Is the beef in hip-hop over? If so, what took it so long? Since the birth of hip-hop, there have always been rivalries that motivated artists to stay on top of their craft. It wasn't until relatively recently that this beef has escalated to the point where rappers need to hire numerous bodyguards and wear bulletproof vests. In the media's perspective, violence was ultimately the mirror reflection of hip-hop and what it meant. However, those of us who truly believe in the music beg to differ.
At a recent hip-hop concert, rap legends made peace. Rappers Jay-z and Nas had come to terms and stated that their beef was over and done. Many of us wonder if this is the end of the disputes or at least to the violence generated within hip-hop. From the beginning there have always been lyrics based on the gangster mentality and street life, but never was it really meant to live past the lyrics. In spite of the past, the newly found peace between these legends is a sign of hope that things will either change for the better, or things will go back to the way they were meant to be in the first place.
As a hip-hop music believer and listener, I feel that there is a place for beef, but the only weapons used should be written with a pen on paper and recited. Beef is a means of competition between all of those who want to be the best at their craft. For some, beef may even start their career to stardom. Challenging a hip-hop great as a new up-and-coming rapper may get you some shine and give your audience an idea of what you bring to the table. In a way beef can be the suit and tie that you would wear to make your first impression to that dream job.
Who knows if hip-hop beef is over, but one thing is for sure and that is that hip-hop music is here to stay. Beef or no beef, this form of music has already transcended the air waves of every country in the world and there are fans from every part of the globe. Some of these fans may not even speak the same language but the meaning of the music is the same. Hip-hop is a form of art and beef is a brush stroke that can make or mess up your masterpiece, but at the end it still makes a magnificent painting.
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