Welcome to 'The Statement' our report on biggest moments from the culture in the last few months. For some reason since Drakes slaughtering, everybody and their mothers got beef. Im talking rap beef as random as the meat I used to fish out of my African assorted meat stews growing up. Some may be legit old wounds but others seem.. manufactered. So, in this report, we will look into the rise of random feuds in Hip-hop, Afrobeats and UK drill following the Drake and Kendrick Lamar war. No body asked for these copycat beefs, but, Hip-hop has always been a genre marked by intense rivalries, but recent feuds between prominent artists have taken this competitive spirit a bit too far imo. From Ice Spice versus Latto to Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion's fiery exchanges, these public spats are not just about ego—they're mostly about boosting streaming numbers and keeping fans hooked. Let's dive into the most talked-about feuds of recent times, explore their timelines, and analyse wtf is going on here.
Ice Spice vs. Latto
Ice Spice (left), Latto (right) (Getty).
The feud between Ice Spice and Latto began to simmer in early 2023. In January, Latto was unable to complete lyrics to Ice Spice’s song "Bikini Bottom" during a red-carpet interview, sparking initial speculation about tension between the two. By March, Latto responded to claims of copying Ice Spice’s signature poses, and by October, Latto’s lyrics in "Fine as Can Be" were perceived as taking shots at Ice Spice’s hit single "Munch (Feelin' U)".
In February 2024, Ice Spice released her single "Think U Da Shit (Fart)," explicitly aimed at Latto. This was followed by a series of jabs on social media, with Ice Spice mocking Latto’s music video snippets. Latto fired back with her track "Sunday Service," containing subliminal shots at Ice Spice.
Both artists saw a significant boost in their streaming numbers amid the feud. Ice Spice’s "Think U Da Shit (Fart)" propelled her Spotify listeners to 25.5 million, surpassing Latto’s 24.8 million. Meanwhile, Latto's "Sunday Service" also garnered massive attention, contributing to a surge in her monthly listeners and making the feud mutually beneficial in terms of digital traction. I rate this beef as: potentially real, I think if they were in the same room and there's cameras out there would be indirects from both camps.
Nicki Minaj vs. Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj (left) and Megan Thee Stallion are locked in a feud that has grown over the past few years (Getty).
Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion’s feud began after their initial camaraderie with the 2019 hit "Hot Girl Summer." Speculation about their fallout surfaced in August 2020 when Megan collaborated with Nicki’s rival, Cardi B, on "WAP." In 2021, Minaj unfollowed Megan on Instagram, and by September 2022, Minaj was making indirect accusations during her Queen Radio show about a fellow rapper trying to get her to drink while she was pregnant.
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in the video for ‘WAP’ (Screenshot)
The tension escalated in March 2023 with Nicki’s track "Red Ruby Da Sleeze," which contained pointed lyrics seemingly referencing Megan’s incident with Tory Lanez. Megan responded in kind with her diss track "Hiss," solidifying the rift between the two.
Back in 2017 when it was a 'Hot Girl Summer' , taken from Meg Thee Stallion Instagram live (Screenshot).
The feud significantly impacted their streaming metrics. Minaj’s "Red Ruby Da Sleeze" saw a spike in streams, drawing attention for its controversial lyrics. Megan’s "Hiss" also gained traction and solidified Megans first solo number 1, with fans eager to dissect the diss tracks. The public interest in their ongoing spat kept both artists in the streaming spotlight, ensuring sustained engagement with their music.beneficial in terms of digital traction. I rate this beef as: High chance of wig snachting, I think if they were in the same room glasses and personal insults could get thrown.
The Men Take Note and Drive Streaming Numbers
Now the men of hip-hop have learned how the ladies have run up their streaming numbers due to their beefs, it seems the lads have taken note. Here’s the timeline of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, showcasing how their rivalry has influenced their streaming success.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: A Timeline of Drama
Drake (right), Kendrick (left) (Getty).
Drake recently trolled his rival Kendrick Lamar and producer Metro Boomin by rapping over Metro Boomin’s “BBL Drizzy” beat on Sexyy Red’s latest song “U My Everything.” This move was just the latest in their dramatic feud, which has included allegations of infidelity, domestic violence, secret children, and accusations of an affinity for underage girls. So much crap happened with this feud, so I made a simplified timeline to recap below.
October 6, 2023: Drake and J. Cole released collaboration “First Person Shooter,” in which J. Cole refers to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three” of rap.
March 22: Lamar responded on his verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s song “Like That,” rejecting their idea of the “big three.”
April 5: J. Cole dropped his own Lamar diss track, “7 Minute Drill.”
April 7: J. Cole backed down from the feud, stating he felt pressured to respond.
April 13: Drake’s response to Lamar, “Push Ups,” leaked online.
April 15: Ross responded to Drake with “Champagne Moments.”
April 19: Drake released another diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
April 21: Kanye West jumped into the beef on a remix of “Like That.”
April 30: Lamar dropped “Euphoria,” a six-minute long diss track.
May 1: Drake seemingly responded to Lamar’s diss on his Instagram story.
May 2: “Euphoria” jumped from No. 19 to No. 1 on the daily U.S. Spotify chart.
May 3: Lamar released two diss tracks, “6:16 in LA” and “Meet the Grahams.”
May 4: Drake posted an Instagram story denying Lamar’s claim of a secret daughter.
May 5: Drake denied Lamar’s claims in “The Heart Part 6” and Metro Boomin released “BBL Drizzy.”
May 7: Lamar's "Not Like Us" broke a Spotify streaming record and he released “Euphoria” and “Like That.”
May 8: Officers were called to Drake’s property.
May 9: A trespasser at Drake’s Toronto home was involved in an altercation.
May 11: A person who allegedly trespassed on Drake’s property returned.
May 13: Lamar’s “Not Like Us” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
May 24: Drake featured on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything.”
The feud has significantly boosted streaming numbers for both artists. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria” saw massive streaming spikes, while Drake’s “Family Matters” and “Push Ups” also gained traction. The drama kept fans engaged, ensuring high visibility for both rappers. beneficial in terms of digital traction. I rate this beef as: potentially real, I think if they were in the same room and there's cameras out there would be indirects from both camps. beneficial in terms of digital traction. I rate this beef as: unavoidable. I think if they were in the same room and there's cameras we're out someone has to do something. Theres too much riding on this. I reckon someone in Drakes camp might crash out for the boi. But... Kendrick is jointed up with West Side Pirus, a Compton based Blood gang. So at least 3 or 4 bottles would be thrown at each camp before it goes left.
Copycat Feuds: Publicity Stunts or Genuine Beef?
While some feuds seem organic, others appear orchestrated for publicity.
JT (City Girls) vs. Sukihana: Real Feud or Publicity Stunt?
JT (right), Sukihana (left) (Getty).
The sudden feud between JT of City Girls and Sukihana, right before JT’s US tour, has raised suspicions of a publicity stunt. Early Wednesday morning (May 8), Sukihana released a diss track aimed at JT, accusing the "Sideways" rapper of drug use and satanic worship, and throwing in insults aimed at her romantic partner, Lil Uzi Vert. Sukihana didn't hold back, rapping lines like, "You a crunchy black long titty bi**h, you got scabies/all that eczema you hidin’ under that coat, I know you hate it."
She continued with more personal attacks, referencing JT’s own lyrics from "No Bars": "You ain’t lyin’ when you say you look like a trans/Your ni**a only f**k with you because you look like a man."
The track followed Sukihana's belief that JT had dissed her first on the City Girls' latest single, "Okay," where JT raps, "She ate crab legs, now her whole tooth missin’/ Cheap a** veneers." This line hit close to home for Sukihana, who lost a veneer to a crab leg in 2022.
After being released from police custody on drug charges, Sukihana took to social media to ask JT to clarify her lyrics. JT quickly responded, denying any intentional diss: "@sukihanagoat you KNEW I wasn’t talking about YOU I would’ve answered quicker if you didn’t try to do a 2 for 1 special!"
JT further clarified, "I never knew your tooth fell out from eating crab legs you go viral for stupid sh*t Daily & to think I’m scared of you when I’m a Zeus subscriber is SICK!"
While this feud could be real, it’s hard not to suspect that JT might be using it for publicity as she embarks on her first solo tour outside of City Girls. The timing is convenient, and feuds often generate buzz and media coverage.
This incident follows another viral moment involving JT at the 2023 BET Awards, where she was seen throwing her phone at Lil Uzi Vert for being a "groupie" after finding him sitting next to Ice Spice (below).
Whether a genuine beef or a strategic move for publicity, the JT vs. Sukihana feud has certainly captured the public’s attention. As both artists continue to engage in this back-and-forth, their fans eagerly watch for the next development, keeping their names in the headlines and their music on repeat.
Wizkid vs. Davido: A new meaning to Afro-BEATS
Davido (left), Wizkid (right) (Getty).
The long-standing rivalry between Wizkid and Davido has recently intensified, captivating fans and redefining the Afrobeat scene. Despite occasional moments of reconciliation, their relationship has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
Seven years after seemingly settling their differences on stage at Wizkid’s concert, the feud has reignited. Their public reconciliation took place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, where Wizkid surprised the audience by inviting Davido to perform with him. This gesture momentarily dispelled rumours of their beef as they performed Davido’s hit track "Fia" together, marking the first time they had ever shared a stage.
For over a decade, the rivalry between these two icons, fuelled by their enthusiastic fanbases—the 30 Billion Gang for Davido and Wizkid FC for Wizkid—has simmered. Recently, it erupted again with a fiery social media exchange.
The latest conflict began when Wizkid posted a leaked video of Davido on his knees, apparently begging a female associate. This video, which surfaced online in April, was used by Wizkid to subtly jab at Davido. He suggested that his fans needed to plead as passionately as Davido did in the video if they wanted new music from him.
The post sparked a frenzy on social media, igniting both fanbases and causing friction among other artists like Kizz Daniel and Tekno. Feeling slighted, Davido responded on Monday night with a harsh clapback.
In his response, Davido dismissed Wizkid’s current relevance, boasting that since his entry into the music industry, Wizkid and others have struggled to find peace. He stated, "I have hits; he doesn’t. Tell him to let’s drop it. Darkness vanishes, and they give birth to him. Very well, he should drop. I’m ready. I’ve got 80 hits ready to go."
Davido also expressed his disappointment that their planned tour together would no longer happen. Wizkid had announced this tour on Instagram in January 2023, but the renewed feud seems to have derailed these plans. Despite the ongoing drama, Davido made it clear that he would not let this distract him from his career goals. He said, "In 2024, let’s all get active. We’ll see. I can’t wait until 20 years from now."
The rivalry between Wizkid and Davido continues to be a defining aspect of the Afrobeat scene, with each new chapter drawing massive attention from fans and media alike. As both artists forge ahead, their competitive spirit keeps the Afrobeat genre vibrant and dynamic. Fans can only watch and see what happens next in this ever-evolving saga.
Central Cee vs. Digga D
Central Cee (left), Digga D (right) (Getty).
Once friends, UK rap stars Central Cee and Digga D are now embroiled in a feud that has captivated fans. Central Cee and Digga D’s relationship dates back to their school days at Chelsea Academy in London. Despite being in different year groups—Central Cee being a couple of years ahead—they shared a mutual love for music. Their friendship blossomed into a collaboration, resulting in tracks like "Not the Same" and "Where Are You Now?"
The friendship took a dark turn when Digga D was arrested in connection with the stabbing of Central Cee’s brother. This incident created a rift that transformed into a full-blown feud, gripping the UK rap scene. The rivalry between Central Cee and Digga D has escalated over time, with both artists taking jabs at each other in their music and on social media. Their fans have also played a role in fuelling the conflict, choosing sides and amplifying the tension.
The feud has boosted their visibility, leading to increased streaming numbers and widespread media coverage. Fans are deeply invested in the drama, eagerly following each new development. Whether driven by personal grievances or professional rivalry, the feud between Central Cee and Digga D has become a major talking point in the UK rap community. As both artists continue to release new music and make headlines, their ongoing conflict keeps fans engaged and the spotlight firmly on their careers.
Closing Statement
Feuds have always been a part of hip-hop culture, but in the streaming era, they’ve become a strategic tool. Genuine or not, these conflicts drive engagement and boost streaming numbers. Labels, producers, record execs, fans and artists KNOW this. For instance, DaBaby revealed, some artists plot to create fake beefs to increase their earnings, highlighting that in hip-hop, both feuds and gimmicks are inherent to the game.
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