Videos by According2HipHop
Rapper Symba is getting introspective on his new track Father Figure, where he opens up about J. Cole stepping back from his highly anticipated battle with Kendrick Lamar. The song was exclusively shared by DJ Hed on X.
On the record, Symba admits that Cole’s decision forced him to reflect on the purpose of lyrical “pen training,” questioning what all the preparation is really for if a moment like that doesn’t lead to confrontation. The reflection comes after Symba believed Cole referenced him on the “Bronx Zoo Freestyle” from Birthday Blizzard 24, where Cole rapped, “Young Simba… only thing they should say is, ‘Cole, you like a father to me.’”
Symba responds directly on “Father Figure” with layered bars, rapping, “Kendrick pressed, Cole stepped back, never seen that before / It has me questioning what all of the training was for?” While he wrestles with the idea of standing down, Symba also acknowledges growth and perspective, adding, “Maybe standing down is standing up… But this Marvin Gaye won’t get smoked by his father.”
The track captures a rare moment of vulnerability, blending hip-hop competition with personal reflection, and shows Symba engaging the culture’s biggest conversations with both respect and sharp lyricism.
This is dope.. Had To Share❗️
— DJHed (@DJHed) February 5, 2026
Symba – Father Figure
My bad Sym🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/bbTy87JMs5
