"A little over a year ago, my sister told me [J. Cole] was saying he did this, that and the third with her 'cause they went to the same college [St. John's University]," Diggy explained in an interview with Inland Empire's 99.1 KGGI in California. "They didn't even really know each other so it wasn't like that."

After hearing Cole's 2010 track "Purple Rain," which featured subliminal lyrics aimed at Vanessa, Diggy felt the need to defend his sibling -- he originally recorded "What You Say to Me" in February 2011. "It was just me sticking up for my family," he said.

See Photos of Diggy Simmon's Day in the Life

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The New York native, who looks to Kanye West as an influence, initially wanted to release the diss track but felt it was "appropriate." Despite the song leaking on April Fools' Day (April 1), those in the Simmons family supported his decision to stand behind it, including his father Rev. Run. "He already had heard the track," Diggy shared. "He's like, 'Family over everything. That's your sister.' He wasn't mad about it at all."

As for J. Cole creating a retaliatory diss track aimed at Diggy, the latter isn't putting energy into the thought. "I don't really care," he stated. "That's not really my focus."

The BoomBox recently spent the day with Diggy while he spread the word about his new LP, Unexpected Arrival. Check out the full story on the 17-year-old rapper's hectic day of performances, meet-and-greets and radio interviews here.

Watch Diggy Simmons Explain Why He Created a J. Cole Diss Track

Watch A Day in the Life of Diggy Simmons

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Videography by Elizabeth Bruneau & Diana Levine, Production by Elizabeth Bruneau

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