HotNewHipHop

DJ Akademiks Has No Sympathy For J. Cole’s Explanation Of Kendrick Lamar Apology

Gabriel Bras Nevares — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:54:02 +0000

J. Cole recently sat down with Nadeska Alexis for Apple Music to talk about his new album The Fall-Off, his 2024 apology after responding to Kendrick Lamar, and a whole lot more. While many fans find the conversation compelling, DJ Akademiks is among the loudest critics of the Dreamville artist’s reflections.

In various clips from Ak’s livestream last night (Friday, March 20) caught by CY Chels on Twitter, he breaks down why he has no sympathy for Cole’s remarks. More specifically, they still center around his exit from the K.Dot and Drake battle.

“I’m so confused by J. Cole because, at the most p***y type of outlook on this, I thought he was going to say, ‘I love Kendrick, but I want to prove I’m the best. I’m here for the challenge,'” the commentator said of the North Carolina lyricist. “Instead, the n***a sounds like he loves Kendrick more than Whitney [Alford, Lamar’s fiancée]. ‘Yeah, I love that guy.’ Bro, what happened to the competition? What happened to that s**t?”

DJ Akademiks has been very critical of J. Cole in the past. So it stands to reason that his recent commentary didn’t stop there.

“[He has] no integrity, he’s not prideful,” Ak remarked. “He talks about wanting to be the best, but he doesn’t want to compete… It’s weird to me, it’s odd… Why didn’t you compete, but you’re rapping that you’re down to compete? What’s the problem? […] This s**t is sad, chat… I would give it so much more grace if he was like, ‘Kendrick called me, and I talked to him.’ Somehow, Kendrick seems impervious to all this f***ery. He doesn’t talk to none of these n***as and they get shamed without him having to lift a finger. That’s powerful.”

Read More: J. Cole “The Fall-Off” Review

J. Cole’s Apple Music Interview

Akademiks says J. Cole needs therapy after apologizing in the Kendrick battle.

Ak says Cole raps about wanting competition but folded when the moment came.

“If rap got you this stressed… go change a diaper.” https://t.co/Ib5o1mgwQa pic.twitter.com/rzukKgHuzP
— CY Chels (@SeewhyChels) March 21, 2026

From there, DJ Akademiks questioned J. Cole’s status and said he needs to “go to therapy” and “change his diaper” if this stressed him out so much. He continued his criticism of Cole’s competitive nature (or lack thereof, from Ak’s perspective), positing that there’s “zero substance” to his music.

“I feel like he grew with y’all, but he’s still blocking y’all out,” Akademiks told Cole’s fans, referring to his hesitancy to talk about family life. Finally, he criticized the rapper’s decision to push The Fall-Off back due to the beef and apology.

Elsewhere during J. Cole’s Apple Music interview with Nadeska Alexis, he revealed that 2014 Forest Hills Drive was originally going to be a double album. He also said he still has a lot of love for his “Big Three” colleagues, a sentiment DJ Akademiks continues to scrutinize.

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Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Black” Is Making Its Return Next Month

Ben Atkinson — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:23:00 +0000

The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Black” is officially coming back next month. This is one of the most underrated basketball sneakers Nike has ever produced.

House of Heat reports that the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 OT “Black” will be released on April 17th, 2026.

The 2K4 originally released in 2004 and was Kobe Bryant’s signature shoe at the time. It remains one of the most distinctive silhouettes from that entire era of Nike Basketball.

The all-black colorway is one of the cleanest ways to wear this shoe. Every element of the upper is dressed in matching black from top to bottom. The tonal approach lets the shoe’s unique design language speak entirely for itself. There is no colorway that better highlights the 2K4’s structural details than this one.

The silhouette itself is genuinely unlike anything Nike was making around it. Ribbing runs across the leather upper giving it a textured, armor-like appearance. The circular cutout on the ankle strap is one of the most recognizable design details of the era.

Kobe’s connection to this shoe makes the retro even more meaningful for long time fans. The Huarache 2K4 came at a pivotal moment in his career. Bringing it back in such a clean colorway feels like the right way to honor the shoe.

Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Black” Price

Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 OT "Black" Returns April 17, 2026 pic.twitter.com/76L4zPyR5R
— House of Heat° (@houseofheat) March 18, 2026

The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Black” is a head-turning basketball silhouette that holds up remarkably well over two decades later. The all-black leather upper is covered in quilted ribbing that runs diagonally across the shoe’s surface.

An ankle strap with a circular cutout at the rear gives it one of the most unique profiles in Nike Basketball history. Suede panels on the toe and heel add texture and depth to the blacked-out build.

The Air Zoom cushioning unit is visible through a window on the midsole. The huarache logo sits on the lateral heel, reminding everyone of the shoe’s origin. It is a true collector’s retro that deserves far more attention than it typically gets.

Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $200 when they are released.

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Nike KD 6 “Texas” Is On The Way, And Here Is Everything We Know

Ben Atkinson — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:51:34 +0000

The Nike KD 6 “Texas” is officially returning. This is one of the most beloved colorways from Kevin Durant’s entire signature shoe catalog. The KD 6 era is widely considered one of the best periods in Durant’s footwear history.

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike KD 6 “Texas” will release on December 1st, 2026.

Durant recently unveiled the Nike Team KD NIL program at the University of Texas. The program gives Texas student athletes access to NIL support through KD’s Nike partnership. It is a full circle moment between Durant and the university where his career began.

The original KD 6 “Texas” released back in 2013 and was an instant fan favorite. The colorway pulled directly from the University of Texas’s burnt orange and black colors. Sneaker fans who grew up watching Durant at Texas have been waiting on this retro for years. The demand for this pair has never gone away.

The timing of this return could not be better with KD now in Houston. He is playing for the Rockets just a few hours from Austin. Wearing a shoe that celebrates his Texas roots while competing in the state again is a full circle moment.

Nike KD 6 “Texas” Photos

Image via Sneaker Market RO and @brandon1an

The Nike KD 6 “Texas” is one of the most visually distinct colorways from the KD signature line. A black speckled base covers the entire upper, giving the shoe a galaxy-like texture that feels unique even today.

Bold burnt orange overlays on the heel counter and tongue bring the University of Texas color story to life. Mint green paint splatter dots scattered across the black upper add an artistic, almost graffiti-inspired energy.

A large KD logo sits on the lateral side in matching orange. The mint green outsole and translucent Air Max unit complete the look from below. It is a colorway that felt bold in 2013 and still holds up beautifully over a decade later.

Nike KD 6 “Texas” Price

Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $130 when they are released. This retro is going to hit hard when it drops.

Image via Sneaker Market RO and @brandon1an

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Down – Song by MexikoDro

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

MexikoDro is an artist who fans know very well by now. He is a sensational producer who can also rap with the best of ’em. On his new song “Down,” he showcases why he is such a compelling artist. From the hypnotic production to the smooth flows, MexikoDro knows how to capture his audience. The song is very bouncy and would sound fantastic being blasted through car speakers. Overall, MexikoDro has been on a very solid run as of late, and this latest song proves that he is going to be around for a long time.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Down

Jewlery on, scrollin’ down lookin’ at this list
Scopin’ out this bathroom and lookin’ at this kitchen
Get this out the way, I’m almost done with this mission
When I move out the four, I’m gon’ miss it

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Don’t Make Me Love U – Song by Lizzo

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Lizzo is gearing up to release her new album Love In Real Life. But first, she is back with a new single called “Don’t Make Me Love U.” The song comes with a music video in which she is confronting her past self. It is an emotional, self-reflective song that speaks to her younger self. Meanwhile, this song sounds like it would have been a Top 40 radio hit in the 1980s. From the bassline to the vocals to the soaring chorus, this is a song that will definitely provide some nostalgia. It’s a nice change of pace from Lizzo, and we believe fans will appreciate this new direction.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: Pop

Album: Love In Real Life

Quotable Lyrics from Don’t Make Me Love U

I’m going on a drive
To give you a couple of minutes to make up your mind
Well, baby, I’ll be fine, yeah
‘Causе I’m a big fine woman, don’t lose your place in linе

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Out The Mud – Song by MudBaby Ru featuring Key Glock

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0000

MudBaby Ru is looking to have a monstrous 2026. One of the best ways to do that is to establish yourself early on, drop some bangers, and deliver dope collaborations. So far, the artist is clearly meeting the moment. On Friday, he dropped off a brand-new track with Key Glock, simply titled “Out The Mud.” It is a song with some smooth production and some great rapping. MudBaby Ru and Key Glock have solid chemistry here, and the production fits their rapping style perfectly. Everything is coming together on this track, and they clearly have a few more collabs in them. Definitely give this track a listen today.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Out The Mud

I got this shit out the mud, baby
Been gang, got it on me, you must be crazy
Riding around sicked up in a Mercedes (Aye)
I’ma go and get it, I ain’t never been lazy

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LUVAGIRL – Song by Coco Jones

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Coco Jones is due for a new album. Although we do not have an exact date at this time, it is safe to say that the artist is in that mode. In fact, on Friday, she dropped off a new song called “LUVAGIRL,” and there is no doubt that this is going to be a hit. Quite simply, the song is a whole lot of fun. The hook is extremely catchy, and as usual, Coco Jones delivers with her vocals. Everything is clicking with this new track, and it has us excited to hear more from Jones throughout the year. Hopefully, a new album is on the horizon, and Jones continues to give us these catch hit records.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: R&B

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from LUVAGIRL

For you, I’m a soft girl (Soft)
Make you dinner all day long girl
Satin sheets and lingerie
It’s only Wednesday, but we locked in
Got me planning out forever

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Jinx – Song by Zacari

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Zacari is a TDE artist who has been buzzing for years at this point. He has been featured on songs with Kendrick Lamar, and his voice has become a fan favorite. On his new track, “Jinx,” Zacari proves yet again why he is such a fantastic talent. This R&B cut is a slow jam through and through. From the guitars to the vocals, Zacari puts it all together. It is the kind of song that makes you wonder why the artist isn’t bigger right now. He has all the talent in the world, and the songwriting chops are right there. Either way, we are excited for what he does next.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: R&B

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Jinx

‘Cause you feel too good to be true
And I don’t wanna lose you (Jinx)
I don’t wanna jinx it, but I think this could be
Something so special
I don’t wanna jinx it, but I think this could be

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Turn It Up – Song by Slayr

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

If you are a fan of underground rap, then you are probably a big supporter of Slayr. He is proving to be one of the most unique artists in the space. From his eclectic production choices to his use of melody, Slayr knows how to craft a song. While artists like 2Slimey are going all the way off the deep end with distortion, Slayr uses it in a way that actually lends itself to good music. His new song “Turn It Up” is a perfect example of this. He can go from trap to metal in the blink of an eye, and it all sounds cohesive. This is the kind of artist who is going to excite the youth, and we are excited to hear more.

Release Date: March 18, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: Seventh Heaven

Quotable Lyrics from Turn It Up

Uh, I done came trim than a bitch (Buh-buh-buh-buh)
I make what I want, can’t make me change, I will not switch (What?)
I’ll leave your pussy ass in a ditch
Might just get some whiplash in this bitch (Let’s go)

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TSA Pre-Check/RED RUM – Songs by Red Cafe featuring Benny The Butcher & Elcamino

Alexander Cole — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Red Cafe is ready for a big moment in 2026. Later this year, he will be dropping Once In A Red Room Vol. 1. To help promote this new project, he has teamed up with the likes of Benny The Butcher and Elcamino. Last night, we got the track “TSA Pre-Check” with Benny, and “Red Rum” with “Elcamino.” Both tracks suit Red Cafe’s style extremely well. From the production choices to his chemistry with Benny and Elcamino, everything is clicking here. The artist is ready for a big 2026, and these releases are definitely going to keep the fans intrigued, going forward.

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: Once In A Red Room Vol. 1

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