Forgotten Rapper Feuds That Shaped Hip-Hop History
While rappers feuds have been a staple of hip-hop culture for decades, not all of them have received the attention they deserve. Some feuds have not only influenced the artists involved but have also contributed to the broader narrative of the hip-hop community. Here are some rappers feuds that people may have forgotten about, but are crucial to understand the evolution of hip-hop.
LL Cool J vs. Kool Moe Dee: A Clash of Midwestern Might
LL Cool J's feud with Kool Moe Dee is one such example. During the late 1980s and early 90s, the East Coast rapper LL Cool J was at the height of his popularity, while Kool Moe Dee was one of the most respected and influential rappers on the West Coast. The feud started in 1991, and it wasn't one of the big name-to-name spats that often defined rap battles. Instead, it was more of a war of words, with both rappers making diss tracks and making veiled vocalizations against each other through their music.
Although the feud wasn't as widely publicized as others, it was a significant moment in the history of hip-hop. Both rappers were known for their lyrical prowess, but they represented different styles and musical ideas. While LL Cool J was known for his street-smart and anthemic tracks, Kool Moe Dee was more focused on delivering dense, conceptual lyrics.
LL Cool J vs. Canibus: The Music and the Message
Another undeniably forgotten feud is the one between LL Cool J and rapper Canibus, perhaps the most divisive and toxic in hip-hop history. The rivalry started in 1999 over a 50 Cent video, but it was much more than that. Canibus released the track '4321' in 1997, which 50 Cent used in his hit song 'Can of Whoop Ass.' Canibus accused 50 Cent and his producers of stealing his song, which led to an incident at the 2000 Source Awards, where Canibus was booed for his speech.
This dispute led to a public feud with LL Cool J, who, in his album Bigger and Deffer (2000), released the diss track 'Crackhead,' aimed at Canibus. LL Cool J's lyrics were filled with harsh and unflattering comments about Canibus's alleged involvement with drugs and his overall perceived lack of talent. The truth is, Canibus was one of the most talented and original independent rappers of the 90s, contributing immensely to the underground scene and inspiring many future artists.
Honorable Mentions and Other Feuds to Remember
While the LL Cool J feuds with Kool Moe Dee and Canibus are the most significant, there are other notable feuds that have been overshadowed. One such mini-beef is the one between Craig Mack and Biggie Smalls. In 1996, Mack made a comment in an interview that Biggie was "whack." This innocent statement quickly escalated into a feud, with both rappers making diss tracks targeting each other.
Another important feud to remember is the one between Tupac and Nas. Both rappers were giants in the hip-hop world, and their beef was based on rights to the sample from Warren G's hit 'Regulate.' Tupac was sampled in his album Me Against the World (1995) and believed that he had greater rights to the sample. This conflict led to a feud that was relatively small but significant in the context of their careers and the hip-hop community.
Conclusion: The Impact of Forgotten Feuds
These forgotten feuds may not have received the same level of attention as the bigger, more well-known rivalries, but they played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of hip-hop. The feuds between the artists mentioned here not only showcased their talent and skills but also represented different aspects of the hip-hop community—musical style, lyrical ability, and even the business side of music.
Understanding these feuds helps us appreciate the complexity and depth of hip-hop culture, and how the dynamics between artists can lead to growth and innovation in the genre. From LL Cool J's technical and emotional battles to the toxic rivalry between Canibus and LL Cool J, each feud offers a unique look into the larger picture of the hip-hop narrative.