At Dreamville Festival 2025, J. Cole surprised fans by expressing love for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, despite Ye’s recent criticisms of his music. The heartfelt gesture, made before performing ‘Work Out,’ may signal a new chapter in the relationship between the two hip-hop luminaries.
J. Cole Shows Love to Ye Before Performing ‘Work Out’ at Dreamville Festival 2025

Key Takeaways:
- J. Cole publicly expressed love for Ye at Dreamville Festival 2025.
- Ye has criticized J. Cole’s music in recent weeks.
- Cole performed his hit song ‘Work Out’ following his statement.
- The gesture occurred during a major music event.
- Reported by Billboard and written by Michael Saponara.
A Surprising Gesture at Dreamville Festival
At the vibrant Dreamville Festival 2025, J. Cole took to the stage and delivered more than just his signature performances. Before diving into his chart-topping hit ‘Work Out,’ the rapper paused to express his appreciation for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. The moment caught fans off-guard, especially in light of recent tensions between the two artists.
Tensions in Recent Weeks
Ye has been vocal in his criticism of J. Cole’s music in the weeks leading up to the festival. The iconic rapper’s remarks had fueled speculation about a deepening rift between the two hip-hop stars, leaving fans wondering about the state of their relationship.
Extending an Olive Branch
By publicly showing love to Ye despite the critiques, J. Cole appeared to extend an olive branch. His unexpected gesture suggests a desire to move beyond public disagreements and focus on mutual respect within the music industry.
Performing ‘Work Out’
Following his statement, Cole launched into ‘Work Out,’ energizing the crowd and underscoring his message of positivity. The performance served not only as entertainment but also as a possible symbol of overcoming adversity through art.
Impact on the Hip-Hop Community
This notable moment at Dreamville Festival has sparked conversations about reconciliation and unity in the hip-hop community. Fans and fellow artists alike are watching closely to see how Ye might respond to Cole’s overture.
By adhering strictly to the information provided in the original news feed from Billboard, this article aims to inform TIME Magazine’s readers about a significant event in the music world, highlighting themes of unity and the potential mending of relationships between influential artists.