No. 10: GloRilla – Yeah Glo!
GloRilla basically hyped herself in “Yeah Glo.” As the saying goes: no one can blow your trumpet better than you. Safe to say she’s had a great year, which culminated in becoming the 2nd most streamed Female Rapper, behind Nicki Minaj
No. 9: Eminem – Tobey ft Big Sean & Babytron
After a little hiatus from both Eminem and Big Sean, they decided to collab on this project, featuring Babytron. The song is plastered with bars upon bars; just the usual for the rappers. Just a normal day at the office
No. 8: Drake – Family Matters
“Family Matters” was Drake’s Kendrick Lamar diss song. We say “was” because the Canadian rapper has since sued Universal Music Group for taking sides in the beef between him and Kendrick. Yes we say “was” because back then, before his lawsuit against UMG, “Family Matters” was a solid response to the situation with the LA rapper, some would argue that. But since Drake took a Lawsuit route, this has tainted the work he’s done with Family Matters; again, some would argue that.
No. 7: Megan Thee Stallion – HISS
HISS made this list because of how much it pushed Nicki Minjaj’s creativity, and that’s what beefing does. It makes you think on your feet, and try to respond as quick and witty as possible. And yes, HISS is Megan Thee Stallion dissing Nicki Minaj. But did it affect the Queens Rapper in any way? Mentally? Numbers in the charts? Fanbase? You be the judge.
No. 6: Central Cee – Band4Band ft Lil Baby
This was a solid collab: UK x USA. Central Cee is known to keep things short and precise, especially with his videos. It wasn’t different with Band4Band, where he enlisted the expertise of Lil Baby. The song is not your typical Drill Music, that’s all we can say about it. Enjoy!
No. 5 Future – Like That ft Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
Most of us at the office felt Future was an instigation to the Drake-Kendrick Beef, when he released “Like That.” If you’re a HipHop egghead you would know that Kendrick Lamar’s verse on this track, was a response to Drake & J. Cole’s song titled: First Person Shooter. Where both rappers laid claim to the GOAT status. While Drake insinuated that he’s the GOAT, “…go on then, say it then, who the Goat? Who the Goat?” J Cole was more respectful by saying that Him, Drake & Kendrick are the BIG-3 in the Rap Game. Which brings us to the Kendrick’s verse on the above track, “…N*gga fuck the Big 3, is just Big Me,” and so the Beef began.
No. 4: Tyler, The Creator – Sticky ft GloRilla, Sexxy Red & Lil Wayne
Tyler, The Creator has always done his own thing. He personally produced this track, and creatively enlisted the ever vibrant GloRilla and colourful Sexxy Red, and Young Money CEO; Lil Wayne, aka Tunechi. Sticky is bouncy, heavy and light on the keys as well. You can hear Young Buck’s sample on this track. You remember the song we’re taking about? If you guessed “Get Buck” then you’re right :). Sticky will stick with you if you ain’t careful with it.
No. 3: 21 Savage – Redrum
21 Savage narrated his Gun and Street life in Redrum, and he didn’t hold back one bit. He decided to shoot the video in England, thereby adding another layer to the song as he’s British too. It blends dark, intense lyrics with his signature low-key, menacing delivery. The title “Redrum” refers to the word “murder” spelled backward, evoking a sense of violence and foreboding. The lyrics are gritty and reflect 21 Savage’s experiences with street life, trauma, and the dangerous environment he navigates.
No. 2: Ye, Ty Dollar $ign – Carnival ft Playboi Carti & Rich The Kid
This song’s instrumental features a vibrant, carnival-like melody, which evokes feelings of excitement and celebration. The production is marked by bright, layered synths and percussion, making it feel energetic and full of life. This was Ye’s first collab since his change of name. He was formally known as Kanye West. Lyrically, the track explores themes of fame, inner conflict, and the complexities of life. While the tone might seem celebratory or carefree due to the music, there’s an undercurrent of reflection on the pressures of being in the public eye and the personal struggles that come with it. The delivery shifts from playful and confident to vulnerable, providing a sense of contrast and depth to the upbeat vibe of the track.
No. 1: Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
There’s no sugar coating it, Kendrick Lamar dissed the life outta of Drake in Not Like Us. Kenny showed that he’s from Compton: a certified West Coast Rapper because that’s what they do. They do not play around when it comes to Beef. Like! No other Zip Code comes close. 50 Cent described them better, “…they’re very territorial.” Kendrick washed Drake, rinsed, dried him up and ironed, in no particular order.
Kendrick reflects on the differences between himself and Drake, in terms of authenticity, lyrical depth, and realness in the game. The overall feeling is that Kendrick sees himself as part of a different, more elite tier of artistry, one that stands in contrast to those he feels aren’t “like us” — the ones who truly represent the culture. The track was so popular that Drake sued Universal Music, for allegedly promoting it more than necessary. Asked what would make Drake sue in the first place? Like why? ESPN Sports Analyst Stephen A Smith said, “Maybe he truly ain’t like us.” Just maybe. “…because a true brother would get in the studio and cook to respond to Kendrick Lamar, and NOT suing.”
