Rap beef is a longstanding tradition in the genre, where artists vie for dominance. Throughout its history, rap has seen iconic clashes like MC Shan vs. KRS-One or LL Cool J vs. Kool Moe Dee. Continuing this tradition, J. Cole recently responded to Kendrick Lamar’s surprise attack on “7 Minute Drill.” However, Cole’s retaliation fell short of expectations.
Despite Cole’s direct approach, he hesitates to fully engage, opting for warning shots rather than decisive blows. While his lyrics suggest a challenge to Kendrick’s position in the rap hierarchy, Cole fails to deliver the expected intensity. His response lacks the impact it could have had, missing the opportunity to confront Kendrick directly.
In contrast, the recent release of “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, featuring Kendrick Lamar, serves as a significant moment in the ongoing rap power struggle. The track, with its potent verses, has reignited discussions about rap supremacy. Its success mirrors past diss tracks like Jay-Z’s “Takeover” at Summer Jam, emphasizing the high stakes involved in rap rivalries.
The current landscape of rap beef suggests that mere warm-up jabs won’t suffice. Artists like Drake, who find themselves in the midst of this rivalry, must take note and deliver responses that match the intensity of the challenge. The stage is set for an epic showdown among rap’s biggest stars in the Great Rap Battle of 2024.
