Do you have a lyrical bulletproof vest ? Cause we bout to dive into the Top 14 Rap Diss Track that scorched the earth with their incendiary verses and left a trail of burned bridges in their wake.
Hip-hop, where egos clash like titans and rivalries ignite with the slightest provocation, the art of the diss track reigns supreme. These fiery lyrical assaults, fueled by beef, jealousy, and good old-fashioned one-upmanship, have given rise to some of the most unforgettable moments in rap history.
From heated exchanges that erupted into full-blown feuds to savage takedowns that left careers in smoldering ruins, diss tracks have always been a potent weapon in the rapper’s arsenal.
Enter 2024: The Mic Drops Finally Happen
The year hip-hop finally witnessed the lyrical showdown fans had been waiting for. It all began with Drake releasing not one, but two diss track. The track “Push Ups” and “Taylor made freestyle” released in April, featured lyrics interpreted as
playful jabs at Kendrick’s “conscious rapper” persona, mocking his collaborations and even calling him a “pipsqueak.” He also made mention of other big names in the industry, including Rick Ross, Future, The weekend and NBA player Ja Morant.
Kendrick Responds with “Euphoria”
Kendrick wasn’t silent for long. In late April, he dropped a diss track titled “Euphoria,” named after the TV show Drake serves as an executive producer on. The song was a scathing attack, criticizing Drake’s parenting and even accusing him of getting plastic surgery for abs.
“I got a son to raise, but I can see you know nothin’ ’bout that,” Kendrick rapped, a clear jab at Drake’s alleged hidden child. “Euphoria” showcased Kendrick’s lyrical prowess, taking aim at Drake’s vulnerabilities with surgical precision.
How to Rob by 50 Cent
Before he became a rap megastar, 50 Cent was just a hungry MC looking to make a name for himself. And what better way to do that than to imagine robbing some of the biggest names in the game?
On “How to Rob,” 50 laid out detailed plans for sticking up everyone from Jay-Z to Mariah Carey, earning him notoriety – and plenty of heat – in the process.
Killshot by Eminem
When Machine Gun Kelly reignited his feud with Eminem, the Rap God responded with a lyrical barrage that left MGK’s career in tatters. On “Killshot,” Eminem unleashed a torrent of insults,
mocking Kelly’s rap skills, his appearance, and even his man-bun. With lines like “I’m not gonna fall for these f***in’ instagrand hoes,” Eminem proved that he’s still the undisputed king of the diss track.
The Story of Adidon by Pusha T
In the midst of a heated feud with Drake, Pusha T unleashed “The Story of Adidon,” a diss track that exposed the existence of Drake’s secret child and
included a graphic photo of the rapper in blackface. This bombshell dropped jaws and left fans eager for Drake’s response, cementing Pusha T’s status as a lyrical assassin.
Ether by Nas
When Jay-Z proclaimed himself the King of New York on “Takeover,” Nas took it as a personal affront. His response, “Ether,” was a surgical strike that left no stone unturned in dismantling Jay-Z’s credibility.
From questioning his street cred to accusing him of stealing lyrics, Nas unleashed a verbal onslaught that left even the most die-hard Jay fans shook.
Takeover – Jay-Z (Dissing Nas)
Jay-Z’s response to “Ether” wasn’t a meek surrender. “Takeover” shows Jay-Z at his most confident, dismantling Nas’ claims of lyrical supremacy and mocking his album sales.
This track is a testament to Jay-Z’s ability to turn criticism into fuel, proving he can trade lyrical blows with the best of them.
Hit ‘Em Up by Tupac
In the midst of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry that gripped the rap world, Tupac unleashed “Hit ‘Em Up,” a diss track so potent it could have leveled entire cities. Targeting the Notorious B.I.G., Puffy, and the entire Bad Boy crew, Tupac pulled no
punches with lines like “You claim to be a player, but I f***ed your wife.” This track was a lyrical declaration of war that escalated tensions to unprecedented heights.
Rap Devil by Machine Gun Kelly
In response to Eminem’s blistering “Killshot,” Machine Gun Kelly fired back with “Rap Devil,” a diss track that pulled no punches in its attacks on the rap legend.
From mocking Eminem’s age and appearance to accusing him of being out of touch, MGK left it all on the lyrical battleground, even if he ultimately came up short.
Real Muthaphuckkin G’s by Eazy-E
When Dr. Dre and Ice Cube left N.W.A., Eazy-E responded with this blistering diss track that pulled no punches. Lines like “Tried to play me, but you never fuckin’ knew me” and “I’m gonna show you where the P (p***y) at” left no doubt that Eazy was out for blood, and this track ignited one of hip-hop’s most legendary feuds.
The Bridge Is Over by KRS-One
In the early days of hip-hop, KRS-One solidified his reputation as a lyrical titan with “The Bridge Is Over.” This track was a direct challenge to Marley Marl and the Juice Crew, proclaiming KRS-One’s supremacy over the Queensbridge scene. With its bold claims and unapologetic tone, this diss track set the standard for all future rap beefs.
Back to Back by Drake
When Meek Mill accused Drake of using a ghostwriter, the Toronto rapper fired back with a vengeance. “Back to Back” was a merciless assault on Meek’s credibility, with Drake delivering lines like
“Is that a world tour or your girl’s tour?” This diss track effectively ended their feud, cementing Drake’s status as the undisputed king of the moment.
Super Ugly by Lil’ Kim
In the midst of her feud with Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim unleashed “Super Ugly,” a diss track that pulled no punches in its personal attacks on her rival. With
lines like “You a’ bunny, cheese eatin’, only X-rated,” Kim left no doubt about the depth of her animosity, igniting one of the most vicious beefs in hip-hop history.
No Vaseline by Ice Cube
This track makes a second appearance on our list, and for good reason. “No Vaseline” was a seminal moment in hip-hop history, with Ice Cube unleashing a torrent of vitriol towards his former N.W.A. bandmates.
From accusing them of greed to questioning their loyalty, Cube left no stone unturned in his scathing critique, setting the stage for one of the most legendary feuds in rap history.
From the early days of hip-hop to the modern era, diss tracks have been an integral part of the genre’s fabric, fueling rivalries and providing a platform for rappers to assert their dominance. Whether it’s Tupac and Biggie’s legendary East Coast-West
Coast feud or the more recent clash between Drake and Pusha T, these verbal assaults have captivated audiences and solidified the legacies of their creators.
So, the next time you hear a diss track that sets the rap world ablaze, remember the legendary battles that came before, and brace yourself for the lyrical warfare that’s sure to ensue.
