19 Most Engaging Celebrity Call-Outs in Music

Musicians Who Called Out Celebs in Their Songs

 

What’s the deal with beef in the music industry? It’s a phenomenon that transcends genres and has captivated audiences for years. Recent developments, like Drake’s legal tussle with Universal Music Group concerning Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” demonstrate just how intense these rivalries can get. The history of lyrical conflict runs deep—from Nas vs. Jay-Z to the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry—diss tracks have been a defining element of hip-hop culture. But it’s not just rappers who engage in this lyrical sparring; pop and rock artists have also used their music to take shots at fellow celebrities.

 

This piece will dive into some memorable instances where artists have dissed other celebs through their music.

 

1. Kendrick Lamar delivered a brutal critique of Drake in “Not Like Us.” Years of brewing tension culminated in this explosive track, which painted Drake as everything from a colonizer to a pedophile, casting doubt on his entire camp.

2. Justin Timberlake took aim at Britney Spears in “Cry Me A River.” Their highly publicized breakup fueled the creation of this hit, especially after Britney publicly discussed him at a concert. The music video even featured a woman strikingly similar to Britney.

 

3. Megan Thee Stallion responded to her critics with “HISS.” The track directly confronted various naysayers, including Nicki Minaj and ex-lovers, bringing the conversation about her resilience to the forefront.

 

4. YG and Nipsey Hussle made waves with their diss track aimed squarely at Donald Trump. Their politically charged anthem “FDT” made their feelings about Trump’s presidency abundantly clear, even leading to visits from the Secret Service.

 

5. Taylor Swift subtly called out Kim Kardashian in her track “thanK you aIMee.” The capitalized letters in the title cleverly spell out “KIM,” hinting at ongoing tensions without directly naming names.

 

6. B.o.B bizarrely challenged Neil DeGrasse Tyson in “Flatline,” pushing flat-earth conspiracy theories that drew criticism, including a response track from Tyson.

 

7. Tupac Shakur unleashed fury in “Hit ‘Em Up,” a legendary diss aimed at The Notorious B.I.G. and others, solidifying it as a classic in hip-hop history.

 

8. Morrissey didn’t hold back in “Margaret On The Guillotine,” expressing disdain for then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, even expressing a wish for her death.

 

9. Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” remains one of the most notorious diss tracks, aimed at his former group N.W.A. This aggressive response marked a significant moment in hip-hop history.

 

10. The Wonder Stuff humorously targeted Rick Astley in “Astley In The Noose,” later leading to apologies from the lead singer for the vitriol expressed in the song.

 

11. Drake proved his lyrical prowess with “Back To Back” in response to Meek Mill’s ghostwriting allegations, creating an anthem that showcased his talent.

 

12. Pavement took a jab at Smashing Pumpkins on “Range Life,” sparking accusations of jealousy from Billy Corgan, who allegedly removed them from the Lollapalooza lineup.

 

13. Jermaine Jackson’s “Word To The Badd!” served as a veiled critique of his brother Michael’s actions, addressing family rifts and personal grievances.

 

14. Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” took shots at several celebrities, including Will Smith and Britney Spears, showcasing his knack for controversy.

 

15. Machine Gun Kelly escalated his feud with Eminem in “Rap Devil,” a response that stirred the pot even further in their ongoing rivalry.

 

16. 50 Cent’s “How To Rob” showcased his fearless attitude, detailing hypothetical robberies of major industry figures before he made his mark in music.

 

17. Chris Brown’s “Weakest Link” targeted Quavo, delving into personal issues and controversies, including a jarring mention of late artist Takeoff.

 

18. J. Cole’s “7 Minute Drill” was his attempt to insert himself into the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud, but he quickly pulled back after realizing the implications of the track.

 

19. The longstanding feud between Nas and Jay-Z reached a boiling point with Jay’s “Takeover,” which detailed various attacks on Nas’s reputation, prompting a legendary response with Nas’s “Ether.”

 

In an industry where relationships can be as fragile as glass, these artistic call-outs not only entertain but also highlight the intricate dynamics between some of music’s biggest names.