The story of the Hip Hop battles...
The hip hop battles are the dark side of the hip hop industry. The battles have already cost the lifes of some the most successful rappers. Why do the rappers fight and kill each other?
Background for the hip hop battles
West- California
East-New York
Everyone knows that rap began during the gang wars. "Notorious B I G" who grew up in the west coast, deserted it and joined the "Bad Boys" of the East- a serious betrayal according to his old gang. At this time the gangs started getting involved in the making of music, each joining different record labels. The "rappers" started imitating each other, and this caused the big upheaval and fight, for both wanted to control this style of music- Rap; the lyrics, personal experiences, territories, and most importantly, respect.
This is how the rap industry began. Quite quickly these gang members became millionaires, which made the war even more severe.
Starting the hip hop battles
The gang leaders started sending soldiers from East to West, and started killing each other.
 Tupak Shakur |
The first one was Tupak Shakur, although he was miraculously saved during the first attempt to assassinate him, when he was shot 5 times and left the hospital after only one day (with a little help from the drugs he was taking in that period). He promised Biggie Small that if he were to ever step foot in the west, him and his entire posse would be "finished". Of course even if they don't set a foot in the west he'll come to them.
The elimination begins
Biggie obviously didn't think much of Tupak's warning and arrived fearless in Las Vegas. On he way to a show his car was shot at and everyone inside died in a blink. A promise is a promise, especially if it's revenge. This did not go over quietly, and was avenged this time with one shot headed for Tupak Shakur. This time it killed him.
And so this officially how the hip hop battles began.
After the two deaths, a "mix" was created with the two enemies in hopes of conciliation. If the two rappers knew about this they would be turning in their graves. Since Tupak's death he's released 5 albums, all of which still bring in money to the record labels to date.
Today the generation has evolved and changed, but the hip hop battles still go on. The two, which continue to fight, are Ja Rule and 50 Cent. Still there are rappers that intermix the music and put the war aside, they sing in the West and the East. They consider themselves as artists and not as gang members, like Snoop Dog.
The new generation
NWA- Negroes with attitude; is a group from the west coast who was headed by Dr. Dre (considered one of the kings of Hip-Hop). Alongside him were also Ice Cube and more. The sang about heir experiences with the police; they sang about getting rich fast, driving nice cars, making loads of money because of their talent and success in the music biz, while the police thinks of them as drug dealers, constantly harassing them.
The big picture today-
East- Puff Daddy, Sean Paul, Fat Joe, Ja rule, Busta Rhymes, Nelly, Usher, R, Kelley and more
West- Dr. Dre (made Eminem), Ice Cube, Snoop, DMX, 50 Cent, The game, NUC, Kanye West.
We still can't say the war is over, rather that it has cooled out. The gang bangers turned to gnarled gentlemen, to famous and successful businessmen. Maybe now they are too busy to deal with it (better off this way). Now they are putting all of their energy in making great music.
