In a recent appearance on the Moguls In the Making podcast, Roc-A-Fella co-founder Dame Dash opened up about his perspective on the infamous rap battle between Jay-Z and Nas. Despite the heated exchanges and intense lyrics, Dash maintained that he was never concerned about the feud escalating into violence.
Dash contrasted this with other notable rap battles, such as the ongoing rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which he described as surprisingly intense. However, Dash emphasized that the Jay-Z and Nas feud was different, rooted more in lyrical prowess than physical threats. “There was no fear of us getting hurt when it came to Nas,” Dash explained. “I’m telling you right now, there was no fear of any violence when it came to that.”
Reflecting on past conflicts in the hip-hop world, Dash noted the tragic outcomes of the Biggie and 2Pac feud, underscoring how the stakes in hip-hop rivalries can sometimes escalate to fatal levels. Yet, he expressed confidence that the Jay-Z and Nas battle was strictly professional. "We were never worried about that," Dash stated, suggesting that both parties respected the unwritten rules of lyrical competition.
Despite the public perception of hostility, Dash recalled being more critical of Jay-Z’s approach to the beef, especially when Jay-Z apologized to Nas following the release of "Super Ugly." He recounted his frustration during an interview on the CEO Show in 2023, sharing how he urged Jay-Z to avoid actions that might make them look weak.
Dash’s insights offer a unique look into one of hip-hop’s most talked-about rivalries, highlighting the distinction between artistic conflict and real-world violence. As he concluded, the beef remained a defining moment in rap history, yet one that ultimately stayed within the bounds of music and lyrical expression.
Danilo Castro is a pop culture journalist based in San Diego, covering hip-hop for various outlets including Heavy.com and PopMatters before joining HotNewHipHop.com. His favorite rap album is "Late Registration" by Kanye West.
