The epic social media event that is Drake vs. Meek Mill is in full effect.
Drizzy’s “Back To Back” freestyle now has over 4 million plays since its release this morning, and it’s clear that hip-hop fans are rejoicing. Partly because, in recent memory, real rap beef has become a thing of the past, as many artists choose to address their targets on Twitter or Instagram – not on wax.
As a result, we haven’t seen bars like we saw in the Jay Z vs. Nas feud in a long time. So, shout-out to Drake for keeping it all the way hip-hop. While we all patiently await a response from Meek, keep scrolling to relive some of the most disrespectful diss tracks in hip-hop history.
“Checkmate” Jadakiss
After featuring on Ja Rule‘s “New York,” Jadakiss found himself caught in the crossfire that was the 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule beef. As a result, 50 fired shots off at Jada on “Piggy Bank,” and Jada responded with “Checkmate.”
“Takeover” Jay Z
Jay dropped “Takeover” and many thought he just ended Nas’ career. We now know that Nas was busy cooking up “Ether.” Still, the exchange of “Takeover” and “Ether” constitutes one of the best hip-hop beefs of all time.
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“Real Muthaphuckkin G’s” Eazy E
After Dr. Dre left NWA, Eazy E fired shots at his former group member on “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s,” rapping:
All of a sudden Dr. Dre is a G thang,
But on his old album cover he was a she thang
“Back Down” 50 Cent
In the early 2000s, Ja Rule reigned supreme in hip-hop, but after his highly publicized beef with 50 Cent, his popularity just wasn’t the same. As a result, many fans have credited 50 for “ending Ja’s career.” He even compared the Murder Inc. rapper’s singing to that of the Cookie Monster on “Back Down.”
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“The Bitch In Yoo” Common
A response to Ice Cube’s “Westside Slaughterhouse,” Common released “The Bitch In Yoo” in 1996, stating that West Coast rap was partially responsible for turning hip-hop into street music. Ultimately, Common and Ice squashed their beef after a sit-down with Minister Louis Farrakhan.
“4,3,2,1” LL Cool J
Released in 1997, this track is notable for launching the feud between LL and Cannabis.
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“No Vaseline” Ice Cube
Aimed at his former NWA group members, Ice Cube released the controversial “No Vaseline” in 1991. Throughout the disrespectful track, Cube makes anti-Semitic and homophobic references, aimed mostly at Eazy E and the group’s manager, Jerry Heller. NWA never responded.
“You Gotta Love It” Cam’ron
Released in 2006, Cam’ron targeted Jay Z after the infamous Roc-A-Fella split between Jay and Dame Dash. In “You Gotta Love It,” Cam raps of Jay biting Biggie’s style:
You ain’t the only one with big wallets
Got it, my shits brollic, dot it
But your publishing should go to Mrs. Wallace
“The Bridge Is Over” KRS-One
A classic diss record, “The Bridge Is Over” helped contribute to the end of MC Shan’s career and is the most famous track from the Bridge Wars between rappers from the Bronx and Queens.
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“Nail In The Coffin” Eminem
Whether he was feuding with Limp Bizkit, Mariah Carey, or Ja Rule, Eminem’s beefs were always entertaining. In the midst of his feud with Benzino and The Source, Em released “Nail In The Coffin.” Let’s be real, this beef was never fair to begin with.
“Ether” Nas
This track was so big, its title eventually became a word associated with any major insult. Most memorable line?
“These streets keep calling, heard it when I was sleep. That this Gay-Z and Cock-a-fella Records wanted beef.”
“Hit Em Up” Tupac
Arguably the biggest diss track in hip-hop history, the release of “Hit Em Up” marked the height of the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s.
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PHOTO & VIDEO CREDIT: Getty, Splash, YouTube
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