On Friday, Drake also dropped “Taylor Made Freestyle,” using AI to copy the voices of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg while taking a jibe at Kendrick Lamar. Now, Tupac’s estate has threatened to sue Drake, asking him to delete the diss track, reported Billboard.
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Diss tracks have given us iconic moments, like Nicki Minaj’s “Roman’s Revenge” and Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon” but the genre has become increasingly juvenile, focusing on petty baiting rather than hard-hitting critique. Case in point: Ice Spice’s “Think U the sh*t (Fart),” a song considered a masterpiece which combines emotion and technical brilliance.
This devolution mirrors the shift in hip-hop, from the narrative complexity of Kendrick Lamar‘s “DAMN” to the meme-ability of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”. The recent apology and subsequent diss track removal by J Cole after targeting Kendrick highlights the complexity of rivalry and respect in hip-hop. But with Ye (formerly Kanye West) joining the diss track war by releasing a scathing remix aimed at Drake and J Cole, the genre seems to have reached its lowest. Taylor might be stirring the pot, but it’s clear that the diss track genre has fallen far from its heyday. Perhaps it’s time to take a cue from J Cole and tap out before things get uglier.
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This surge in diss tracks can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, social media has amplified the impact of these feuds, with artistes directly engaging with fans and fueling rumours. Moreover, the pandemic has altered the music industry, forcing artistes to find new ways to capture public attention and maintain relevance.
The diss track phenomenon is not without its critics. Some argue that the focus on petty disputes detracts from the artistry of the music itself, reducing the genre to a cheap marketing tactic. Others contend that the trend is simply a reflection of the combative nature of hip-hop, where artistes have historically used diss tracks to assert their dominance and settle scores.
The year 2024 has seen an unprecedented rise in diss tracks within American music, with many high-profile feuds capturing the public’s attention.
Here are some of the biggest diss tracks that have dominated the charts and headlines:
Like That: Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar
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This star-studded collaboration was aimed at Drake and J Cole, with Lamar delivering a scathing verse targeting the two rappers. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the power of diss tracks in capturing public attention.
HISS: Megan Thee Stallion
In February, Megan Thee Stallion’s “HISS” debuted at No 1 on the Hot 100, marking a significant moment in the ongoing feud between her and Nicki Minaj. The track featured a series of sharp-tongued lyrics aimed at her rival.
7 Minute Drill: J Cole
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After being called out by Drake and Kendrick Lamar on “Like That,” J Cole responded with “7 Minute Drill,” a relentless diss track targeting both rappers. The song showcased Cole’s lyrical prowess and reaffirmed his position in the rap game.
Think U the sh*t (Fart): Ice Spice
In a departure from the more serious diss tracks, Ice Spice’s “Think U the sh*t (Fart)” took a humorous approach in her feud with Latto. The song’s addictive beat and intentionally silly lyrics made it a viral hit, proving that diss tracks can also be lighthearted.
thanK you aIMee: Taylor Swift
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In a surprise move, Taylor Swift allegedly took a swipe at Kim Kardashian, costing the media moghul 100K followers, in her track “thanK you aIMee”. In the song, the Grammy Award-wining singer addresses the longstanding feud between her and Kim, which began at the 2009 MTV VMAs, where Kim’s ex-husband Ye interrupted her acceptance speech and said that she didn’t deserve her award for Best Female Video.
Push Ups: Drake
Drake released this diss track in response to Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration on “Like That,” mocking Lamar for rapping “for Swifties,” further fuelling their rivalry.
No More Parties: Rick Ross
Targeting Drake and J Cole, Rick Ross entered the fray with this diss track, contributing to the ongoing battle among rap heavyweights.
Snake Eyes: Metro Boomin
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Metro Boomin joined forces with Future and Kendrick Lamar on “Like That” and followed up with his own diss track aimed at Drake and J Cole.
Big Foot: Nicki Minaj
In the ongoing feud with Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj released this scathing diss track, in January, showcasing her lyrical skills and intensifying their rivalry further.
