A beef between rappers has been an element of hip-hop music for a long time; sometimes the feuds are a bit lighthearted, other times they’re very serious. Recently, hip-hop artists Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been involved in a beef that has captured the national conversation — and the Billboard Hot 100 Chart! The artists have been trading diss tracks for weeks, and the feud has intensified with each song as serious accusations are being thrown down between the two men. The beef has even expanded beyond the two artists to open a debate about AI use in the music industry: in particular, Drake’s use of Tupac’s “voice” using AI software, and producer Metro Boomin inadvertently using an AI sample to create a “disstrumental” beat.

The diss track, however, is not confined to one genre or even one idea. It could be arguments between people; or it could as simple as expressing a frustration. Today on The Coffee Break, let’s explore diss tracks from other genres and eras to shine a light on musical beefs throughout music history, and how music has been a tool in these dust-ups.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what diss tracks would you like to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Sugarhill Gang vs. Furio – Showdown
Fleetwood Mac – Silver Springs
Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog
Rufus Thomas – Bear Cat (The Answer To Big Mama Thornton's Hound Dog)
Lily Allen – Not Fair
Jeannie C. Riley – Harper Valley P.T.A.
George Harrison – Wah-Wah