No, “7 Minute Drill” didn’t make this list.
5. Takeover (2001)
“Takeover” might be the best song from this list. It’s not the best diss record, though.
My favorite Jay-Z album of all time is BluePrint. During its making, he was undeniably one of the best rappers in the game, and he walked around and acted like he was. He also had one of the best hip-hop crews. When you feel untouchable like this, you start to test your limits, and Jay did just that with “Takeover.”
“Takeover” feels like the ultimate warning shot. The song kicks off with Jay-Z asserting his dominance, declaring that he and his crew are at the helm of the rap game. Then, things escalate quickly as Jay takes aim at Prodigy, mocking him with references to ballerina pictures and sales figures. He doesn’t stop there, turning his attention to Nas, criticizing his catalog and downfall. What’s striking is not just the disrespect in Jay’s lyrics but also the tone he adopts—a mix of confidence and mockery that intensifies the impact of his words.
“Takeover” is packed with classic lines that have left an indelible mark on hip-hop history. From the infamous evaluation of Nas’ discography to the scathing Prodigy Ballerina diss, Jay-Z delivers bar after bar of lyrical firepower. And who could forget the bold declaration that “the R.O.C. is running this rap s**t”?
Fun Fact: Kanye West produced “The Takeover.”
4. Drake – Back To Back (2015)
Before you say “The Story Of Adidon” was a better diss record, let me remind you that “Back To Back” was nominated for a Grammy.
“Back To Back” is impressive for many reasons, but perhaps one of the most notable is the artist behind it: Drake himself. Prior to its release, Drake was often perceived as a charming, almost ‘pretty boy’ figure, more aligned with pop sensibilities than hardcore rap. However, the track shattered those perceptions, showcasing Drake’s ability to confront and challenge a gangsta rapper like Meek Mill.
“Back To Back” is certainly packed with moments that raise eyebrows. For one, it’s aimed directly at Meek Mill, who was romantically involved with Drake’s labelmate, Nicki Minaj, at the time. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the song’s production comes from NAV, who later collaborated with Meek Mill on the standout track “Tap.” However, it’s Drake’s memorable lines that truly elevate it to classic status. From dubbing Meek “Twitter Fingers” to questioning the authenticity of his street credibility, Drake’s bars leave a lasting impression, proving that even a “singing n***a” can deliver potent lyrical blows.
Fun Fact: “Back To Back” was preceded by “Charged Up,” which no one rated.
3. Ice Cube – No Vaseline (1991)
“No Vaseline” might be the craziest title on this list.
It’s always disheartening when a feud erupts between former friends, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened with N.W.A., one of the most iconic groups in hip-hop history.
When Ice Cube parted ways with N.W.A., his former comrades didn’t hold back, calling him “Benedict Arnold” and “too much cargo.” Their disses were scattered across various projects, including 100 Miles and Running and Niggaz4Life. However, Cube’s retaliation, executed as a solo artist, proved far more ruthless than anything his former associates had thrown at him.
Do you know the funniest thing about “No Vaseline?” It features this funky-ass, black barbecue-style beat that your uncle might love. The beat’s style absolutely doesn’t stop Cube from sounding like a madman. Throughout the song, he takes several direct and personal shots at Dr. Dre, Eazy E, Mc Ren, and DJ Yella. He ruthlessly questions their blackness, sexuality, and business acumen. What makes things worse is he does all this with a somewhat humorous tone.
Ice Cube was controversial as s**t in the ’90s.
Fun fact: “No Vaseline” samples a bunch of tracks, including Eddie Murphy’s “Hit by a Car” and Biz Markee’s “Vapors.”
2. Tupac – Hit ‘Em Up (1996)
Hearing “Hit ‘Em Up” as a child made me believe 2Pac was the ultimate boogeyman. However, as I grew older, it became apparent that it was actually Bill Cosby who was.
“Hit ‘Em Up” is one of the most disrespectful diss tracks ever recorded. Right from the start, 2Pac sets the tone with the infamous line, “That’s why I f**ked your b*tch.” Does it get more disrespectful than that?
Actually, it does get more disrespectful than that. Beyond the infamous line about Biggie’s relationship with Faith Evans, 2Pac goofily appropriates Biggie’s “Get Money” beat, insults Biggie’s associates, including Lil Kim, and repeatedly refers to the New York rapper and his crew as “b*tches.” Adding insult to injury, 2Pac delegates the final blows to his associates. At the end of the track. Pac goes belligerent, handing out more f**k yous than Kelly Oubre Jr.
It’s so weird listening to this track, knowing that Tupac and Biggie have passed away.
Fun fact: This is the only diss record on this list with an official music video.
1. Nas – Ether (2001)
I thought Jay-Z should’ve sued Nas for releasing “Ether.”
Although hip-hop is often characterized as a competitive arena, it’s uncommon for two high-caliber MCs to engage in direct diss tracks. Take Tupac, for example; he released a diss track aimed at Biggie, but Biggie responded with more subtle jabs rather than a full-blown diss record. In contrast, Nas and Jay-Z engaged in a direct exchange of diss tracks, with both artists calling each other out by name and critiquing their respective MC skills. However, Nas elevated the conflict to new heights with “Ether,” taking the rivalry to another level.
“Ether” feels vicious, personal, dirty, and like a verbal burial before death. In the song, Nas unleashes explosive shots at Jay, claiming superiority in every aspect, from insulting his record label’s name to mocking his daily routines to attacking his appearance and even turning his own collaborators against him. It’s an all-out assault that leaves little room for anything else to be said.
What makes “Ether” even more brutal is the beat. It’s got this dramatic, underworld vibe to it, like something out of a gritty crime thriller. And Nas? His delivery is calm yet fierce, showing he’s completely at ease tearing someone down to their core. It’s pretty intense.
Fun Fact: “Ether” is song number two on Stillmatic, and “Takeover” is song number two on The Blueprint. None of them wanted the number one spot…
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
