Rapper NLE Choppa released a new diss track titled "KO" yesterday, directly targeting fellow artist NBA YoungBoy. The track has generated significant discussion, particularly given Choppa's sampling of Tupac's iconic diss record "Hit 'Em Up" and his similar visual presentation in the accompanying video. This unexpected move comes amidst NBA YoungBoy's ongoing "Make America Slime Again" tour, which has faced its own share of controversies.
Key Takeaways
- NLE Choppa released "KO," a diss track aimed at NBA YoungBoy.
- The track samples Tupac's "Hit 'Em Up" and features Choppa emulating Tupac's style.
- Choppa criticizes YoungBoy for allegedly promoting violence and negative influences.
- The diss track has received mixed reactions, with some questioning Choppa's own lyrical history.
- NBA YoungBoy's mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, publicly defended her son.
The Unveiling of "KO"
The release of "KO" caught many by surprise. Until Thursday, October 30, there was no public indication of any animosity between NLE Choppa and NBA YoungBoy. The motivation behind the diss track remains unclear, including how long Choppa has harbored these sentiments.
In the track, NLE Choppa wastes no time addressing YoungBoy directly. The first verse includes lines such as,
"YoungBoy, what? This the big boy league / I put one up in your gut under the Jesus piece / Last thing that I heard was 'Jesus, please' / Had me looking at the Devil like 'This is your king?'"This direct confrontation sets the tone for the entire song.
Did You Know?
Tupac Shakur's "Hit 'Em Up" is widely considered one of the most aggressive and impactful diss tracks in hip-hop history, released in 1996. Its sampling by NLE Choppa immediately signals the serious nature of his new release.
Critiques on Promoting Violence
As "KO" progresses, NLE Choppa intensifies his lyrical assault, particularly in the third verse. He criticizes NBA YoungBoy for what he perceives as a negative influence on young audiences and for promoting violence.
Choppa states,
"You poison the youth, nothin' positive you do / You the reason n****s beating b*tches thinking that it's cute."He continues,
"Purposely making decisions to promote mo' violence / That's bringing mo' death unto his innocent children."These lines highlight Choppa's central argument against YoungBoy's artistic direction.
Tour Controversies and Public Reaction
The timing of the diss track aligns with recent incidents surrounding NBA YoungBoy's "Make America Slime Again" tour. The tour has been marred by reports of altercations, including instances where fans allegedly assaulted hospitality workers. There was also a notable incident where a fan attempted to provoke YoungBoy by throwing an object onto the stage during a performance.
Context on Diss Tracks
Diss tracks are a long-standing tradition in hip-hop, often used by artists to challenge rivals, address perceived slights, or assert dominance within the genre. They can escalate rivalries and generate significant media attention, influencing public perception of the artists involved.
Mixed Reception and Counter-Arguments
The internet's reaction to "KO" has been varied. While some listeners supported Choppa's stance, others quickly pointed out perceived inconsistencies in his message. Critics highlighted NLE Choppa's own lyrical content from past songs, suggesting he has also released tracks that could be seen as controversial or promoting explicit themes.
One online commenter noted,
"Hol up.. so the n--ga with songs like 'Slut Me Out' and 'Let me n-- on your bu--t' is talking 'bout poisoning the youth? Lmao."This sentiment reflects a significant portion of the backlash, questioning Choppa's credibility in criticizing YoungBoy's lyrical themes.
NBA YoungBoy's Mother Responds
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, NBA YoungBoy's mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, publicly defended her son. She posted a sharp response to NLE Choppa on her Instagram Story.
Gaulden's post read,
"I would be upset if this was coming from someone who matters like someone people actually listen [three clown emojis] like someone who is not in the closet."Her direct and somewhat harsh comments indicate a strong protective stance for her son.
What's Next for the Artists?
As of late October, NBA YoungBoy is nearing the conclusion of his first headlining tour. His most recent performance took place in Dallas. He is scheduled to perform again on November 1 in Oklahoma City. The music community is now watching to see if YoungBoy will choose to respond to NLE Choppa's diss track, either directly through music or via social media, while he finishes his tour dates.
This escalating lyrical battle highlights the competitive nature of the hip-hop industry. It also raises questions about artistic responsibility and the messages artists convey to their audience.