There hasn't really been a memorable rap feud since the early '00s, so it was with some delight/skepticism that I took in Common's latest single "Sweet," a supposed diss track aimed at everyone's favourite emo-MC Drake.
“Singing all around me man, la la la/You aint muthaf-cking Frank Sinatra!"
I haven't heard Common go hard like this in over a decade (see "Hungry," one of his most underrated tracks off One Day It'll All Make Sense).
Drake reportedly responded to the song at a concert, saying "I might sing, but I ain't no bitch. If Common got something to say, say it to my face." In other words, sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.
Drake's an easy target. His privileged upbringing, his role on Degrassi, his friendship with Justin Bieber, and yes there's that singing of course. But people shouldn't shit on him for these things, the singing especially. This style of rap goes back to the PM Dawn era, and it seems counterintuitive to hate on someone for expressing another one of their talents.
Still, I enjoy a good beef like the next hip hop head, and I'm anxious to hear a response track from Drake. While this post-hip hop era is nice and all, I know I'm not the only one who longs for the rivalry and competitive spirit that fueled the golden age of hip hop. I'm pretty sure that's how Common feels as well, otherwise why go after the biggest rapper alive right now?
So the ball's in Drake's court now. Assuming this feud isn't manufactured, Drizzie has the chance to do what Common himself did to Ice Cube ("I see the bitch in you"), and take down one of rap music's most respected mc's. Or, he can just ignore it. That would be very disappointing. No one expects this thing to go the way of 2Pac-Biggie, but something on par with BDP vs. Juice Crew, or Jay-Z vs. Nas would be a very good thing for hip hop right now. Then again, if this turns into another KRS-One vs. Nelly beef, that would be good for no one.
