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The world of hip-hop is defined not only by its rhythms and rhymes but also by the intense rivalries that have emerged over the decades. These feuds, ranging from bitter disputes to unexpected collaborations, illustrate the complexities and emotions involved in the music industry. This article explores some of the most notorious hip-hop conflicts that have shaped the genre and the reasons behind them.
The Tupac and Biggie rivalry: A somber saga
Beginning in the mid-1990s, the feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. became emblematic of the larger East Coast-West Coast divide, culminating in tragic outcomes for both artists. Their friendship, which blossomed in 1993 when they first met and performed together, quickly deteriorated due to a series of misunderstandings and accusations.
The turning point occurred when Tupac was shot in Times Square in 1994, leading him to suspect Biggie and his associates’ involvement. Following this incident, Biggie’s release of the track “Who Shot Ya?” was widely perceived as a direct jab at Tupac.
Escalation and tragedy
As the feud intensified, it became a focal point of the ongoing East Coast-West Coast rivalry, fueled by tensions between their respective record labels. Suge Knight, head of Death Row Records, further stoked the flames during the 1995 Source Awards by publicly attacking Bad Boy Records, Biggie’s label. Tupac, aligned with Knight, began targeting Biggie in his music, leading to a series of diss tracks that only heightened the conflict.
The heartbreaking climax occurred in September 1996 when Tupac was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. Just six months later, Biggie met a similar fate in Los Angeles, marking a dark chapter in hip-hop history. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked rivalry in the music industry.
Modern rivalries: Drake and Kendrick Lamar
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake showcases how competition continues to thrive in hip-hop, albeit in a different context. Initially, the two artists collaborated, with Kendrick featuring on Drake’s Take Care and vice versa. However, the dynamic shifted dramatically after Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean’s track “Control,” where he called out several rappers, including Drake.
From collaboration to conflict
Drake’s reaction was less than favorable, sparking an ongoing back-and-forth filled with subliminal shots in their lyrics. The feud simmered for years, culminating in 2026 when Kendrick’s verse in “Like That” from Future and Metro Boomin’s album took direct aim at Drake. In retaliation, Drake released “Push Ups” and later the AI-assisted “Taylor Made Freestyle.” The exchanges grew increasingly fierce, with Kendrick ultimately delivering a devastating response in “Not Like Us.”
This feud highlights not only the competitive nature of hip-hop but also the evolution of how artists express their rivalries through music.
Other notable hip-hop feuds
Apart from Tupac and Biggie or Kendrick and Drake, numerous other rivalries have left their mark on hip-hop. For instance, the conflict between Jay-Z and Nas began with subtle jabs but escalated into iconic diss tracks, including Nas’s legendary “Ether.” Fortunately, unlike the former feud, this rivalry was resolved without any physical violence, culminating in a surprising collaboration on stage.
Another long-standing feud is that between 50 Cent and Ja Rule, originating from various disputes that became deeply rooted, with both artists trading barbs for years. This rivalry has evolved from intense diss tracks to more humorous exchanges over time.
Beginning in the mid-1990s, the feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. became emblematic of the larger East Coast-West Coast divide, culminating in tragic outcomes for both artists. Their friendship, which blossomed in 1993 when they first met and performed together, quickly deteriorated due to a series of misunderstandings and accusations.0
Beginning in the mid-1990s, the feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. became emblematic of the larger East Coast-West Coast divide, culminating in tragic outcomes for both artists. Their friendship, which blossomed in 1993 when they first met and performed together, quickly deteriorated due to a series of misunderstandings and accusations.1