Even though Ray J said on Hot 97 that “I Hit It First” wasn’t directed his Kim Kardashian, the lyrics still have people second-guessing that claim. With lines like, “She might move on to rappers and ballplayers / But we all know I hit it first … I had her head going North and her ass going South / But now baby chose to go West,” there is little room to believe that the record isn’t aimed at his sex tape co-star and father of her unborn child.
Hip-Hop has a long history of diss records, but this has offended some because of its very personal content. And while freedom of speech is vital to creative expression, just because something can be said doesn’t mean it should.
AllHipHop.com now takes a look at a few other songs (in chronological order) that crossed the line into people’s personal affairs and, as a result, have become famous for all the wrong reasons.
Hit ‘Em Up: Spouses are a sensitive subject to many rappers. Tupac’s rousingly repugnant “Hit ‘Em Up,” however, wastes no time with such formalities and finds Pac talking about bedding Biggie’s estranged wife, Faith Evans, in the opening lines of the song.
S**t On You: Although it has since been resolved, Royce dissing D-12, especially Bizarre, over the group’s “S**t On You” instrumental rubbed a lot of listeners the wrong way when he referenced murdered D-12 member Bugz (“I don’t give a f**k ni**a, you can beat up with gloves/And if you want beef, f**k it you can meet up with Bugz”).
Super Ugly: The battle between Nas and Jay-Z is one of the most memorable ones in Hip-Hop history. But when Jay jacked the beat to Dr. Dre and Knoc-Turn’Al’s “Bad Intentions” and talked about his sexual relations with Nas’ baby mother and leaving condoms on a baby seat, it even prompted Jay-Z’s mother to make him apologize for it.
Rip the Jacker: In many cultures, it is understood that one should respect their elders and that rings true for Hip-Hop too. Canibus disregarded that ideal though and threatened to punch LL Cool J’s grandmother (the inspiration for LL’s “Mama Said Knock You Out”) in the mouth and called her a “b####.”
Loose Change: One of the most compelling things about Eminem as a songwriter is his willingness to discuss his personal life, emotions, and circumstances with listeners. While feuding with Shady Records and G-Unit, Ja Rule used that information and took it a step too far by spitting, “Em you claim your mother’s a crackhead, and Kim is a known s###/So what’s Hailie gonna be when she grows up?”
What do you think? Are there other songs that you feel clearly crossed a line? Sound off in the comments section!