PORTLAND, Jamaica— Construction of the Port Antonio bypass will begin this fiscal year following Cabinet approval for the project, according to the National Works Agency (NWA).
As part of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), the bypass is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety, and unlock opportunities for urban expansion and tourism development in Port Antonio, while mitigating the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding.
The government says it will spend J$521.5 million to buy 205 parcels of land to facilitate the construction.
“The Port Antonio bypass marks a bold step forward in our mission to modernise Jamaica’s infrastructure. It will not only relieve traffic in the town but also open the door to greater investment, safer travel, and a more climate-resilient Portland,” said Robert Morgan, minister with responsibility for works.
The NWA indicated that Cabinet approved a variation to the existing SCHIP contract, valued at US$81 million, to facilitate phase one of the bypass, which will stretch approximately seven kilometers from Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour.
The project will be executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), with implementation oversight by the NWA and will take 24 months to complete.
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The song arrived via Cole’s Instagram overnight, bringing with it a close read of the track’s lyrics for some long-awaited reflections on matters of Kendrick Lamar and Drake
a quick recap: Cole posited himself and Drake alongside Kendrick as rap’s “big three” in “First Person Shooter” last year
Kendrick then opted instead for “big me” on “Like That,” followed by a quickly rescinded diss continuation from Cole in the form of “7 Minute Drill.”
“I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me
Omen, DZL, and Cole are credited with production on the new song. While official lyrics haven’t been released as of this writing, what follows is the next best thing.
J. Cole Shows Gratitude to Drake in Surprise-Dropped New Song: 'You Did a Lot for Me'
Here Are the Lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's Untitled "Not Like Us" Follow-Up
Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’ Album: Features and Production Credits
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Junior Spokesperson on Health and Wellness Jesse James Clarke has praised the cleanliness and dedicated staff at the Port Antonio Hospital
but emphasised the urgent need to upgrade the ageing facility to meet the growing demands of citizens
alongside People’s National Party (PNP) prospective candidate for Portland Eastern
is no longer adequate for the needs of the community
The population has outgrown the space that they currently have now
We want to see this hospital being upgraded to a Type A hospital
so that it can give us some of the other services that are needed for the population,” Clarke said
He argued that every parish deserves a Type A hospital to ensure equitable access to advanced medical care
“We need a healthy population in order to drive growth; and when you upgrade the facility to a Type A
you also could be getting more space for some of the other departments
Despite the facility’s size constraints
Clarke commended the staff for their exceptional performance
“I am very impressed with the staff here in terms of their workload that they are able to manage
Port Antonio Hospital is the only hospital in Portland
the parish recently saw the opening of the Buff Bay District Health Centre
Built at a cost of $300 million by the National Health Fund
the new centre offers services in asthma care
who toured several wards during the visit – including the male surgical
and paediatric wards – echoed Clarke’s sentiments
noting that the staff have done well with limited resources
that we need to think about upgrading the hospital to a Type A hospital
“Anything less would be an attempt to disenfranchise the people of Portland
I am demanding that immediate attention be given to Portland Eastern and the Port Antonio Hospital
Space is one of the main issues affecting this facility.”
editorial@gleanerjm.com
View the discussion thread.
save for a few features that were probably already in the chamber
but it was only a matter of time before he took to his own track to say his piece on the whole thing
That's what we finally got out of the blue tonight with “Port Antonio,” a quintessential Cole song: a moody beat
likely produced by Cole himself and sampling classic '90s rap ("Dead Presidents")
Cole spends the first part of “Port Antonio” reflecting on far he's come from the rough upbringing that he muses on often; the headline-raps are stashed for the last half of the last verse, and they do not disappoint. He starts off addressing the widespread debate that bowing out of the Drake-Kendrick fracas has lowered his standing
rapping that he's “smirkin at n-ggas tryin to besmirch” his name and “They see this fire in my pen and think I'm dodging smoke.”
From there he says what he more or less said during his infamous on-stage retraction: “I wouldn't have lost a battle
I would've lost a bro/I would've gained a foe/And all for what?/Just to attain more props from strangers who don't know what I been aimin for?”
Cole goes on to snidely comment on all the ancillary shenanigans that quickly took the beef beyond a mere battle to decide who's the best
he seems even more confident in his decision to stay out of it: “Lines got crossed
perhaps regrettably/My friends went to war
I walked away with all they blood on me/Now some will discredit me
find a n-gga out that's rappin this incredibly/My dawg texted me
I'll share the words he said to me/'If you refuse to shoot a gun
don't mean the gun ain't deadly'/I guess in that metaphor
hypothetically the gun is me/I text him back like: 'I guess a gun ain't what I'm tryna be.'”
Cole has been active on features in recent months, including with A$AP Rocky
but this may be the first new track since he dropped out of the bitter exchange
The second half of the 5:16-long track addresses fan chatter that the decision took him out of the conversation as one of the best rappers of his generation
"I'm smirkin' at (people) tryna besmirch mine," he raps
was to avoid the negativity being pushed by people wanting to see "blood" or those set to profit off of the beef
"I pulled the plug because I've seen where that was 'bout to go," he raps
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow."
All 9 Drake and Kendrick Lamar 2024 diss songs, including 'Not Like Us' and 'Part 6'
He raps that the choice to bow out was also about preserving relationships: "They see this fire in my pen and think I'm dodgin' smoke / I wouldn't have lost a battle
And for those speculating that he is on Lamar's side, or that there is now bad blood between him and Drake over Cole's handling of the beef (and his feature with Rocky)
the "Might Delete Later" rapper clears the air
Drake takes aim at A$AP Rocky and Rick Ross in 'Family Matters'
"I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me
The rapper is otherwise busy preparing to drop his long-awaited album "The Fall Off," which has been pushed back with a release date yet to be announced
Cole reveals why he chose to step away from the drama that had been brewing between two of hip-hop’s biggest names
“They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke / I wouldn’t have lost a battle
underscoring the risk of escalating a lyrical war into something more dangerous
the cost of engaging in a full-blown rivalry outweighed the benefits
He makes it clear that he didn’t want to jeopardize personal relationships or fuel any unnecessary negativity in the culture
This insight into his reasoning is vintage Cole—he’s never been the type to chase clout
and this song confirms that his priority remains the authenticity of his art and relationships
Even though he stepped away from the battle
he acknowledges that his role in “First Person Shooter” helped stir the pot
Cole uses the song as a chance to remind listeners and fellow rappers alike: hip-hop was never meant to be a battleground for inflated egos
Despite having every opportunity to claim the throne in hip-hop’s constant battles for dominance
In “Port Antonio,” he reminds artists and listeners that the pen is a powerful tool—one that should be used to uplift
“I ain’t here to dig up dirt or pay a whole team of algorithm-bot n****s just to prove a point,” he says
speaking to the growing trend of fake drama stirred by social media in today’s music scene
reaffirming his respect for his fellow rapper
but he doesn’t hold back when reminding everyone that their legacy is built not on battles
but on the truths they share through their music
Stream “Port Antonio” by J. Cole now and witness a masterclass in staying true to your roots
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Cole appears to be mediating between the two rappers
don’t you lie on me,” he raps on “Port Antonio.” “Drake
you’ll always be my n***a/I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me
tappin’ back into your magic pen is what’s imperative.”
Over a flip of Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved,” Cole also alludes to rappers using “algorithm bot n****s” to juice streams and sway public opinion
as well as lamenting the state of rap feuds and diss tracks more broadly—“on social media
competing for your favorable memes to be considered best.”
“Port Antonio” ultimately plays as a justification for staying out of the feud: “I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go/They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow/They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke/I wouldn’t have lost a battle
Read Alphonse Pierre’s column “Drake and Kendrick’s Beef Is the Most Miserable Spectacle in Rap History.”
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
J. Cole is clearing his side of the story in the Drake vs
which is only a standalone cut as of writing
is currently only available to stream on YouTube and hears him sample Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved” as he addresses the issue
Cole touches on the beef in the second verse
clarifying that he bowed out of the beef because he didn’t want to be responsible for something that could possibly turn violent all for money
In April, J. Cole dropped the surprise mixtape Might Delete Later, which included a Kendrick Lamar diss that the rapper later apologized for
he’s back with another unexpected release; this time
it’s a song called “Port Antonio.”
“Port Antonio” samples “Know That You Are Loved” by Cleo Sol. He once again clarifies his stance on the Kendrick/Drake beef with lines like
you’ll always be my n***a/ I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me
The most important stories and least important memes
which he famously bowed out of after dropping "7 Minute Drill." He issued an apology for the Kendrick diss track at Dreamville Fest in April
but after watching how Drake and Kendrick's lyrical battle played out
On "Port Antonio," J Cole essentially claims that he backed out of the feud because his opponents wanted clout, and that he was more afraid of losing a friend than losing a battle. "I wouldn't have lost a battle, dawg, I woulda lost a bro," he spits
"I woulda gained a foe, and all for what
Just to attain some mo' / Props from strangers that don't got a clue what I been aimin' for?"
Read More: Drake Shows Love To J Cole After Being Referenced In New Song
So far, listeners are split. While many still think J Cole did the right thing by rising above, some are accusing him of rewriting history
Others are simply calling him corny for bringing up beef that for the most part
and that’s what put him in this position," another argues
What do you think of J Cole's new song "Port Antonio"? What about the feedback he's getting online
Share your thoughts in the comments section and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates
Check out some social media users' reactions to the track down below
Read More: J Cole Breaks Silence On Drake And Kendrick Lamar Beef In New Song
[Via]
J.Cole’s back on the solo tip with his unexpected release
the Fayetteville rapper flexes his lyrical muscle
I’m you times two Now I’m bougie
I done outgrew the fountain blue / But never forgot the spot where I developed my plot / The dwelling
Jermaine weighs in on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud
“I pulled the plug because I’ve seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow / They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodging smoke / I wouldn’t have lost a battle
“Port Antonio” arrives following Cole’s recent features on tracks including A$AP Rocky, Daylyt, and Tee Grizzley
Too many Fridays that I have to find new albums elsewhere lol
Moi khalid il fos me négligérs pour devenires Chanteure Rappeur ici même C’est touts ?khalid
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Acquisition marks one of the largest transactions in not-for-profit developer's history
a national provider of quality affordable housing
announced today the successful acquisition of New Port Antonio
a historic Section 8 property located in the Warren Street neighborhood of Roxbury
This acquisition marks one of the largest transactions in NHPF's history
New Port Antonio Apartments comprises 227 urban residential apartment homes spread across thirteen different locations and seventeen building footprints within a half-mile radius
these buildings add significant historic value to the community
The acquisition was financed through the assumption of an existing $39M MassHousing loan
"New Port Antonio provides quality housing affordability for 227 low and moderate-income households in Roxbury," said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay
"The NHP Foundation shares MassHousing's mission of confronting housing challenges faced by our residents
and we were pleased to be part of this transaction that allowed NHPF to take ownership of this important housing resource and to be the new steward for the people who live there." Additional funding was made possible by $19M in NHPF Corporate Bonds as well as a $28M joint loan from BlueHub Loan Fund and the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)
"As a frequent investor in NHPF's ambitious affordable housing solutions
we appreciate the vision behind the New Port Antonio redevelopment
BlueHub has a long history of investing in our home neighborhood of Roxbury and we're so pleased to see more quality housing acquired by a leading nonprofit developer that emphasizes community building."
"New Port Antonio provides quality housing affordability in Roxbury," said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay
"We are pleased to be part of this transaction that allowed NHPF to take ownership of this important housing resource and to be the new steward for the people who live there."
marijane funess, nhpf, 9148303754, [email protected], www.nhpfoundation.org
Do not sell or share my personal information:
Cole has shared the reason why he left behind the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef on his new song 'Port Antonio'
J. Cole has opened up about the reason behind he walked away from the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef on his new song 'Port Antiono' that dropped suddenly this week
In the track, the 'No Role Modelz' rapper bows out of the beef, which has seen Drake and Kendrick fire diss tracks at each other, including Euphoria and Not Like Us.
Cole's new track 'Port Antonio' and what does he say about the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud
Cole defends his decision to stop his side of the beef with his fellow rappers
“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow / They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke / I wouldn’t have lost a battle
I woulda lost a bro / I woulda gained a foe,” he raps
The lyrics continue: "Jermaine is no king if that means I gotta dig up dirt and pay the whole team / Of algorithm bot n****s just to sway the whole thing / On social media
J.Cole also makes a point that both Kendrick and Drake went too far on their beef:“I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing / Protecting legacies
perhaps regrettably / My friends went to war
Cole later addresses his “First Person Shooter” collaborator directly: “They say I’m pickin’ sides
you’ll always be my n***a / I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me
my n***a / F**k all the narratives / Tapping back into your magic pen is what’s imperative."
The rapper closed out the lyrics to his new song by making a wider plea to hip-hop: "Reminding these folks why we do it / It’s not for beefing
it’s for speaking our thoughts / Pushing ourselves
J. Cole initially released a diss track in response to the Drake and Kendrick beef titled '7 Minute Drill', but quickly removed it from streaming services after having second thoughts
"That s*** disrupts my f***ing peace,” he said in part
See more Latest Music News
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before he dropped the surprise release "Port Antonio." Like most fans can guess
stellar showcase for J Cole and his lyrical abilities
It makes no attempts to appeal to commercial audiences
and instead assures listeners that the "Big Three" member isn't going anywhere
"Port Antonio" is a buzz single in the vein of "Lion King on Ice" or "The Climb Back." J Cole absolutely rips through each of his verses
delivering dazzling wordplay over an instrumental that is subtly catchy
He also takes haters to task for doubting he had the ability to bounce back from the K
"Jealous n**gas wanna know just how my rhymes blew
But never forgot the spot where I developed my block." It's unclear whether "Port Antonio" will be on The Fall Off
but it clearly marks the start of a brand new era
An era that will have other rappers scrambling to catch up
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track
stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world
We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects
Read More: Lecrae Apologizes To J Cole For Drunken First Encounter
where my skeletons lockedIf I could do it all over
had my melanin mockedI've seen lifelong friends turn to devilish opps
Read More: Rory And MAL Predict That Kendrick Lamar Will Be On J Cole's "The Fall Off"
Earlier in the week, J. Cole shared his reasoning for dropping out of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s high-profile beef on “Port Antonio.” Many listeners felt the record arrived way too late
“Go sit your a** over there with Sunshine Anderson and the rest of the people that changed their mind
but then I would’ve lost [a friend],’” the rapper-turned-podcaster continued
These Hip Hop n**gas is feeling like h**s out here.”
Budden’s comments contrasted the previous praise he gave the North Carolina emcee for his recent feature run
Cole notably collaborated with Tee Grizzley on “Blow For Blow,” Tems on “Free Fall” and ASAP Rocky on “Ruby Rosary.”
Way to keep yourself out of [the] mess,” Budden stated at the top of October
“I think he got out of character for a second
and he had some behind-the-scenes phone calls and got right back in his bag.”
As for “Port Antonio,” Cole shrugged off the haters and expressed his gratitude to Drake. It’s worth mentioning that the Canadian star helped him go No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart for the first time with 2023’s “First Person Shooter.”
On the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast
the former rapper heavily criticized Cole's track
which saw him address the vicious feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that he backed out of a few months ago
Budden wasn't too fond of the track as he didn't like how Cole was allegedly trying to put on a front that he didn't want to beef with anyone when his participation was a catalyst in the whole thing
Budden admitted Cole dished out an "exceptional" display of rapping on the song
That dismisses all accountability from the part that he has played in the big three debacle," said Budden
"What do you mean you finally free as if you never wanted parts of the big three conversation
That is a load of crap and I'm not going to let you n***as just piss on me and tell me it's raining
"Don't pop back up and say 'If I would've I could've but then I would've lost...' N***a
not over 'Dead Presidents.'You ever heard 'Dead Presidents,' the n***a was holding his mans hands at the hospital bed saying 'I'm going to kill them n***as for you.' Get the fuck out of here with this soft shit
Budden went on to say these "hip-hop n***as" are "feeling like hoes" and are "bitches" for the way a lot of them have been acting recently
rappers now are "hoes" who are catering to the feelings of other rappers they aren't really friends with
Cole dropped the track last Wednesday by surprise and it also finds him explaining why he backed out and name-dropping Drake by thanking him for everything he's done for his career.
"I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go, they wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow/Wouldn't have lost the battle, dog, I would've lost a bro, I would've gained a foe, and all for what?" Cole raps on the five-minute track.
He continues, "Aye Drake, you'll always be my n***a, I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n***a/Fuck all the narratives, tapping back into your magic pen is what's imperative."
DDG Rips Joe Budden for Commenting on His Breakup With Halle Bailey, Saying He's Irrelevant
Melyssa Ford Responds to ‘Hot and Bothered’ Podcast Hosts for Saying They Stole Their Title: ‘My Sh*t's Gonna Be F*cking Amazing’
Joe Budden Denies Rumors of Him Appearing on Diddy’s ‘Freak Off’ Tapes, Says His Dad Called Him About It
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImageJ. Cole has addressed not participating in the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud on a new track called "Port Antonio."
has Cole talking about pulling out of the Drizzy and Kendrick beef
This comes after Kendrick set the rap world ablaze in April by dissing Cole and Drizzy on "Like That."
"I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow/Wouldn't have lost the battle
and all for what?" Cole raps on the five-minute track
the Dreamville boss mentions Drake by name and encourages him to tap back into his "magic pen." "Aye Drake
I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me
tapping back into your magic pen is what's imperative," Cole raps
Back in May, J. Cole raised the white flag and apologized for releasing "7 Minute Drill," a track he dropped in response to Kendrick Lamar's warning on "Like That." At his Dreamville Festival in North Carolina
the rapper explained that he felt "lame" and "terrible" for dissing Kendrick
The track was eventually pulled from streaming platforms
50 Cent also chimed in, writing on Instagram, “WTF how I miss this, @realcoleworld call my phone right now!” Ye also shared his opinion on the matter, simply calling Cole "pussy" and claimed that he “can’t run now.”
Listen to Cole's new track "Port Antonio" below.
Drake Speaks Out About Friends Switching Up on Him: ‘They Might Stab You in the Back…That’s How Life Is’
Kendrick Lamar Drops New Track Amid Ongoing Super Bowl Discourse: ‘Time to Watch the Party Die’
Drake Shares Photos of Lil Wayne Following Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement
On Wednesday (Oct. 9) evening, J. Cole opened up about his decision to stay out of Drake and Kendrick Lamar's feud on “Port Antonio.” The surprise drop was shared exclusively to his Instagram and YouTube accounts
similar to what the other “big three” rappers have been doing in recent months
“I pulled the plug because I've seen where that was 'bout to go/ They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow/ They see this fire in my pen and think I'm dodgin' smoke/ I wouldn't have lost a battle
Just to attain some mo'/ Props from strangers that don't got a clue what I been aimin' for?”
Back in April, Cole waved the white flag and apologized for dropping “7 Minute Drill,” his response to Lamar's guest verse on "Like That." During 2024’s Dreamville Festival
“I pray that my n**ga really didn’t feel no way
was pulled from streaming services that same month
Elsewhere in “Port Antonio,” the North Carolina native addressed his “First Person Shooter” collaborator directly
you'll always be my n**ga/ I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me
Cole teamed up with Metro Boomin and Future for April’s “Red Leather,” followed by him uniting with ASAP Rocky on “Ruby Rosary” in September
Drake sent shots at both the beatmaker and Harlem rapper on “Family Matters,” in which artists like The Weeknd
“Port Antonio” was preceded by a massive feature run from Cole
including collaborations like Tee Grizzley’s “Blow For Blow” and Tems’ “Free Fall.” See reactions to the new song below
one of Portland’s premier tourist attractions
are ongoing amid a court battle in which locals and interest groups have claimed that to the facility has been restricted
During a visit to the world-renowned attraction on Saturday
The Gleaner observed persons swimming and mingling at the picturesque beauty spot
and some craft vendors were seen displaying their items
was ordered closed in 2023 to facilitate not only renovation
but also to curtail incidents of tourist harassment
and alleged fights among men for control of turf
stated that the facility has seen improvements through the upgrades to the site and that a more organised system is now in place
“I don’t want to say much at this time
It is more acceptable on the part of visitors and locals alike,” said Thompson
“New bathrooms have been constructed
and the facility is under strict maintenance
the Blue Lagoon was a painful site to look at
and it was pure confusion as it related to day-to-day operations
There is simply no truth about persons being denied access to the Blue Lagoon
and people have been coming in on a daily basis
and those who knew what the Blue Lagoon looked like back then
will agree that the once deplorable state of that facility has been transformed into a place of beauty
and I am inviting all those who are able to visit the Lagoon to get a firsthand look for themselves
The glittering water of the Blue Lagoon and its lush vegetation is a view to behold,” he said
The Blue Lagoon is being managed by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT)
members of the Resort Patrol division of the police
provide security for those accessing the facility on a daily basis
one man who claimed that he was actively involved in selling craft items
and bamboo-fashioned cups and who gave his name as Clive Thomas
was quick to point out that the new look at the Blue Lagoon was a welcome sight for him
“Mi feel like say mi woulda come back come work a Blue Lagoon now because di place clean and it fix up nice
Dem even have new bathrooms there now,” he said
and mi really feel good and proud ‘bout what a gwaan now
There is a driving road coming from Tropical Lagoon side down to Blue Lagoon
so mi nuh know why dem say that people caan go down there
Mi see people going down there almost every day to swim and have picnic.”
View the discussion thread.
J. Cole reveals the real reason he pulled out of the Kendrick Lamar rap battle and addresses Drake on the new song "Port Antonio."
I walked away with all they blood on me," he raps on the DZL
find a ni**a out that's rappin' this incredibly."
Later on, Cole references the real reason he waved the white flag after initially responding to Kendrick's "Like That" verse on "7 Minute Drill."
"I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go/They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow," Cole rhymes
"They see this fire in my pen they think I'm dodging smoke/I wouldn't have lost a battle
I would have lost a bro/And all for what?/Just to obtain some ol' props from strangers that don't got a clue what I been aiming fo' since the age of 14/Jermaine is no king if that means I got to dig up dirt and pay a whole team of algorithm bot ni**as just to sway the whole thing on social media/Competing for your favorable memes."
Cole also addresses Drake by name. "Hey Drake
you'll always be my ni**a/I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot fo' me
my ni**a/F**k all the narratives/Tapping back into your magic pen is what's imperative," Cole instructs
"Port Antonio" could be a sign that J
Cole's new song "Port Antonio" below
Cole's back.\nRead More
J. Cole reveals the real reason he pulled out of the Kendrick Lamar rap battle and addresses Drake on the new song "Port Antonio."
Later on, Cole references the real reason he waved the white flag after initially responding to Kendrick's "Like That" verse on "7 Minute Drill."
Cole also addresses Drake by name. "Hey Drake, you'll always be my ni**a/I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot fo' me, my ni**a/F**k all the narratives/Tapping back into your magic pen is what's imperative," Cole instructs.
"Port Antonio" could be a sign that J. Cole's long-awaited album, The Fall Off, is coming soon.
Check out J. Cole's new song "Port Antonio" below.
On "Port Antonio," Cole examines the bullets that he dodged after getting caught in the crossfire of the year's biggest rap beef.
Lester Fabian Brathwaite is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly, where he covers breaking news, all things Real Housewives, and a rich cornucopia of popular culture. Formerly a senior editor at Out magazine, his work has appeared on NewNowNext, Queerty, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker. He was also the first author signed to Phoebe Robinson's Tiny Reparations imprint. He met Oprah once.
Dave Benett/WireImage; Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty; Larry Busacca/Getty
During the most recent episode of his podcast, Budden dragged Cole for seemingly taking the high road on “Port Antonio.” On the single, he raps, “I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing/ Protecting legacies, so lines got crossed, perhaps regrettably/ My friends went to war, I walked away with all they blood on me.”
Cole later added, “They say I’m pickin’ sides, ayy, don’t you lie on me, my n***a/ Then start another war, ayy, Drake, you’ll always be my n***a/ I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n***a.”
Budden was not pleased with Cole and accused him of being soft.
“Call it a b***h like it is,” Budden yelled. “What do you mean you finally free? That dismisses all accountability from the part that he has played in the Big Three debacle. What do you mean you finally free as if you never wanted parts of the Big Three conversation?”
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If you recall, Cole famously crowned himself, Drake, and Lamar as the Big Three of hip-hop on “First Person Shooter.” On “Like That,” Lamar fired back, declaring, “Motherf**k the Big Three, n***a, it’s just big me.”
After the beef between Drake and Lamar heated up, Cole publicly bowed out gracefully from the drama, allowing his two friends to feud, a move that has sparked debate.
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making it clear that he thinks trying to make amends with Drake just makes him look "soft."
Read More: J Cole Gets Called Out For Rewriting History On New Song “Port Antonio"
which doesn't necessarily come as a surprise
J Cole had nothing but nice things to say about him in the song
"They say I'm pickin' sides, ayy, don't you lie on me, my n***a / Then start another war, ayy, Drake, you'll always be my n***a / I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n***a," he spits, for example. What do you think of J Cole's new song "Port Antonio"
What about The Joe Budden Podcast's take on it
Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates
Read More: Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole Went Toe-To-Toe On "Black Friday": Who Won?
[Via]
"My friends went to war, I walked away with all their blood on me," he raps. Drake reportedly liked Cole's initial Instagram post dropping the track, which references him by name.
2018 at The Silo in Houston for a Billboard cover shoot
J. Cole was a key player in the beginning stages of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, but dropped out early after removing his Kendrick diss track '7 Minute Drill' from streaming services
Cole has broken his silence over the feud in his new song "Port Antonio," which he dropped last night (Oct
Cole, who was referenced as one of the "Big Three" rappers along with Drake and Kendrick in the verse that reignited the beef
tells the whole story of the feud from his perspective over five dense minutes
many memes depicted Cole as the peaceful one
sipping drinks on a beach while his peers tore each other apart
On "Port Antonio," he addresses that conception head-on: "I pulled the plug because I've seen where this was 'bout to go / They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow / They see this fire in my pen and think I'm dodgin' smoke / I wouldn't have lost a battle
I woulda lost a bro / I woulda gained a foe."
I walked away with all they blood on me."
He pushes back against the conception that he was ever picking sides
you'll always be my n—a / I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me," he raps
Drake took notice, liking J. Cole's Instagram post dropping the track
Cole uses a friend's metaphor to compare his lyrics to a gun
but says a gun isn't what he wants to be
are inconsequential to their overall purpose as artists
he raps — "not for beefing" but for "speakin' our thoughts
reachin' the charts," and connecting with people on an emotional and intellectual level
A musically diverse group of major international and Canadian stars will take to the historic stage in Ontario cottage country this summer
A historic and popular music venue in the Muskoka cottage country region of Ontario for the past eight decades, The KEE To Bala was taken over by Live Nation in 2023
and the clout of the international concert behemoth has upped the ante
and it again features major international and Canadian artists as headliners
Heading the international names are R&B superstar Nelly
fast-rising young American country star Dylan Gossett
alt-rockers Billy Corgan and The Machines of God with Collective Soul
rock veterans The Wallflowers and hip-hop stars Cypress Hill & Ja Rule
The musically diverse Canadian contingent features multiple platinum-selling bands and crowd-pleasing veteran live favourites including Billy Talent
Jun 11: Billy Corgan and The Machines of God
Show tickets and info here
J. Cole breaks his silence
revealing why he backed out of the Kendrick Lamar rap battle while addressing Drake in his new song “Port Antonio.”
the North Carolina rapper surprised fans with a new song shared on YouTube
starting with reflections on his upbringing and journey before addressing his friends in what could have been a three-way beef between them
“Y’all n***as ain’t stoppin’ me,“ Cole said in the chorus as he transitioned into the second verse
responding to everyone questioning his rap skills
where all you’ve got is your name/ Like Durk
I’m smirkin’ at n***as tryna besmirch mine,“ the 40-year-old rapped in the five-minute track
“I pulled the plug because I’ve seen where that was ’bout to go/ They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make theypockets grow/ They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodging smoke/ I wouldn’t have lost a battle
I would’ve lost a bro/ I would’ve gained a foe
Just to attain mo’/ Props from strangers who don’t know what I been aimin’ for?“ he rapped
Cole reflected on the intense competition in the rap industry
acknowledging the desire for supremacy that led to Lamar and Drake’s feud as they went back and forth over the summer
he still feels the repercussions of their rap battle after falling back from it
“I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing/ Protecting legacies
perhaps regrettably/ My friends went to war
I walked away with all they blood on me/ Now some will discredit me
find a n***a out that’s rappin’ this incredibly
I’ll share the words he said to me/ “If you refuse to shoot the gun
don’t mean the gun ain’t deadly,“ Cole rapped
expressing gratitude for the support he has provided throughout his career
I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me
The Canadian rapper appeared to appreciate Cole’s message
A post shared by Elliott Wilson (@elliottwilson)
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Some people who visited the Port Antonio Hospital in Portland on Monday were left disappointed as certain services were unavailable due to a sickout by government medical consultants
along with their colleagues in public health
are protesting the non-payment of retroactive salaries under the government’s new compensation regime
Medical consultants across the island withdrew their services today
When our news team visited the Port Antonio Hospital
the usually busy outpatient department was noticeably quiet
as operations were suspended amid the doctors' work stoppage
The registration area and medical ward were also affected by the industrial action
provisions have been made for accident and emergency cases
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com
View the discussion thread.
The resort town of Port Antonio buzzed with excitement on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day
after receiving back-to-back cruise vessels
providing well-needed income for craft vendors and other industry players
on December 24 and on December 25 is somewhat significant
“it is the first time in more than two decades that Port Antonio was getting back-to-back tourists ships”
“A really a good time now fi craft vendors and JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travellers Association) operators (members) as we are getting the opportunity to earn from our livelihood
This winter tourist season looks good for us and we are grateful,”commented Henry
“This bring back memory of the days of Star Ward
which use to dock at the Ken Wright shipping pier right here in Port Antonio every day
we used to have two cruise ships per day with tourists going to Rio Grande rafting
East Portland Member of Parliament (MP) Annmarie Vaz met with vendors and JUTA members to gauge feedback on their interaction with the visitors
“I can tell you that all the tourism industry players in and around Port Antonio benefitted in a meaningful way from the arrival of the two cruise ships on December 24 and on Christmas day,”the MP pointed out
“This has not happened in a long time and it is a good thing for everyone
even the supermarket operator and the ordinary man in the street
So Port Antonio has gotten back-to-back ships for the ongoing winter tourist season
I am still in discussion with the Ministry of Tourism as it relates to the future of Port Antonio and the players in that industry
a cruise ship is slated for Port Antonio on February 26 and on March 10
which will allow my tourism family in Portland to earn from their livelihood in a sustainable way
Port Antonio deserves its fair share of the tourism pie and I will continue to lobby until that happens,”she concluded
The vessel Insignia docked on December 24 with 607 passengers and 99 crew members followed by Seven Seas Navigator on Christmas Day with 459 passengers and 379 crew members
and saw passengers visiting the Folly Ruins
View the discussion thread.
The Magazine of Hip Hop Music, Culture and Politics
J. Cole has returned with a new single, “Port Antonio,” and yes, he dived back into the Kendrick Lamar – Drake beef that he sidestepped.
In the final third of the single, Cole addressed exiting the beef and said he would not lose the beef.
I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go, they wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow/Wouldn’t have lost the battle, dog, I would’ve lost a bro, I would’ve gained a foe, and all for what?”
He also acknowledged Drake did a lot for his career, rapping “you’ll always be my n—a, I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n—a/Fuck all the narratives, tapping back into your magic pen is what’s imperative.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cole World (@realcoleworld)
On Wednesday (Oct. 9), J. Cole decided to surprise everyone with a new single titled “Port Antonio,” a laid-back offering that sampled Lonnie Liston Smith's “A Garden of Peace” and Cleo Sol's "Know That You Are Loved." On its second verse, the North Carolina emcee finally decided to address his role in Kendrick Lamar and Drake's rap battle
Regarding his decision to bow out of the situation
“I pulled the plug because I seent where that was about to go
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow
they see this fire in my pen and think I'm dodgin' smoke
I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me
Unsurprisingly, many took to social media to give their thoughts on the reflective offering, with many taking a critical stance. “[The song has] mixed messages. J. Cole wants to be the bigger man, but there’s inconsistency,” said Twitter user Z4DRO
and that’s what put him in this position.”
Others had a different perspective on the matter, including storymodebae. “If J. Cole saw the direction the beef was going in and decided to gracefully bow out before it got nasty, what did y’all really want him to do?” she asked. Meanwhile, OhhMar24 wrote, “No matter what approach J. Cole took
Check out plenty of other takes to "Port Antonio" below
Six months after responding to Lamar's 'Like That' verse and promptly apologizing
Cole attempts to mediate between the dueling rappers on "Port Antonio"
Jeff Kravitz/BBMA2019/FilmMagic; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Johnny Nunez/Getty
Matt Baron/Shutterstock; Mike Marsland/WireImage
I walked away with all they blood on me," Cole rapped
suggesting Drake and Lamar went too far during their feud
J. Cole has weighed in on the high-profile Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud on his surprise new single
On Wednesday (October 9), the LaFayette native surprised fans by dropping ‘Port Antonio’, which samples Lonnie Liston Smith’s ‘A Garden of Peace’ and Cleo Sol‘s ‘Know That You Are Loved’
Cole defended his decision to step back from the conflict on the five-minute track
He rapped: “I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood
I woulda lost a bro / I woulda gained a foe.”
He then commented on the savage allegations Drake and Lamar exchanged on their respective diss songs: “Jermaine is no king if that means I gotta dig up dirt and pay the whole team / Of algorithm bot n****s just to sway the whole thing / On social media
competing for your favourable memes to be considered best.”
“I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing / Protecting legacies
I walked away with all they blood on me,” Cole continued
suggesting both rappers went too far in the feud
‘Port Antonio’ arrived on the one-year anniversary of ‘First Person Shooter’ – the Drake and Cole collaboration Lamar replied to on ‘Like That’
Cole directly addressed the song: “They say I’m pickin’ sides
my n***a / Fuck all the narratives / Tapping back into your magic pen is what’s imperative.”
“Reminding these folks why we do it / It’s not for beefing
it’s for speaking our thoughts,” Cole said
explaining why hip-hop is important and not just a device to stir up hatred
deep in your heart / Screaming to find emotions to touch / Somethin’ inside to open you up / Help you cope with the rough times and shit / I’m sending love
‘Not Like Us’ has since become one of Lamar’s most successful songs, landing as his fourth Billboard Number One and breaking the Spotify record for the most streams in one day for a hip-hop song. At his sold-out Juneteenth ‘Pop Out’ concert, Lamar played the song six times – Dr. Dre introduced the song the first time
Lamar will headline next year’s Super Bowl Halftime performance. There was a rumour that Drake served Lamar a “cease-and-desist” letter so he couldn’t perform ‘Not Like Us’ at the career-defying gig but the ‘Headlines’ rapper denied the claim
Recently, a new documentary called Public Enemies: Kendrick vs Drake was green-lit by the UK broadcaster
and will be a “cultural exploration of two of the most influential voices in modern music.” A release date has not been announced
The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952
Senator Delano Seiveright has hinted that Port Antonio
is poised to attract additional luxury boutique vessels
as the Ministry of Tourism seeks to establish the resort town as a favourite destination for American and European tourists
Seiveright’s comments come against the background of a cruise ship visit by Oceania Sirena
which docked at the Ken Wright shipping pier in Port Antonio on Wednesday with 637 passengers and 400 crew members at 7 a.m
“Recent upticks in cruise arrivals in Port Antonio are not mere coincidences; they are the result of strategic planning by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and all our public and private partners,” stated Seiveright
“While Port Antonio may not be able to accommodate mega Oasis-class vessels like Falmouth
it possesses a unique charm that attracts luxury boutique vessels
I firmly believe that the best is yet to come for this beautiful destination
We will continue to market Port Antonio as a premier port of call
showcasing an exceptional tourism product that offers visitors an unforgettable experience,” he added
Among the attraction sites that were visited by the passengers and some crew members were Reach Falls
Eastern Portland Member of Parliament Annmarie Vaz
spoke about the need for players in the industry to earn from their livelihood in a more meaningful and sustainable way
constant dialogue with the Ministry of Tourism is yielding results
as cruise ships are arriving in Port Antonio more frequently due to the lobbying efforts and the rich tourism history of the parish
“I have a duty as member of parliament to at least ensure that craft traders
and other interests are able to earn from their livelihood,” commented Vaz
“While Port Antonio (Ken Wright pier) is unable to accommodate the mega-liners carrying 5,000 passengers or more
it is able to handle the luxury boutique ships
which allows JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travellers Association) members
Port Antonio will see an increase in cruise ship arrivals
which will at least create some level of hope for those
who remain loyal and committed to the industry,” she concluded
View the discussion thread.
The rapper previously asked Kendrick Lamar to forgive him for a ‘lame’ diss track
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J Cole has reflected on his decision to swiftly remove himself from the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar on his new song
The Frankfurt-born rapper, 39, was dissed along with Drake by Lamar back in March this year.
Lamar claimed that rather than the trio representing rap music’s “big three,” it’s just “big me.”
A month later, Cole responded to Lamar with his own diss track, “7 Minute Drill.” Within days, he was publicly apologizing for the song and asking Lamar to forgive him for the “lame” attack.
Cole removed the song from streaming services and stepped back from the war of words. Drake and Lamar
Cole addresses the situation on “Port Antonio”
rapping: “I pulled the plug because I’ve seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood
they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow.”
He continues: “They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke / I wouldn't have lost a battle
I woulda lost a bro / I woulda gained a foe and all for what
Cole explains that he understands why the pair continued to have beef and adds that he hopes fans see why he chose to bow out
“I understand the thirst of being first that made ‘em both swing / Protecting legacies
I walked away with all they blood on me / Now some will discredit me
try wipe away my pedigree / But please find a n**** out that’s rappin’ this incredibly.”
Cole concludes the song by encouraging Drake to move on and get back to focusing on just making music
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my n**** / F*** all the narratives / Tappin’ back into your magic pen is what’s imperative / Remindin’ these folks why we do it
it’s not for beefin’ / It’s for speakin’ our thoughts
Drake responded to the release of “Port Antonio” by “liking” Cole’s Instagram post announcing the song
You can read a breakdown of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s long-running feud here.
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