J. Cole’s “7 Minute Drill” Removed from Streaming Platforms – What Happened?

It’s been a year since J. Cole’s controversial track “7 Minute Drill” mysteriously disappeared from streaming platforms, and fans are still wondering why—and whether it’s ever coming back.

Originally released as part of Might Delete Later, “7 Minute Drill” quickly drew attention for its raw lyricism and introspective jabs, rumored to be aimed at fellow rap icon Kendrick Lamar. The track sparked waves of discussion across social media and hip-hop forums, dividing listeners who debated whether Cole was truly going at Kendrick, or just venting in the booth.

But shortly after the initial buzz, “7 Minute Drill” was quietly removed from platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. No official explanation was given. Fast forward to April 2024, and even with the reappearance of Might Delete Later, the track remains missing—or worse, region locked, as the second screenshot shows. Listeners trying to access the song are greeted with the frustrating message: “This item is not currently available in your country or region.”

So, what gives?

Some fans speculate that the removal was intentional, a result of Cole’s own reservations about keeping the track out in the world. Known for being thoughtful and self-critical, J. Cole has previously gone on record expressing regret over certain releases. It wouldn’t be out of character for him to pull a track that felt like it didn’t align with his values—or may have crossed a line with someone he respects.

Others think it might be a label or clearance issue, possibly tied to samples or internal decisions at Cole’s Dreamville camp.

But the bigger question is: do fans even want the song back?

Despite—or maybe because of—its removal, “7 Minute Drill” has achieved a kind of mythical status among Cole fans. A diss track that was too real to stay live? A bar-for-bar moment that didn’t sit right with the man who wrote it?

Whether or not the track sees the light of day again, one thing is clear: hip-hop heads haven’t forgotten it. And if the recent buzz is anything to go by, there’s a demand for it to return—unedited, unfiltered, and just as fiery as before.

Should “7 Minute Drill” be brought back? Or did J. Cole make the right call? Let us know your thoughts.