Throwback Thursdays: Canibus - Second Round K.O. (1998)

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine about the best beef tracks of all time. Of course, the LL Cool J vs. Canibus feud came up. I wasn't very familiar with the beef, so we went to YouTube.

The whole thing started when Canibus was featured on LL's song "4, 3, 2, 1". Canibus' original verse referenced LL's microphone tattoo, saying, "L, is that a mic on your arm? Let me borrow that." Cool James was offended by the lyric, as he felt that Canibus was taking shots at him. He asked Canibus to change his verse, to which he obliged. However, LL never changed his verse, on which he said, "The symbol on my arm is off limits to challengers." Canibus' original verse eventually leaked, and people figured out that LL's verse was directed towards Canibus. After that, it was on.

Canibus followed up with the video shown above, which was featured on his debut album. LL then responded with "The Ripper Strikes Back". Canibus responded to that with "Rip the Jacker". There were a few more shots the two took at each other following that, but eventually, the beef just sorta fizzled out.

There are differing opinions on who really won this battle. In my opinion, "Second Round K.O." was the best song of the entire feud. Canibus really went in, even going to far as dissing LL's corny TV show ("And if you really want to show off, we can get it on/ Live in front of the cameras on your own sitcom"). However, "The Ripper Strikes Back" was a great response, and "Rip the Jacker" didn't really hit as hard. So, even though I felt Canibus had the best song, you're only as good as your last punch. LL's final punch was harder, so I guess that means he won.

Oh, and for the record, the top five beef tracks probably go something like this:

1. Nas - Ether
2. 2Pac - Hit 'Em Up
3. Jay-Z - Takeover
4. Boogie Down Productions - The Bridge Is Over
5. The Game - 300 Bars & Runnin'