Rap/Hip Hop is one of the most unique genres in all of music. Artists formulate clever rhyme schemes over precisely compacted instrumentals all with the same goal in mind: to stake their claim as the best. Because of this, the genre and music produced from it is highly personal. Rappers give you first-hand insight into their lives: from their upbringing and all the way along their road to success.
Rappers won’t shy away from letting listeners know about their success, in all definitions of the word. Money, women, cars, and clothes are all common themes in rap/hip hop music, each used to demonstrate why a respective rapper is the best and most successful in the business. They also won’t shy away from having their feelings be heard on fellow members of the industry, or in their eyes, their competition.
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Since its origins, rap is arguably the most individually competitive genre in music. From rap battles to diss tracks, the art of insulting your opponent, while simultaneously boosting your stock, is essential in the rap world. And if someone comes at you, you better be eager and ready to come back at them. Sometimes this notion, however, gets too personal and is isolated to just two parties, better known as a feud.
Rap feuds occur typically when two titans of industry clash over a specific topic. In the early days of rap music, the format of feuds was simple: one artist would diss the other on a track, who would then follow with a diss of his own. While the object of these feuds is to insult one another and come out victorious, the product is often beneficial for rap music general. Often the best music produced is when one’s back is up against the wall and they are writing/rapping on pride alone.
Arguably the most infamous rap feud was that of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. While the feud ended tragically with the fatal shootings of both emcees, the music produced as a result of this beef was premier. In a turf war that pitted the East Coast vs. The West, both prideful artists brought their A-game to make their case. Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” is one of his more memorable tracks, as well as for Tupac with his response, “Hit Em Up.” Although the outcome of the feud was unnecessary the issue at hand was real; both artists taking pride in their respective coast.
The passing of Biggie Smalls brought on another well-documented rap feud, that of Jay-Z and Nas. The matter at hand was simple, both artists were craving to take the thrown and becoming the king of rap’s Mecca: New York. While the lyrics produced were highly personal, this specific beef was far healthier. It was just two rappers, each driven to be acknowledged as the best. From Hov’s “Takeover” to Nas’ “Ether, the feud between these two New York rappers brought some of the fiercest tracks hip hop had seen.
Rap has seen numerous other feuds along the way. Ice Cube and Eazy-E clashed following the breaking up of NWA. 50 Cent feuded with The Game after the latter failed to acknowledge the members of G Unit’s help in producing The Documentary. Each produced great music for the industry and also had a common theme: the start of the beef was legitimate. Real issues that lead to real feuds, in turn producing real music. However, in today’s rap, the feud seems to be a lost art.
In recent years, the start of beef amongst rappers has been petty and unworthy of a feud entirely. For instance, Philly native Meek Mill has started beef with two different rappers over their failing to endorse his album on Twitter. First, with fellow MMG mate Wale, but more notably with Drake. Offended by Drake’s lack of social media support, Meek went on to accuse the Grammy winner of not writing his own lyrics, a notion widely refuted by members of the rap community. Drake went on to hammer Meek Mill over multiple tracks, leaving him embarrassed and quite frankly, emasculated.
The corny beef in rap does not stop there. In 2013, Rich Homie Quan clashed with Future all because their voice naturally sounds alike. That’s right, a feud started over a biological feature that is totally uncontrollable by either party. In 2011, Ludacris had beef with both Big Sean and Drake over having a slightly similar rap style. However, their difference in arrival made this feud irrelevant. Ludacris hit his peak in the early 2000s while the others are still on the rise.
While modern day’s rap feuds have not nearly lived up to those of the 80s and 90s, not all hope is lost when it comes to competitive hip hop beef. In 2013, as a feature on Big Sean’s off album track, “Control,” Kendrick Lamar seemingly called out every popular rapper to step their game up. From J. Cole to Mac Miller to ASAP Rocky, Kendrick confidently put every rapper on blast, self-proclaiming himself as the king of rap, coast to coast. The verse lead to over 20 response tracks, each cleverly getting back at the Compton-born emcee. It seemed to be Kendrick’s plan all along; making big claims to get the best out of his peers.
As seen throughout the history of the genre, feuds in hip hop can lead to some of the most quality tracks. It’s a tactic that has been used by rappers for decades. However as of late, this art seems to be losing its lure, both embarrassing artists as well as producing poor music. It’s time for rappers of present day to bring back the fire of their predecessors. It would be beneficial to them and the industry as a whole.
