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Hip-hop has always had beef baked into its DNA. From street corners to studio booths, rappers have used the mic not just to flex, but to fire shots. And every once in a while, a diss track drops that’s so lethal it does more than win a battle—it attacks from all sides. Here are six diss records that went beyond disrespect.
“No Vaseline” – Ice Cube (1991)
Target: N.W.A
Straight outta Compton and back with a vengeance, Ice Cube dropped one of the most vicious diss tracks ever aimed at a former crew. After the group took subtle shots at him on their album Efil4zaggin, Cube clapped back with “No Vaseline,” a blistering four-minute takedown calling out financial exploitation, racial politics, and Eazy-E’s alleged mismanagement. Ruthless, raw, and calculated, Cube didn’t just leave; he burned the bridge and lit up the label.
“Ether” – Nas (2001)
Target: Jay-Z
Jay fired first with “Takeover,” but Nas’ response on “Ether” swung the pendulum hard in his favor. The Queensbridge rapper dismantled Hov with brutal bars that questioned everything from his street cred to his looks. The track was iconic, the word itself turned into a verb. The blowback forced Jay-Z to regroup, drop “Supa Ugly,” and later… make peace.
“The Story of Adidon” – Pusha T (2018)
Target: Drake
This wasn’t just a diss—it was character assassination with surgical precision. Over Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” instrumental and accompanied by a promo photo turned cultural bomb, Pusha revealed Drake had a secret child, questioned his family values, and even took jabs at his producer’s health. The fact that he did it all without raising his voice made it even more chilling. Drake was forced into PR cleanup mode, and even J. Prince had to step in to stop things from escalating further.
“Lost Ones” – Lauryn Hill (1998)
Target: Wyclef Jean (allegedly)
Lauryn Hill never officially said who this track was about, but reasonable people could believe it was aimed at her former Fugees bandmate and ex-lover. “Lost Ones” was poetic, biting, and deeply personal—more classy than petty, but no less devastating. She didn’t scream, didn’t name names, but the way she carved through the beat with pinpoint lyricism made it clear she wasn’t here to play. Quiet fire at its finest.
“Dear Stan” – Cam’ron (2004)
Target: Stan Spit
Cam’ron took aim at his former protégé Stan Spit with a sarcastic and sinister letter-style diss. Framed as a response to Eminem’s “Stan,” the track mocked Stan Spit’s fall from Dipset grace and aired out grievances in Cam’s signature slick, Harlem fashion. Petty, theatrical, and hilarious—Cam never forgets a grudge.
