After watching frivolous rap battles unfold randomly like the flu virus, I’ve resorted to viewing diss records differently. Moreso, I’ve noticed a trend that only kicked off in the late 90’s. Something Rap fans are aware of, but barely ask questions about. Even when we ask, the answer is always a mystery. Is it right to inherit beef from another rapper simply because you represent the same crew or label? Why? Why not?
First, let me clarify the term “inherit”. There are mainly three forms of inheritance: you inherit a battle in the line of attack(Chino XL, Mobb Deep, and the entire East Coast came under fire because ‘Pac said so), as an act of self-defense(Busta Rhymes got involved in his first and only rap war because Ja Rule called him out on “Loose Change”), and finally, the most common form of inheritance is what I call a ‘declaration of loyalty’. Listen to “Doe Ray Me” and “Like Toy Soldiers” off Eminem’s “Encore” CD if you still don’t understand this last form.
Speaking of Em, his involvement in the Irv/Ja saga may be deemed as utterly legitimate because The Inc’s Prince of R&B (Rap&Blues) hauled a bulky insult at Eminem’s 2-yr old daughter. Wrong! Just one painless research and you’ll discover how Slim actually brought the battle upon himself. Remember that awful soundtrack to an equally mediocre DMX movie, Cradle to The Grave? Now, recall Em’s lyrics on “Go To Sleep” I figured most of you sold the CD on ebay so I went the extra mile: “I’m ridding you, all of you, Ja, you’ll get it too!” Sounds like first strike to me. Keep that in mind everytime you listen to “Like Toy Soldiers” where Slim claims that he inserted his head in 50’s boiling pot of soup because JaRule said “Hailie’s name on a song”. The song Em was referring to(Loose Change) was preceeded by “Go To Sleep” back in ‘02.
Fast forward… 2005;
Battleground: New York City
Opponents: 50 vs Fat Joe,Jada, NaS, and everyone else that’s better than his entire click put together. Notice that Jadakiss, and only Jadakiss replied to Fifty…at first. Only when the G-Unit Chief attacked Jada’s affiliates in later songs and interviews did D-Block reply as a team. Styles P’s promise of a diss record on his upcoming Time Is Money album, and Sheek Louch’s stabbing solo reverb “Clickety Clank” – the direct opposite of G-Unit’s zombie-like display of loyalty.
I don’t remember 1000 label-mates getting involved with the battle between Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J or even Common vs WestSide Connection. Nowadays, rap artists desperately seek publicity under the tired pretext of beef. D-Block’s approach is indicative of legitimacy and dignity, while the G-Unit/Shady/Aftermath camp reminds me of battery-packing robots moving in accordance with the demands of a remote control. Please, pause that!