Steve Stoute talks Lil Wayne/Jay-Z feud

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Jay-Z was involved in one of the biggest feuds of all-time. His longtime rivalry with fellow New York rapper, Nas, had hit its breaking point. No longer could Jay-Z hide his animosity and a feud began.

However, by 2004, the rappers were on good terms and Jay-Z was the head of Def Jam. Soon, Jay-Z began separating himself from rap music and expanded into general business. Now, Jay-Z is viewed as a businessman who raps. Recently, he returned to rap for a collaborative album.

But, Jay-Z is currently more focused on his business ventures, as opposed to making music. Lil Wayne, on the other hand, has replaced Jay-Z as the most-popular rapper. The two have been butting heads for nearly five years. Jay-Z stopped a feud from taking place when he contacted Lil Wayne about providing a verse on his American Gangster album on the song, "Hello Brooklyn 2.0." Lil Wayne returned the favor and Jay-Z "passed the torch" on Tha Carter III's "Mr. Carter."

The slick comments in between time have taken their toll and Jay-Z decided to strike with a diss. The promotional single for his collaborative album was called "H.A.M." and Jay-Z takes small shots at Birdman and Lil Wayne. Recently, Lil Wayne decided to strike back with his own reply on "It's Good," where he threatens Jay-Z and Beyonce. The timing of the diss could not have been worse as Beyonce revealed she was pregnant with Jay-Z's first child.

Steve Stoute, Jay-Z's business partner, recently spoke on the situation. He said Jay-Z will not respond to the diss because he is too big to. Right now, with everything Jay-Z has going on, it would be foolish for him to engage in a rap war. Stoute said Jay-Z is so much bigger than rap and no one is even on his level to attempt to battle with him.