J. Cole Addresses Kendrick Lamar Apology and More on Surprise ‘Birthday Blizzard ’26’ EP

J. Cole celebrated his 41st birthday on January 28, 2026, with a gift for his fans: a surprise release titled Birthday Blizzard ’26. The EP consists of four new freestyles, where Cole addresses a range of topics, including his widely discussed apology to Kendrick Lamar, his standing among rap’s elite, and references to figures in the music industry and pop culture.

Reflecting on the Apology to Kendrick Lamar

On “Bronx Zoo Freestyle,” Cole directly references the aftermath of his 2024 apology to Lamar. He raps, “I used to be top seed / Apology dropped me way out of the top three / No problem, I’m probably my best when they doubt me.” This alludes to his apology for the diss track “7 Minute Drill,” released during the height of the feud between Lamar, and Drake. Cole issued the apology onstage at his Dreamville Festival in North Carolina in 2024.

Industry Name-Drops and Personal Reflections

The EP isn’t limited to reflections on the Lamar situation. “Golden Goose Freestyle” includes a mention of Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, a figure recently highlighted in online discussions and even referenced by Kanye West on a remix of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That.” Cole raps, “For crumbs, dumb n**gas sold their soul to Lucian / Universal distribution, but I own the music.” The track also name-drops Usher, Q-Tip, and Michael Vick.

In “Winter Storm Freestyle,” Cole draws a comparison between himself and Lori Harvey, stating, “B**ch, I sense like Lori Harvey how I ran through them n**gas / Now, I’m back for the winter, tryna outdo myself.”

Responding to Critics and Looking Ahead

Some fans believe the final track, “99 Build Freestyle,” contains a response to jabs from Joey Bada$$ in his song “Sorry Not Sorry.” Throughout the EP, Cole asserts his continued relevance and skill, seemingly addressing critics who questioned his position after the apology.

Birthday Blizzard ’26 is available for purchase on Cole’s website, The Fall-Off. The release serves as a precursor to his highly anticipated seventh studio album, The Fall-Off, scheduled to arrive on February 6, 2026.