The world of rap isn’t just about lyrics. Some artists live the wild lives they rap about and take it to the streets, confronting their enemies head-on. Let’s dive into some of the most talked-about run-ins and confrontations in rap, captured on video.
NBA Youngboy is no stranger to drama, and he’s known for bringing his rap beefs into real life. The tension with his former friend JayDaYoungan took a dark turn after Jay aired out Youngboy’s personal matters in a track. Things escalated, and Jay was later tragically caught by shooters outside his home, though there’s no solid proof linking Youngboy to his death. Ironically, Jay’s family played ’38K’ at his funeral—a track that stirred much of their feud.
Youngboy also didn’t hold back when checking his friend Rich the Kid for being seen with Lil Durk, Youngboy’s long-time adversary. On Youngboy’s radio show, he confronted Rich, questioning why he didn’t call before meeting Durk. Despite the tension, Youngboy clarified he wasn’t trying to start another beef, emphasizing the positive nature of his show.
FBG Duck was a feared presence in Chicago’s rap scene, known not just for his music but for his readiness to confront rivals. He was once shown in a viral video driving through his hood and stopping to check some suspicious-looking guys, armed and ready to defend himself. Duck didn’t play when it came to disrespect and even physically reprimanded his own crew for fraternizing with the enemy. Unfortunately, his fierce reputation didn’t spare him from tragedy—he was killed in broad daylight in 2020.
DaBaby’s history of confronting his enemies is well-documented. In 2018, he shot a would-be robber in a Walmart, a claim he successfully defended as self-defense. The following year, he publicly humiliated Cam Coldheart in a Louis Vuitton store after being provoked. DaBaby’s altercations haven’t been limited to strangers; he even swung on his own artist, Wisdom, backstage at a show. His readiness to defend his home resulted in another shooting incident at his property in North Carolina, yet he faced no charges. In a different instance, DaBaby clashed with his ex-girlfriend’s brother, Brandon Bills, leading to a legal tussle that Bills eventually backed out from, despite being publicly ridiculed for it.
King Von, another Chicago rapper, was known for his aggressive nature and ties to multiple violent incidents. His beef with NBA Youngboy’s associate Quando Rondo ultimately led to his demise. Yet, even in jail, Von continued his vendetta, attacking an enemy while still in cuffs.
Young Thug’s feud with French Montana revealed the darker side of rap rivalries. After Montana claimed he had more hits than Kendrick Lamar, Thug unleashed a torrent of online insults and threats, even posting a video outside Montana’s former house, a clear message of just how real their beef could get. Fortunately, no violence ensued.
Toronto’s Spazz Drilly shocked many when he posted a video of himself chasing an enemy so relentlessly that the guy ran to the police. The Drilly gang has been implicated in numerous violent acts in the Bronx, leading to massive indictments.
Bronx’s Sha EK has also been active in confronting his enemies, famously running down an opponent after school and putting hands on another from Sugarhill.
In Jacksonville, Julio Foolio has made a name for himself by flaunting his conquests, including stealing an enemy’s chains and gun. His brutal lyrics about Yungeen Ace’s deceased friends have only fueled their violent beef. Last year, Foolio posted a video showing off a massive ring he claimed to have snatched from an adversary, further cementing his ruthless image.
Florida’s Syko Bob faced chilling retribution when his mother was shot and killed, allegedly as a consequence of his beef with rival rapper HMT Tray. This violent cycle underscores the dangers of street-level feuds in the rap world.
XXXTentacion’s feud with the Migos allegedly led to him being jumped outside a hotel. The skirmish, sparked by claims of Drake copying X’s flow, saw X publicly trolling the Migos after the attack. Despite the lack of evidence linking them directly, the incident highlighted the volatile nature of rap rivalries.
Legendary group The Migos had their share of confrontations, most notably almost clashing with Joe Budden after an awkward interview and an alleged scuffle with Chris Brown’s crew over a past relationship. Their readiness to defend their reputation has made several headlines.
6ix9ine is notorious for his antics and has sparked beef with numerous artists, including Meek Mill and Chicago’s Lil Durk. His brazen diss tracks and social media trolling often put him at odds with his peers, leading to intense, sometimes physical confrontations.
A humorous spat involved Lil Uzi Vert and Rich the Kid, where their online exchanges culminated in an awkward altercation at a Starbucks. This incident showed that even seemingly playful feuds could escalate quickly.
YK Osiris has had public run-ins with Drake and Lil Baby over debts, leading to some embarrassing online moments for the singer. His financial troubles and subsequent public shaming highlight the less glamorous side of the rap lifestyle.
The Game’s unexpected beef with Lil Durk over a diss track led to a tense confrontation at an LA club, requiring local OGs to mediate and prevent potential violence.
Charleston White’s controversial statements about King Von led to a near-confrontation with 600 Breezy, who resisted backing down. Breezy realized the dangers of taking on someone who openly uses law enforcement as a shield.
Chicago’s King Yella has also been involved in numerous beefs, notably being checked by Offset for commenting on Cardi B. Despite his tough talk on records, Yella backed down when confronted by Cardi herself on the phone.
Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, recently took their ongoing feud with Cardi B to a dangerous new level, threatening Offset online. This escalating situation had an unexpected twist when Petty was placed on house arrest, showcasing the serious consequences of these public altercations.
The rap game remains one of the most competitive and dangerous lifestyles, where words can quickly turn into violent confrontations, and the line between entertainment and reality often blurs.
Rap beefs aren’t just about lyrical sparring; many of these artists live the lives they rap about. The streets are a dangerous place for anyone caught up in these feuds, and for some, it tragically leads to violence. While the music brings these stories to a wide audience, the reality behind them is often far grimmer.
