Benzino Reacts To J. Cole's Kendrick Lamar Apology, Challenges Eminem To A Rap Battle

BY Caroline Fisher
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Nelly's Halloween Birthday Celebration
FAIRBURN, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 31: Benzino attends Nelly's Halloween Birthday Celebration on October 31, 2023 in Fairburn, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Benzino thinks he's finally ready to go up against his longtime rival.

After Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake and J. Cole on "Like That" with Future and Metro Boomin, fans were eager to hear how each MC would fire back. Their wishes were partially granted earlier this month when Cole surprise-released his album Might Delete Later, complete with a Kendrick diss track, "7 Minute Drill." Not long after the release, however, J. Cole had a change of heart. During his performance at Dreamville, he apologized for the song, and even later removed it from streaming services for good.

The unexpected move was pretty controversial among fans, but according to Benzino, it didn't come as a surprise to him. During a recent chat with TMZ Hip Hop, The Source icon weighed in on the debacle and came to J. Cole's defense. Moreover, he praised the MC for staying relatively unproblematic, and for setting a good example of conflict resolution.

Benzino Praises J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, And Drake

"J. Cole, Kendrick, Drake, they're not battle rappers. Not saying that they can't, but they didn't come into the game as that. They came into the game making amazing songs," he explained. While Benzino might respect J. Cole for his approach to the beef, he notes that the same doesn't apply to him amid his years-long feud with Eminem.

Elsewhere in the interview, he challenged Slim Shady to a face-to-face rap battle, as he believes he's in his prime. "I believe I could face-to-face battle with him and I'm willing to do so," he announced. "I'm willing to challenge him right here on TMZ. A face-to-face battle, three rounds, and I believe I could take him."

Benzino Pushes For Face-To-Face Battle With Eminem

 

What do you think of Benzino saluting J. Cole for apologizing for his Kendrick Lamar diss, "7 Minute Drill"? What about him challenging Eminem to a rap battle? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

About The Author
Caroline Fisher is currently a News Editor at HotNewHipHop. Her time at HotNewHipHop began in 2023 when she began writing about music and pop culture full-time. Since then, she has helped cover major stories including the YSL RICO trial, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s explosive feud, Diddy’s ongoing legal battle, and awards shows such as the BET Awards. Being from Chicago, she also got the opportunity to attend Summer Smash 2024 and review Chief Keef’s historic homecoming show. She additionally covered sets by Flo Milli, Playboi Carti, Bktherula, and more.

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