Diss tracks are a timeless art. Since the birth of hip-hop on the streets of New York, rappers have challenged their opponents with rhymes of the dirty dozens variety to not only assert their dominance in the genre but to prove themselves lyrically.
Drake is back in the news again for his latest record, “Two Birds One Stone,” which he aired on his OVO Radio show through Apple Music a few days ago. The track, scheduled to appear on his upcoming More Life project, takes a stab at Kid Cudi – who recently checked into rehab for his years-long battle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
“You were the man on the moon/Now you just go through your phases/Life of the angry and famous/Rap like I know I’m the greatest/Then give you the tropical flavors/Still never been on hiatus/You stay xanned and perced up” – “Two Birds One Stone” – Drake
The digital universe went into frenzy – with most taking up Kid Cudi’s defense. It took courage for Kid Cudi to own up to his mental health issues and get help. Many felt Drake’s lyrics were a low blow.
It appears talking bad about a person’s mental health in a rap battle is off limits. In recent years, there have been more and more health professionals and experts advocating for those battling with depression and suicidal urges to seek help.
In the Black community, however, discussion of depression and suicide has been a taboo topic. But the African American community is highly affected by depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, non-Hispanic Black people had a higher rate of severe depressive symptoms than whites.
And, traditionally, Black people – specifically, Black men – are less likely to seek help than whites.
On Instagram, according to Spin Magazine, Drake said Kid Cudi “need to stop mentioning my name” in response to a commenter who criticized Drake for the diss.
Do you think it’s OK to talk negatively about someone’s mental health during a rap diss?
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