Editorial: Is G.O.O.D. Music vs. YMCM Necessary for Hip-Hop?

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock or your phone was charging, you surely noticed Lil Wayne‘s response to Pusha T’s diss. The Twitter and blogosphere verdict, however, seems to be that “Goulish” was not quite up to snuff. Though the lyrical content may be questionable, there is no question that Weezy has sounded the alarm for a war. The question is, do we want one?

The beef between Pusha T and Lil Wayne has been brewing for the better part of six years. Back in 2006, after the Clipse had finally been released from record label hell, we saw several clear shots at Weezy in the video for their single, Mr. Me Too. Lames were dressed in BAPE gear and we were treated to lines such as “Niggas bite the style from the shoes to the watches.” The Clipse were displeased with what they viewed as Wayne jacking their style, both in music and in fashion, during his rise to fame.

Ever since then, both Pusha and Wayne have sent various shots at one another on radio and in magazines. Things then seemed to die down over the last couple of years, with Pusha’s brother Malice taking a break from music to pursue his religious calling. Then came the scathing “Exodus 23:1” in which no names were mentioned, but plenty of subliminals were sent. Lil Wayne took offense to the song and responded over Twitter. Less than 24 hours later, we got “Goulish.”

It has been quite a while since hip-hop has seen a full-on “crew beef.” G-Unit/Shady Records vs. Murder INC was the last prominent beef to include almost every artist on each label. Now, we seem to have a perfect storm for a G.O.O.D. Music vs. YMCM war on wax. Both Kid Cudi and Lil Twist have voiced their support for their respective sides, and it seems like only a matter of time before Drake stops holding his tongue.

For the last several years, hip-hop has been in a much more serene place. More eclectic artists have been collaborating together and the results have been nowhere near displeasing. We are seeing artists co-sign each other at an alarming rate and rappers are being snatched up from every direction to join a new crew. The promise of more Watch the Throne or Bad Meets Evil-style albums should be enough to hope for rap harmony. Then again, it may not.

There is something to be said for the spirit of competition. When there are no threats or obstacles in one’s path, inspiration tends to diminish. When one is faced with a very clear competitor, however, the best is forced to return to the forefront. Lil Wayne still sits atop the hip-hop mountain, but is his hunger lacking? Does someone need to threaten his crown for the lyrical monster of 2005-2006 to return? Pusha T is attempting to make a name for himself outside of the Clipse and killing his naysayers on wax may be the best way to do just that.

Like it or not, beef puts more eyes on the music and, more importantly, the lyrics. Interest from even the casual fan is peaked when there are two sides that clearly hate each other. So does hip-hop need to return to, as 50 Cent would say, its aggressive content? Do you want to see G.O.O.D. Music ride against YMCM?