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Posted by Robert
Rap News Network
10/19/2004 5:14:57 AM
Tags and topics realted to this article include Ja Rule, Benzino, Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent and Eminem.
The best way for rap and hip hop artists and labels to promote their new releases and build hypr on upcoming albums or new rappers, is by appearing on mixtape CDs, compilations sold independently on the streets and on the Web. These CDs feature a mix of released, unreleased and sneak peak tracks mixed in with exclusive freestyles. Often these freestyles find the MCs trading words and vicious attacks as they battle on wax, so to speak, and call each other out.
Let’s take a look at SOME of the recent mixtape battles that have made hip hop such a full-contact sport in recent years:
Jay-Z vs. Nas
There may have been celebrated beefs involving Kool Mo Dee, Ice-T, Ll Cool J, and, of course, the infamous Tupac verses Biggie, but this was the one that set the battlefield on fire in recent years, as both of these cats are at the top of their game when they started spitting fire at each other. And couldn’t be more respected in the hip hop community. Early on it seemed as if Jay-Z might have won this with a few spirited barbs, but Nas’ “Ether” has become a heralded classic and his rapid succession of incredible albums -- two a year for the last two years, one better than the other, a double album on the way – have made him the clear winner.
Mobb Deep vs. Jay-Z
Another contender tries to snatch the crown from Hova. This time it’s those grimy cats from the QB, Mobb Deep. Again, as respect in the game as they come. While their beef wasn’t as legendary it did spark some truly great moments, including Jay-Z’s unveiling of a childhood photo of Mobb’s Prodigy in a tutu at the NTC Summer Jam. Ouch!
50 Cent vs. Ja Rule
Things really got hot with this one. 50 called out Ja for being a fake and wimp, calling him gay, soft and everything a rapper doesn’t wanna see in print next to their name. Ja dedicated a whole album to fighting back (Blood in My Eye)…. To bad it stiffed. 50 did the same and it went multi-platinum. Ja took aim via a slew of mixtape disses. However, 50 and his entire G-Unit crew did the same, and the sheer different in numbers made G-G-G-Unit the winners with tracks likje “Hail Mary,” and a slew of freestyles. Plus, it’s hard to fight back about being a fake gangsta when your singing love songs with Mariah Carey.
Ja Rule vs. Eminem
Since Eminem signed 50, this battle spilled over into his trailer. And lemme tell ya, as Ja found out the hard way, you do NOT wanna go up against Em. He’s got Dr. Dre, 50, G-Unit, D-12, The Game and a slew of other talented rapper on his side, plus the backing of White America. Plus, quite frankly, love him or hate him, any fool will tell you, he can out rap just about every human in the solar system. Ja calling out Em was kind of like Lenny Kravitz calling out Eddie Van Halen for a guitar playing contest. The result? Has anyone heard a peep out of Ja Rule since? Case closed.
Find out more about Ja Rule. Other items you may find on Ja Rule include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here...Find out more about Benzino. Other items you may find on Benzino include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here... Find out more about Jay-Z. Other items you may find on Jay-Z include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here... Find out more about Nas. Other items you may find on Nas include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here... Find out more about 50 Cent. Other items you may find on 50 Cent include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here... Find out more about Eminem. Other items you may find on Eminem include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here...
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