Tupac and Nas: The Controversial Beef and Beyond 'Hit Em Up'

Track releases in the 1990s were often rife with diss tracks and confrontational lyrics. One such track that brought significant controversy was Tupac Shakur's 1996 diss track, "Hit Em Up". While Tupac was being crucified and KRS-One famously said, "if you want to get away with murder, kill a rapper", Nas took notice of Tupac's lifestyle and voiced his opinion through bars by way of song, as evidenced in the lyrics:

"We all heard it and then we heard Pac snap like a one stick stolen Twix."
From this snippet, it is clear that Tupac was using the track title to refer to a diss, but the specific lines directed at Nas may be more subtle than initially thought.

What Was Tupac's Target in 'Hit Em Up'?

Tupac's diss track, "Hit Em Up", primarily targeted Biggie Junior M.F.A.B (Junior M.A.F.I.A.), Mobb Deep, and Chino XL. The track was noted for its vicious and wide-ranging attack on multiple East Coast rappers, but there is no single line specifically aimed at Nas. While Tupac was a vocal proponent of West Coast rap and Nas a celebrated East Coast rapper, some friction was bound to happen given their opposing regional loyalties and the rivalry between West Coast and East Coast rappers at the time.

It's important to note that Tupac was particularly watchful for other artists who he perceived as copying his style. One notable instance was that Tupac was not a fan of Nas using the same sample on "Street Dreams" that Tupac had used for "All Eyez On Me."

Background to 'Hit Em Up'

Tupac's diss towards Biggie was partly in response to the robbery that occurred outside Biggie's studio, where Tupac was shot five times. Tupac always believed this was a setup arranged by Biggie. This event is directly referenced in the lyrics of "Hit Em Up", with lines such as:

Now it's all about Versace you copied my style/ five shots couldnt drop me I took it and smiled

Additionally, the final lines of the hook emphasize this event further:

“Who Shot Me” but you punks didnt finish/now you 'bout to feel the wrath of a menace.

While the track contained numerous diss shots, there is a debate about whether these shots were specifically aimed at Nas. However, it's clear that the broader context of the track aimed to vilify the East Coast rappers and the feud between the two coasts.

Another notable track in which Tupac calls out Nas by name is "Bomb First". This track is more direct in its confrontation with Nas, as evidenced by:

Conclusion

While the debate over whether Tupac directly dissed Nas in "Hit Em Up" continues, the broader context of the track and the historical feud between the West and East Coasts provides a clearer picture of the underlying tensions. The incident outside Biggie's studio and the release of Biggie's song "Who Shot Ya" shortly after further fueled the ongoing feud and added to the intensity of the diss track landscape of the 1990s.

For anyone interested in the background story of "Hit Em Up", it is primarily a response to the feud and the robbery incident. Tupac's aggressive and confrontational style in these diss tracks is a reflection of the rivalry rather than personal animosity towards Nas specifically. Despite the ongoing discourse, it's important to understand that the feud was part of the larger narrative of West Coast vs. East Coast in the late 1990s.

For more insights into the history of rap music and the rivalry between Tupac and Nas, watch these tracks and explore the deeper context of their diss to each other. Thanks for reading, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.