Multiple hip-hop heavyweights of the 1990s — most prominently Ice Cube — are heavily criticizing the current rap beefs that are dominating the genre, pop culture and even the mainstream news cycle.
Everyone knows about the clash between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. But there was also the bitter feud between Chris Brown and Quavo that flared up then quickly dissipated.
Ice Cube — who knows about being embroiled in beefs since he was in a few three decades ago with members of NWA and Common — said he doesn’t like strife in the rap community.
“All walks of life know what’s going on,” Cube said on the Canadian podcast “E-Talk” recently. “And some people can’t really take that kind of humiliation. I don’t really like seeing rappers beef.”
Cube vividly remembers how lyrical sword-fighting degenerated to tragedies during the 90s — most significantly with the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. — which is partially why he made peace with Common in 1997.
“Beefs are volatile,” he told the host. “You always have to be careful that a beef doesn’t turn into a murder. Back in the day, you’d do a diss record, but it would stay somewhat in the hip-hop community. Today, however, this beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has gone worldwide.”
Nevertheless, Cube said he understands why Drake and Lamar are airing out their problems publicly.
“It happens,” he added. “Hey, it’s part of the game.”
Questlove hates rap beefs
Questlove not only is appalled by the current Drake-Lamar battle, but he is also disgusted by the bloodlust of fans who he says are looking for carnage.
“Nobody won the war,” Questlove wrote. “This wasn’t about skill. This was a wrestling match level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary — women & children (& actual facts) be damned.”
