Joey Bada$$ and Ab-Soul got the opportunity to exchange bars face to face over an allegedly new East Coast-West Coast beef.
Appearing on Red Bull’s new Spiral Freestyle series alongside Big Sean, the two MC’s went head to head over Joey’s apparent issues with the West Coast which previously led to him being called out by Soul’s TDE stablemate Rey Vaughn earlier this year.
Ab-Soul spat during the cypher: “Lyt was heavy and Ray definitely stepped / But this is Hip Hop, you know we still on that / It was healthy for the sport, sticking to the roots, keeping it competitive / Just be lucky that Soul ain’t stepping in.”
The Pro Era star then aired his views on the situation in a meticulous verse: “They don’t want the war with the Martian, they sendin’ they troops / At the general, but I’m the one who Ab salute / They obsolete, can’t compete ’cause I’m too elite / Tryna spark a match but they simply lackin’ the heat / Blasphemy, I don’t need no one to blast for me / Charge into the game, call that shit a catastrophe.”
Joey added: “First off, I could never hate the West Coast / But since n-ggas comin’ for Joe, fuck it then, let’s go / N-ggas must’ve forgot what Dot said on ‘Control’ / There’s still a buncha sensitive rappers in they pyjama clothes. I guess, this ain’t no East versus West / I just think that I’m the best, as a matter fact, I know / These bars could put bad boys on death row / Kinda crazy how Suge and Puff in jail, though (Damn) (Woah) / Yo, I was at the party but I never seen a freak off (Woah) / Instead a battle rapper on stage showing his cheeks off (Ayo).”
He concluded with pointed references at Vaughn, Daylyt and TDE boss Top Dawg: “I ain’t gotta lose no sleep to break Daylyt (Chill) / Shouldn’t give you n-ggas time of day / But fuck it, shine a light on ’em, I’mma light Ray / Now how can I say this all in a nice way? / If you need the attention, tell Top he gotta pay / Look, I said what’s a lil’ pup to a K9, it’s game time.”
The apparent issues between Joey and the West Coast first came to the forefront on his single “The Ruler’s Back” where he played down the success California rap has had over the last year.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
