present.
Battier joked that he never let the line bother him, assuming it was because of the sports rivalry since Cole is a Carolina fan. Nevertheless, he appreciated Cole’s gesture to apologize and was amused by the encounter.
Battier shared the amusing story, mentioning his surprise at how tall J. Cole is, and expressing his admiration for Cole’s humility in owning up to the diss. Battier responded to Cole by saying he understood that the rap game can be harsh, but he found the situation funny rather than offensive.
The story gained attention when Team Dreamville tweeted about the encounter, highlighting J. Cole’s sincerity in addressing his past lyrics. This tweet added a light-hearted note to the entire episode.
Separately, J. Cole also showed a more vulnerable side in his audio series, “Inevitable,” where he broke down in tears while listening to one of his older songs. In “Can I Holla At Ya,” Cole reflects on his stepfather leaving his family, and the emotional toll it took on his mother.
He admitted during the series that the song’s lyrics still hit him hard, revealing the impact those events had on his life. Cole explained how the past hurt resurfaced as he listened to the lyrics, leading to an emotional moment for him.
Thankfully, Cole and his stepfather have since reconciled. Despite the past pain, Cole explains that as he’s grown, he has come to understand the complex dynamics that led to his stepdad’s decision to leave.
At 37, Cole reflects on his family’s journey, acknowledging that life and relationships are complicated. He’s thankful for the current peaceful relationship he has with his stepfather, and appreciates the understanding they’ve reached.
J. Cole’s recent actions show his growth as both an artist and individual, willing to confront past mistakes and express heartfelt emotions.
