J. Cole speaks on Jay-Z's "The Blueprint"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, the world was still in shock after the attacks on the United States. On the same day of the attacks, Jay-Z released his critically-acclaimed The Blueprint. Following the release of the album, the hip hop landscape was forever changed.

Ten years later, Jay-Z is done with Roc-A-Fella Records and is now the head of Roc Nation. Through his new label/management company, Jay-Z has a roster of stars. J. Cole was the first artist signed to the record label.

With his own debut album coming this month, J. Cole reflected on his boss' sixth studio album. J. Cole said he purchased the album from a small CD shop in front of the mall. The album was a classic to J. Cole, but he said he disliked "Jigga that Nigga."

On the other hand, J. Cole often put the Eminem-produced and featuring, "Renegade," on repeat. For years, many have said Eminem's verse on "Reneage" was better than the entire album. This was highlighted by Nas on his Jay-Z-diss track, "Ether." J. Cole, who is a fan of all three rappers, defends Jay-Z, saying his verses on the song were great and he and Eminem pretty much tied on the track.

J. Cole's own debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, will be released on September 27.

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Ron Browz initially offered "Ether" beat to Jay-Z

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2001, Ron Browz quickly rose to fame, as the producer of the legendary "Ether" track. The song proved to be the winning effort from Nas in his feud with Jay-Z. While Jay-Z is considered, by many, to be among the top rappers of all-time, most agree "Ether" is on topic Hov can never avoid.

When he produced the "Ether" track, Ron Browz said he offered it to several other artists. Browz said he shopped the track around and a member of Jay-Z's team checked it out. This was around the same time Jay-Z released "Takeover." However, no one from his team came back to purchase the beat.

Nas eventually purchased the beat and "Ether" was born and the rest was history. Hip hop pundits reached a consensus over the feud between Jay-Z and Nas. Ten years later, Jay-Z and Nas are friends and frequent collaborators, but fans love looking back on the feud. Now, there is a new plot to the old story.

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DJ Premier talks Jay-Z vs. Nas feud

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, the biggest subliminal feud in years had finally reached its peak. Jay-Z and Nas were two of the biggest rappers in New York City. Both rappers were fighting for position and looking to take each other out. On "Takeover," their feud was official when Jay-Z called him out.

Upon hearing "Takeover," Nas recorded the "H to the Omo" freestyle that called out the entire Roc-A-Fella crew. This led to Jay-Z adding two more verses to "Takeover." On the song, not only does Jay-Z diss Nas, but he also alludes to sleeping with the mother of his daughter.

When the full version of "Takeover" was released, many crowned Jay-Z the winner of the feud. But, Nas shortly returned with "Ether" and the decision was reversed. Looking back on the feud, many people have crowned Nas as the victor. In the years since the feud, Jay-Z and Nas have become good friends and frequent collaborators, but people still take trips down memory lane.

Recently, DJ Premier looked back at the feud and he said Jay-Z was winning until the release of "Ether." At the time, Jay-Z was the most popular rapper in the game. Because of this, it was very easy for him to bully other artists. Meanwhile, Nas was more like the older rappers in the game, rapping for the sport. But, when he was provoked, he recorded the most scathing hip hop diss record of all-time. Simply based off "Ether" and disregarding the following disses, DJ Premier crowns Nas as the winner of the feud.

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