Entertainment
19 Artists Who Directly Dissed Celebs in Their Songs
Musicians Who Disrespected Celebrities in Their Tracks
The world of music has always been intertwined with drama, and nowhere is this more evident than in diss tracks. These songs serve as a platform for artists to express their grievances, and sometimes, take aim at fellow celebrities. The fierce competition and rivalries in the industry have produced unforgettable moments. Recall the recent tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, highlighted by Kendrick’s bold release of “Not Like Us,” which stirred the waters and drew attention to the timeless nature of lyrical conflict in hip-hop.
The roots of diss tracks run deep within music history. Whether it’s Nas and Jay-Z or N.W.A battling Ice Cube, tension between artists has often fueled creativity. Kendrick and Drake’s exchange this summer showcased this tradition, with Kendrick emerging as the victor in their competitive clash, leaving Drake with significant bruises to his reputation.
However, it’s not just hip-hop that features these lyrical beefs. Pop and rock musicians have taken the opportunity to float jabs at their peers through their music. For instance, Jermaine Jackson took shots at his brother Michael, while Morrissey infamously critiqued Margaret Thatcher, and Taylor Swift cleverly addresses her rivals in disguised references.
Here’s a look at 19 notable instances where musicians have called out celebrities in their songs:
- Kendrick Lamar dealt a significant blow to Drake with “Not Like Us,” wielding powerful lyrics to tarnish Drake’s image.
2. Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River” became emblematic of the aftermath of his breakup with Britney Spears, including a music video featuring a lookalike of Britney that fueled speculation.
3. Megan Thee Stallion unleashed her critics in “HISS,” targeting everyone from Nicki Minaj to Drake, demonstrating her resilience through adversity.
4. YG and Nipsey Hussle didn’t hold back on “FDT,” a politically charged anthem aimed directly at Donald Trump, even prompting a visit from the Secret Service.
5. Taylor Swift subtly aimed her lyrics at Kim Kardashian in “thanK you aIMee,” leaving fans to decode her clever wordplay.
6. B.o.B targeted Neil DeGrasse Tyson head-on with “Flatline,” adopting controversial conspiracy theories that sparked backlash.
7. Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” remains iconic for its raw aggression directed at Biggie Smalls and Bad Boy, making waves in the East Coast-West Coast rivalry.
8. Morrissey took a political stand against Margaret Thatcher on “Margaret On The Guillotine,” expressing disdain for her leadership.
9. Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” is celebrated as one of the hardest-hitting diss tracks, aimed at his former groupmates in N.W.A.
10. The Wonder Stuff dissed Rick Astley in “Astley In The Noose,” with lead singer Miles Hunt eventually expressing regret over the song.
11. Drake showcased his lyrical prowess in “Back To Back,” effectively countering claims of using a ghostwriter after being called out by Meek Mill.
12. In “Range Life,” Pavement threw shade at the Smashing Pumpkins, resulting in a rumored fallout between the two bands.
13. Jermaine Jackson’s “Word To The Badd!” addressed Michael Jackson’s vanity, making it clear that family tensions ran deep.
14. Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” featured scathing comments about Will Smith, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera, establishing his penchant for controversy.
15. Machine Gun Kelly escalated his feud with Eminem through “Rap Devil,” following a series of exchanges that highlighted the animosity.
16. In “How To Rob,” 50 Cent humorously conspired ways to rob numerous industry heavyweights, from Diddy to Jay-Z.
17. Chris Brown took shots at Quavo with “Weakest Link,” referencing Quavo’s relationship and making jabs about his personal life.
18. J. Cole attempted to keep pace with Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical heat through “7 Minute Drill,” although he later chose to retract the track.
19. Jay-Z’s “Takeover” launched a heated exchange with Nas, igniting a rivalry that would feature some of the most memorable diss tracks in hip-hop history.
These daring musical jabs not only capture the essence of artistic rivalry but also play a vital role in shaping the public’s perception of these artists. With every diss, boundaries are pushed, and the culture evolves.
