A History of Nas vs Jay Z Pt. 1

Jay Z vs Nas is a beef that raged on for close to a decade and helped define the New York rap scene for years to come. Even today after the artists have collaborated on multiple occasions the debate continues. Who won? Nas or Jay Z. And that debate will continue on as long as both men's names continue to be etched into history. I've taken the time and sat down and carved out a timeline for the events that were created along the way.

Nas - The World is Yours

This song isn't a diss song. It's a track from Nas' debut album Illmatic that started this entire beef. It's a nice track but you have to wonder if Nas would have put it on the album if he knew all the drama that would follow. He probably would have because most of the drama only became public because of this song years later.

Jay Z - Dead Presidents

Years later Jay Z would sample Nas' voice for his own song Dead Presidents. While the song was not a diss it is rumored this is when Jay Z's admiration for Nas changed to animosity because Nas refused to appear on the track.

Nas - The Message

This track isn't even aimed at Jay Z, but Jay Z was offended that Nas would dare aim a song at BIG. This track was big because Nas had been named King of New York and many people agreed. But, the Source titled BIG as The King of New York while Nas was taking a break from music. Nas returned and on The Message he responded to the accusations BIG had replaced him with "There's one life, one love, so there can only be one King." BIG didn't take kindly and released "Kick In The Door," which was aimed at Nas despite people thinking 2 Pac. But, that's another beef.

Jay Z - The City is Mine

After BIG died, shit got ugly. Jay Z was now gunning to be the King of New York when Nas' status was no longer being questioned. The first two verses of this song were a letter to BIG. The third verse however is aimed a Nas. In that verse Jay states

I snatch your girl cause your arm ain't strong enough, plus ya don't stay in the studio long enough. [...] Got your chick cause you swore she was innocent, got her a Chinese manicure hair done by Dominicans, all for what, so I could be in a dark corner, all in her butt at the bar alchoholing her up

At the time people thought the third verse was aimed at some imaginary opponent and not Nas. They simply assumed that Jay was claiming he would be the new King of New York. But as time went on and he fired more and more shots at Nas it became apparent this was also aimed at Nas.

Jay Z -Rap Game Crack Game

This is just a regular song. In which Jay Z once again samples Nas. Continuing attempts at grabbing his attention.

Jay Z - Where I'm From

You know what they say? Third time is a charm. This was the third track Jay released after BIG's death that referenced or sampled Nas. Difference is, he actually named Nas this time. On this one he raps:

I'm from where niggas pull your card, and argue all day about who's the best MCs, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas?

It could be seen as Jay giving Nas props, but it just confirmed that he thought he had the right to be King of New York because he felt he could rival Nas and the deceased BIG. This is probably the point where Nas said "Oh, he's talking about me," and decided to do something about it.

Nas - We Will Survive

Nas didn't even respond to Jay Z in this song. Nas simply spoke to BIG. In the song he stated:

It used to be fun, makin' records to see your response but, now competition is none, now that you’re gone nd these niggas is wrong using your name in vain and they claim to be New York’s king it ain’t about that

The song is clearly a reference to Nas claiming that he doesn't care about new guys like Jay Z claiming to be the new king because. He just does not care about Jay Z at this point. It's his only response to Jay Z first and only response to Jay Z for a long time.

A Bunch of Disses From Rocafella Artists

I'm not even going to list them because they're numerous and just about every Rocafella artists except Kanye West put at least one out. The reason they don't matter is because most were from rappers doing anything to keep a record deal and most would still end up without a label home even when Dame and Jay split. They're just irrelevant tracks taking aim at Nas. When Nas eventually responds he doesn't even mention most of the rappers.

Nas - Come Get Me

Nas once again stated his dominance telling any rapper that wanted to go at him, that they should step up. It wasn't aimed specifically at Jay Z because at this point just about every artist from Rocafella was throwing disses at Nas. As well as Prodigy of Mobb Deep who thought he should be King of New York and was taking shots at both Jay Z and Nas. 

Jay Z - Come And Get Me

How did Jay Z respond? By doing the exact same song. He even copied parts of the hook and verses. Jay was once again imitating Nas and hoping to bait him, but once again it didn't seem to be working, as Nas didn't respond. Instead Nas preferred only to respond on his albums constantly leaving Jay Z waiting. And people get mad at Meek Mill for not responding in 24 hours, imagine waiting 6 months to two years to hear a response.

Memphis Bleek and Jay Z - Is That Yo Chick 

At this point Nas had all but retired from rap music. His mother had fallen ill with cancer. Nas took an absence from rap and admittedly, his wife. Which led to Jay Z taking his spot in both while Nas sat by silently. Jay was feeling bold enough to release a blatant track about

Then Summer Jam happened and shit got rough. But, to hear that you'll need to read part 2.

You can hear Darrell on the CP Time and Powerbomb Jutsu podcasts. He also plays classic arcade games on The Cabinet
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