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Hip-hop discourse is heating up once again after Akademiks delivered a brutal take on J. Cole following his public apology to Kendrick Lamar in 2024.
During a recent rant, Akademiks argued that J. Cole should have quit music altogether, claiming the apology amounted to “copping a plea” in a competitive rap moment. He went even further, saying Cole would’ve been better off disappearing from the spotlight and becoming a ghostwriter in the so-called “OVO sweatshop,” a reference to OVO Sound and its alleged camp of writers and artists.
Akademiks doubled down by questioning Cole’s competitive edge, suggesting he lacks the “heart” needed for rap battles at the highest level and is better suited writing bars for others rather than standing in the arena himself. As expected, the comments instantly went viral, sparking intense debate among fans—some defending Cole’s maturity and self-awareness, others agreeing that the apology shifted how he’s viewed in rap’s competitive hierarchy.
Whether seen as reckless trolling or harsh truth, Akademiks’ comments reignited conversations around pride, competition, and legacy in hip-hop—proving once again that in rap, perception can hit just as hard as lyrics.
Akademiks said J. Cole should’ve QUIT MUSIC and became a GHOST WRITER for the OVO SWEATSHOP after apologizing to Kendrick Lamar in 2024 😭 pic.twitter.com/xD5KPYLAak
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) January 16, 2026
Akademiks says the rap Biden J Cole should’ve retired after copping a plea to Kendrick and says he’s better off working as a ghostwriter for a rapper with HEART 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/VyqzqaK5Rb
— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) January 16, 2026
