Beef has been the flavor of the year for hip-hop in 2024. Ice-T is well-versed going to battle for his fair share of wars over his career with the scars to prove it, but the rapper-turned-actor doesn’t believe it’s smart for rhymers to engage in feuds with social media prevalent.
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The West Coast legend hopped on the Boss Talk 101 podcast on Monday (Nov. 4) where he compared today’s rap beef to his previous decades, and pointed to social media as an amplifier in spoiling the fun to raise tensions.
“The disses that’s going on, like, I can outrap you is one thing. But then when you take it to the next level, like, ‘When I see you it’s a problem,’” he said. “The problem with beef is that it can escalate away from you. Say I have beef with Treach and I’m talking s–t about Treach. I could run into one of his fans on the street who wants to get active.”
Ice-T continued: “Having beef is just not smart if you can avoid it… They didn’t have social media, big difference. Social media is an amplifier to everything. It amplifies everything… It forces reaction that really could be squashed so much simpler.”
The 66-year-old explained that when beef goes to the internet and millions know about it, then it warrants a further response. “It forces reaction that really could be squashed so much simpler,” he added. “Why people have beef and take it to social media is beyond me, especially if you know a n—as’ phone number.”
When continually asked about the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud earlier this year, Ice-T brushed off the commentary and only offered up that he was concerned with securing the bag at this point.
“I’m sorry if I’m not interested in current Rap Beef or random Male Gossip. I’m a HUSTLER. I’m only focused on the Bag,” he said on X at the time.
In the same vein as social media amplifying beef, Ice-T revealed he cleared up any static he had with Jay-Z when speaking to Big Boy earlier this year.
Jay’s multi-platinum top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit “99 Problems” interpolates Ice’s 1993 track of the same name and Hov caught up with Ice at the 2024 Grammy Awards to show him love and make sure there was no issue.
“I’m at the Grammys and Jay-Z comes to me. He says, ‘Ice, you know I love you, right?’” Ice-T said. “I say, ‘Yeah!’ He says, ‘Well, it’s on the internet that you mad.’ I said, ‘I’m not mad! They’re bringing up all kinds of interviews about it and they asked me the story, and I told them the true story.’”
Watch the clip below.
Beef has been the flavor of the year for hip-hop in 2024. Ice-T, a seasoned veteran in the rap game, has been through his fair share of battles over his career. However, he now believes that engaging in feuds, especially with the prevalence of social media, is not a wise move for artists.
The Impact of Social Media on Rap Beef
The West Coast legend recently appeared on the Boss Talk 101 podcast where he discussed how rap beef has evolved over the years. He pointed out that social media has played a significant role in escalating tensions and making it harder to resolve conflicts amicably.
The Dangers of Escalating Beef
Ice-T emphasized that while friendly competition through music is one thing, taking beef to a personal level can have dangerous consequences. He highlighted the potential for conflicts to spiral out of control, especially when fans get involved in real-life situations.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Beef
The 66-year-old artist explained that social media amplifies every aspect of beef, making it harder to de-escalate conflicts. He expressed concern about how easily misunderstandings can snowball into full-blown feuds when played out on a public platform.
Steering Clear of Drama
When asked about recent rap beefs like Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Ice-T made it clear that he prefers to focus on his hustle rather than getting caught up in unnecessary drama. For him, securing the bag is the priority.
Resolving Conflicts
In a recent interview with Big Boy, Ice-T revealed how he cleared the air with Jay-Z over a potential misunderstanding regarding their music. Despite initial rumors of tension, the two artists were able to communicate and ensure there were no hard feelings between them.
Conclusion
Social media has undoubtedly changed the landscape of rap beef, making it more challenging to navigate conflicts. Ice-T’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of communication and resolving issues peacefully, rather than letting them escalate unnecessarily.
FAQs
Q: How has social media impacted rap beef?
A: Social media has amplified rap beef, making it harder to resolve conflicts and leading to unnecessary tensions among artists.
Q: What advice does Ice-T offer regarding rap beef?
A: Ice-T advises artists to steer clear of unnecessary drama and focus on their craft rather than getting caught up in feuds.
Q: How did Ice-T resolve his conflict with Jay-Z?
A: Ice-T and Jay-Z were able to communicate and clear up any misunderstandings, demonstrating the importance of open dialogue in resolving conflicts.
Credit: www.billboard.com
