In hip-hop, beef isn’t just personal; it’s an art of performance. Conflict is a language, and diss tracks are its poetry. We’re digging into the best rap roasts of all time in songs, and trust me, we’ve examined a lot of savage punchlines, messy subtext, and the stories behind these hip-hop diss tracks.
Rap and hip-hop diss tracks have shaped careers and made headlines with listeners, who often become the winners. Some artists have viewed diss tracks as a means to refine their rap vocabulary and engage in friendly banter with other artists.
Let’s revisit some of the best and boldest rap roasts of all time. These diss songs in hip-hop shook timelines, generated memes, and defined eras, becoming the best roasts of all time.
Hip-Hop Diss Songs: 5 Best Rap Roasts of All Time
Kendrick Lamar v. Drake (2024-2025)
When it comes to rap rivalry and roasting, it probably doesn’t get bigger than Lamar v. Drake. The tensions between both artists began years ago but exploded in 2024 with a back-and-forth diss series.
The 2024 feud stemmed from Lamar’s verse on the song “Like That”, where he dissed Drake and J. Cole, effectively ending the era of the “big three” of rap. Some of the biggest tracks of the diss from Kendrick include “Euphoria”, “6:16 in LA”, and “Meet the Grahams”, while Drake released “Push Ups” and “Family Matters” as well.
In some of the tracks, Kendrick accused Drake of being fake, manipulative, and out of touch, while “Meet the Grahams” was a jaw-dropping storytelling diss addressed to Drake’s son, parents, and inner circle. The rivalry is rumored to be a major “L” for Drake after Kendrick’s final track, and it may go down as the most lyrical, surgical roast of the decade.
Joyner Lucas v. Skepta (2025)
This diss has a “US v. UK” feel to it, and Skepta kicked it all off, releasing a diss track titled “Friendly Fire” aimed at Joyner Lucas and other American rappers. Skepta shared his belief that UK rappers are superior to their American counterparts, calling Lucas a “joke”; “Praise the lord, you want beast? Then I’ve got this/ You haven’t had a hit song for the longest/ Too concerned with your clothes/ You should be focusing on flows,”
Joyner Lucas’s reaction to the track was a laughing emoji and the phrase “say less,” and he did not waste time in releasing his response with “Nobody Cares”. Lucas hit back at Skepta, saying he’s washed up, “And after I body you, I don’t want you saying my name anymore,/I bet you sit in your room and secretly wish that you were American.”
Stefflon Don v. Jada Kingdom (2023-2024)
This was brutal. Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom did not hold back during their feud that blew up in early 2024, and quite frankly, it’s no surprise, given it always gets messy when two women fight over a man (at least, that’s the unconfirmed reason).
The conflict was sparked due to an alleged tension over Burna Boy, and it was characterized by direct insults and personal attacks as both artists referenced each other’s relationships and physical attributes in their lyrics.
Tracks from the diss included Jada Kingdom’s “STEFF LAZARUS” and Stefflon Don’s “#DeadGyalWalking” and “Dat A Dat”, leading to discussions on social media and music publications.
Chris Brown v. Migos (2023)
The diss/feud between Chris Brown and Offset started out on social media and quickly translated into the studio. It stemmed from comments made by Offset about Chris Brown’s behavior and disrespect towards his Migos team member, Quavo.
In response, Chris Brown delivered strong words that included ageist insults and accusations of drug use. Brown would also go as far as challenging Offset to a fight and allegedly buying up most of Quavo’s concert tickets to sabotage the event. He also released a diss track titled “weakest link” that he claims is one of the best raps by a singer. He rapped, “You just got bodied by a singin’ n*gga…”
Remy Ma v. Nicki Minaj (2017)
They say, “If you challenge the Queen, you best not miss,” and that’s exactly what Remy Ma did to Nicki Minaj in 2017. The two had been in a longstanding feud, but right at the peak of Minaj’s career, Ma would drop a track that would send shockwaves to her rival.
Ma released a 7-minute diss track “ShETHER” aimed at Nicki Minaj, using the same beat and structure as Nas’s 2001 “Ether”, targeting her on personal and professional levels. Ma made claims about Minaj’s plastic surgery, her sexual relationships with various individuals, and her support for her brother, who was facing legal issues at the time.
Every hip-hop fan loves a good rap battle and diss tracks among top artists, whether it’s friendly or personal, as it gives spice to the music itself. Rap beefs remain a thrilling tradition, and these lyrical roasts aren’t just about disrespect; they’re about wit, timing, and cultural weight.
What rap battle in hip-hop was your favorite? Share in the comments
IMAGE CREDITS: Prince Williams / Contributor | Getty Images; Europa Press News / Contributor | Getty Images
