With J. Cole's "Middle Child" single dropping overnight, the Internet has been abuzz trying to parse out the particulars. While Cole does most certainly take a pointed stand against "clout chasing" in its totality, the general consensus is that Kanye West matches the "fraudulent" profile that is spoken about in "Middle Child," almost to a tee.
"But I'd never beef with a n***a for nothin'
If I smoke a rapper, it's gon' be legit
It won't be for clout, it won't be for fame
It won't be 'cause my shit ain't sellin' the same
It won't be to sell you my latest lil' sneakers
It won't be 'cause some n***a slid in my lane."
And although Yeezy isn't named outright, the Internet consensus is that Cole is subliminally referencing Kanye's "half-baked" beef with Drake. In the event, J. Cole is actually dissing Yeezy, the Dreamville rapper/CEO has done just enough to cover his tracks. Cole and Kanye have had a peculiar relationship over time, with Internet speculation fixated on an older track "False Prophets," where the Calabasas crossover is explored to a subliminal level of perception.
As reported, Cole mentions other rappers by name, but in a less disparaging fashion. Cole does invariably give love to LeBron James, Kodak Black, and 21 Savage. He even goes as far as to label Drake a legend in the flesh. Where do you stand on the pointed nature of Cole's introductory verse on "Middle Child," comment below?