Joey Bada$$ “The Ruler’s Back”

It’s funny how one verse could mess up the game. Or one song, at least. Joey was blasting with both barrels – calling out West Coast stans after Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant 2024. January seems so long ago now, doesn’t it?

DAYLYT “HIYU”

It was DAYLYT who struck back first. Within days of “The Ruler’s Back,” the South Central representer made it clear that Joey’s hostility will not stand.

Ray Vaughn “Crashout Heritage”

But Vaughn wasn’t too far behind with his response to “The Ruler’s Back” and he quickly emerged as the forerunner to go at Joey, calling out Bada$ for sneak-dissin’ and coming for the West Coast.

Joey Bada$$ “Sorry Not Sorry”

After inciting those reactions, Bada$ finally issued his response — and he doubled down. His first salvo was more of a tap – now he’s throwing punches. Mind you — this was still January.

CJ Fly “HIYU Freestyle”

By now — things were getting interesting. And CJ Fly joined the proceedings. The Pro Era rapper makes it clear that Joey isn’t standing entirely alone in this. But it doesn’t seem like Bada$ needs any backup.

DAYLYT “YHRR”

Battling is bred in his DNA, so it was obvious DAYLYT was licking his chops as things escalated. He swung back at Joey in February with this NYC-mocking banger.

Ray Vaughn “Impossible Patty”

Like “fake beef,” get it? Beyond burgers. Sometimes it’s all about endurance. Vaughn’s proving that he can go round-for-round — and mushing Joey a bit for playing in his face.

Joey Bada$$ “Pardon Me”

He’s rappin’ rappin.’ Regardless of where anyone stands in terms of who they’re rooting for; it’s clear that Joey brought his strongest pen game to the proceedings.

DAYLYT “BACKPACK”

It may seem like purely nostalgic reminiscing, but DAYLYT gets more digs in throughout the wistful looking back. Some of his best bars — while also referencing “HIYU.”

Ray Vaughn “Justin Credible’s Freestyle”

In case it wasn’t clear, this battle has been about bars. Vaughn’s lyricism on full display here. Handling every beat switch like a champ. There isn’t a person alive who can sleep on the dude anymore.

Joey Bada$$, Big Sean, Ab-Soul “Red Bull Spiral Freestyle”

Big Sean is there, but this is Joey and Ab-Soul getting some things off their respective chests. The two emcees with another entry in the ongoing feud, as Ab makes it clear he’s going to rep for his coast and his brethren.

Ray Vaughn “Hoe Era”

That freestyle seemed to activate something in Vaughn. He fired back with the inflammatory “Hoe Era,” referencing KDot (again) and mocking Joey’s stint on Power.

Joey Bada$$ “The Finals”

A chest-thumping anthem if ever there was one, Joey made it sound like victory was inevitable on this one. He jumps off the rope to reference Kendrick Lamar, Top Dawg, and Reason — while making it sound like he’s already claiming the trophy.

REASON “The Dead Apple”

Using classic NYC hip-hop to go in on Joey was cleverly petty, as a former TDE soldier entered the chat. Reason may not be the headliner in this war of words — but he absolutely made his presence felt.

AzChike “What Would You Do?”

The L.A. native steps into the fray with this slice of classic Death Row. With a “watch your mouth” and that Post Malone reference, Chike ain’t playin games.

DAYLYT “WRD2MIMVA”

After the Red Bull cypher and “Finals,” DAYLYT fires back. He even name-dropped Joey’s guy, the late Capital Steez. And yet another hilarious mockup of NYC slang.

Joey Bada$$, Loaded Lux “MY TOWN”

After he was the target of three diss tracks, Joey recruits one of the best battlers to ever spit for this takedown of Chike. A staunch reminder to stay out of things if they don’t involve you.

Ray Vaughn “Golden Eye”

Just hours later…

Joey and Vaughn are center stage by this point, and Vaughn doesn’t hold back on this production from J. White Did It. Those Diddy references? It’s getting ugly.

DAYLYT “AYO”

DAYLYT had a response ready to go within hours, as well. Firing back at Bada$ and Lux, DAYLYT has started to separate himself from the pack in this musical melee.

Joey Bada$$ “Crash Dummy”

Joey’s retort saw him pumping “TDEast” and bragging that Top Dawg needed him to put their up-and-coming emcees on. After four months, he’s still in top form.

Really Jae’Won “Bobby M. (New York Is Fine)”

He’s been steadily building his name and now the young emcee (and son of Jadakiss) is throwing his hit into the arena. Just some hardcore, NYC-repping bars and a chance to show and prove.

DAYLYT “ICANTHOLDUTHISA” and “WORDISBON”

And DAYLYT responds in record time with two — that’s right, two — more diss tracks for Joey. There’s rarely been a rap feud this sprawling with tracks released at this speed — with this kind of lyrical chops on display.

DAYLYT “End Credits”

DAYLYT just won’t let up, huh? He returned with more heat when he dropped “End Credits” after already unloading two Joey diss tracks simultaneously. “Joey, you really took the fade with all of us, a brave man. NY-made man, it’s just immortal when your grave land,” he raps on his latest. This thing could still be going in 2026.