One of the most famous feuds were between 2Pac and Biggie. When 2Pac released the song "Hit Em' Up" that was the climax of west coast vs. east coast battles. It is one of the greatest diss songs ever made. Too bad neither 2Pac nor Biggie got out alive.
Of course if we are talking about diss songs then "Ether" by Nas is one of the most famous. Because we are covering "Ether" in class, I'm going to talk about NWA's diss songs on each other. When Ice Cube split up from NWA because of Jerry Heller (their manager) not giving equal cuts of the earnings, it caused Ice Cube to disband from the group. Ice Cube in return created "No Vaseline" to show the symbolism of the group is being fucked by Jerry Heller. From then, the group disbanded and another diss song was created; this time by Eazy E. "Real Motherfucking G's" attacked Dr. Dre for selling out and becoming soft. Both songs became big hits and put rumors that NWA could regroup to rest.
Today's rappers use dissing as a way to throw themselves into the spotlight. For example, Hopsin got to where he is today by dissing nearly every famous rapper just so he can get people to glace in his direction. (I actually like "The Ill Mind of Hopsin Part 5.") He uses dissing as his only tool to get media to follow him and rappers to react to him. Hopsin attacked many rappers including, Lil' Wayne, Drake, Eminem, Tyler the Creator, just to name a few. In "The I'll Mind of Hopsin Part 4," Hopsin specifically attacked MTV Music Award winner Tyler the Creator.
Tyler the Creator, just ignored him as well as all the other rappers Hopsin tried to diss in all of the "Ill Mind of Hopsin" trilogy. But when rappers do respond to diss songs it, can be some of the best music of their career. When Meek Mill came out with the song "Repo," it was aimed at Cassidy. I personally do like Meek Mill and consider him decent trap rapper. The repercussion came when Cassidy released over ten inutes, seventeen verses, of pure hatred toward Meek Mill. I was never really into Cassidy's music but he just completely killed "Raid."
By the way, I made the font color red so everybody can actually read a posting without getting a headache, because a grey backround with grey text wasn't very visible.
ReplyDeleteHopsin definitely attacked a lot of rappers, but honestly Ill mind of hopsin 5 was genius. It adressed more then just dissing rappers, it had so much truth in it and I surely can say that diss rap is very enjoyable to me.
ReplyDeleteI never even paid attention to the words in "Hit 'Em Up" until i read this post and listened to it again. makes sense now. good post.
ReplyDeleteI definately agree when you say that diss songs bring media attention to the rappers an bring out the best music in them. But one rapper i feel miserably failed at dissing people to get big is Azealia Banks, she pretty much dissed everyone from Jim Jones to Lil Kim and other people thats hot right now, and its pretty much tanking her career. Dissing other rappers not always be good...
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that people make diss songs to draw attention to themselves. Of course, I think the better diss songs are the ones created out of REAL beef between rappers; unlike Hopsin who just dissed people to gain popularity.
ReplyDeleteI think diss songs are another aspect of hip hop that is necessary because of street credibility.Probably the best post I have read so far considering the good examples and analysis.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the post. Very well written and the examples were on point. I do agree that diss songs are an important part of hip hop because they test the creativity of an artist.
ReplyDeleteI agree that diss songs are important to Hip Hop. I feel that given a topic to think about defiantly helps getting the creative juices going, so having someone to diss might make song writing easier, rather than having to come up with a topic to rap about.
ReplyDeleteYou are totally right about some wrappers using dissing to get into the spotlight. Some rappers will say literally anything just to get some attention.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, diss songs have become a way of artists to throw themselves into the spotlight. A lot of controversy plays on during this time which makes some of the artists involved even more famous.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a lot of diss songs are just trying to grab more media attention, but I also think it has to do with establishing credibility.
ReplyDeleteI love that you brought up hopsin, his songs are amazing and he definitely is a perfect example beacause he shit talked his way to where he is now. I also liked that you mention tyler thecreator being dissed but i wish you had brought up some of his work as well seeing as though yonkers, which won him the mtv award had lines such as "im gunna crash that fucking airplane that that faggot bruno mars is in" but overall i really liked this post
ReplyDeleteDiss songs are vital to hip hop because they create media attention, fans and rivalries that continue to drive hip hop. You made a good point using sports as rivalries drive them as well. It keeps people not only interested in the songs but the rappers themselves and their personal lives. Without diss songs hip hop would not be what it is today.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allegra. Personal beef is the best fuel for diss songs, not just trying to call artist out for no reason when you are using rap techniques which they pioneered (Hopsin).
ReplyDeleteAdam, I agree with your argument that hip-hop would be nothing without diss songs. Diss songs are a pivotal part of hip-hop and allow rappers to express their feelings for one another through song
ReplyDeleteToo bad nobody paid attention to Hopsin's diss records because they're not bad. I think diss records fuels the competition and causes more people to actually listen to the music. It makes the listener curious, therefore exposing that listener to their music.
ReplyDeleteDiss songs are definitely a great way to draw attention to yourself, especially when you're on the come up. When Hopsin started dissing lots of rappers, everyone was like "woah who is this kid and why does he think he can call out and diss well known rappers?" but then they look him up to see, and they may end up liking him, or they may not. Either way he gets attention which is what anyone needs to come up in this industry. I also love the Tupac and Eazy E examples that you used because they're not only great diss songs but also two of my favorite songs in general.
ReplyDeleteI personally like diss songs a lot. They have the most purpose to them and the artists that create them are lyrical geniuses. Sure disses bring attention to the artist but it also brings attention to the artist being dissed. These artist call out their competition and it reminds me of freestyle battles where the main purpose is to be better than the other artist. It also creates pressure for the other artist to come back with something better.
ReplyDeleteLike Chelsea i thoroughly enjoy diss songs as well. Many rappers must do their homework and become even more creative than normal. Not only does it have to be a diss, it must be funny or true enough for the public to agree!
ReplyDeleteThe diss style of rapping definitely involves more creativity with specific insults. Taking shots at opposing artists fuels the fire and gives incentive to strike back with more intensity.
ReplyDeleteEminem's "Hail Mary" Ja Rule diss is my all time favorite