10 Best Diss Tracks In Hip Hop

The East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry was one of the more unfortunate incidents in rap history. It resulted in the deaths of two of the genres most praised talents. 2Pac and Biggie Smalls both lost their lives, effectively shocking members from both scenes into cooling the animosity.

During their early years the two had actually been friends; they saw each other as kindred spirts, despite coming from opposing scenes. Due to all the posturing from characters like Suge Knight, however, the rift between the two groups intensified. A pivotal moment came in 1994 when 2Pac was shot by a number of East Coast affiliates. Soon after, Biggie released the track "Who Shot Ya?" which 2Pac took as a dig. The rivalry was further heightened by the heavy media coverage fuelling the flames.

Hit 'Em Up was 2Pac's lyrical attack on the East Coast. Chiefly aimed at Biggie Smalls, it was a blistering stream of insults and insinuation, expertly strung together with deadly consequences. Although this track demonstrates an absolute mastery in world play and flow, it also represents the tragic divide between two of rap's biggest talents.