The Top Ten Disses of All Time: Iconic Moments of Shade

Top ten Greatest Diss Tracks of All Time.

As the dust settles on the Kendrick and Drake beef, we couldn’t help but ask: What’s the best diss record in rap history? “Hit ’Em Up”? “Ether”? “Not Like Us”?!?!

1.Tupac Shakur’s “Hit ‘Em Up” (1996)

“Hit ‘Em Up” by Tupac Shakur is widely regarded as one of the most brutal and influential diss tracks in hip-hop history. Released on June 4, 1996, the song was a direct and aggressive response to The Notorious B.I.G. and his squad at Bad Boy Records. The track was recorded during the height of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, a period marked by intense and often violent competition between the hip-hop scenes especially between two record labells Bad boys and death row which hailed in New York and Los Angeles respectively.

After Tupac was shot five times in a robbery at Quad Recording Studios in New York in November 1994. He believed the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) and his Bad Boy Records associates were involved or at least knew about it, although they denied any connection. He felt betrayed by his friends, particularly Biggie  whom he had previously supported and collaborated with, and Pac being Pac he, wanted to defend his street credibility and reputation and “Hit ‘Em Up” was a direct, aggressive way to assert dominance and solidify his image as a fearless and unrepentant certified Gangster in hip-hop. This diss started one of the biggest and longest standing between the bloods and the crips that claimed many young black lives amongst them the legendary Tupac Machiavelli and the prolific Biggie Smalls, who were both mudered at tender ages of 25 and 24 respectively.

Directed at The Notorious B.I.G. and his Bad Boy Records crew, Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” is legendary for its aggressive delivery and unfiltered insults, making it one of the most infamous diss tracks in rap history.

2.Jay-Z’s “Takeover” (2001)

Targeting Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Jay-Z’s “Takeover” , igniting one of the most famous rivalries in hip-hop.In the track Jay-Z criticizes Nas’s career trajectory, claiming he had only one good album (“Illmatic”) and that subsequent projects were mediocre. He also accuses Nas of being inconsistent and not living up to his potential “Had a spark when you started but now you’re just garbage”, He also brings up personal and professional details to undermine Nas’s credibility and relevance in the rap game.

“Takeover” was a direct provocation that reignited a simmering feud between Jay-Z and Nas. Nas responded with “Ether,” which is considered one of the greatest diss tracks of all time, further intensifying their rivalry. It also sparked differences in opinion in the hip hop world, that emanated to feuds and divisions between fans,who was the superior lyricist and artist. despite their differences the two reconciled and performed at the

3.Nas’s “Ether” (2001)

In retaliation to Jay-Z’s “Takeover,” Nas released “Ether,” a diss track filled with scathing attacks and clever wordplay. This track is often hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in rap beefs. Sending personal insults attacking Jay Z’s life and whole career-“How much of Biggie’s rhymes is gonna come out your fat lips?…You a fan, a phony, a fake, a p***, a Stan.”

Nas’ “Ether” remains a landmark diss track in hip-hop history, known for its direct and powerful lyrical attacks on Jay-Z. The song played a crucial role in the Nas-Jay-Z feud, showcasing Nas’ lyrical ability and cementing his place in hip-hop. Its impact on the genre and the culture surrounding diss tracks is profound, making “Ether” a timeless example of the art of the rap battle.

4.Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline”

5.The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya?” (1995): Context and Impact

“Who Shot Ya?” by The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was released in early 1995 as a B-side to his single “Big Poppa” from his debut album, “Ready to Die.” Although not initially intended as a diss track, it became one of the most controversial songs in hip-hop due to its timing and perceived implications. It’s one of the reasons why Tupac created  “Hit ‘Em Up” as he interpreted “Who Shot Ya?” as a direct taunt aimed at Tupac Shakur, who was shot and robbed at Quad Recording Studios in New York in November 1994. “Who shot ya? Separate the weak from the obsolete …Hard to creep them Brooklyn streets.” This can be considered as one of the triggers of the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry. Tupac took the song as a personal affront, leading to a series of diss tracks and public confrontations  most notably “Hit ‘Em Up” which started a chain reaction that lead to both of the rappers demise.