Music feuds have been a part of the industry for decades, sparking drama, rivalries, and sometimes even unexpected collaborations. These clashes between artists often lead to surprising outcomes, including hit songs that capture the public’s attention. In this blog, I explore 12 famous music feuds that gave birth to unexpected hit songs.
Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West – Look What You Made Me Do
Taylor Swift’s feud with Kanye West started at the 2009 VMAs and continued for years. Their conflict reached new heights in 2016 after a controversial phone call. Swift responded with “Look What You Made Me Do” in 2017. The song became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and breaking streaming records.
Eminem vs. Machine Gun Kelly – Rap Devil / Killshot
Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly’s beef began with a tweet about Eminem’s daughter. The conflict escalated when Eminem dissed MGK on his album Kamikaze. MGK responded with “Rap Devil,” which became his highest-charting single. Eminem then released “Killshot,” which broke YouTube records for the most-viewed hip-hop video in 24 hours.
Katy Perry vs. Taylor Swift – Bad Blood / Swish Swish
The feud between Katy Perry and Taylor Swift reportedly started over backup dancers. Swift released “Bad Blood,” widely believed to be about Perry. The song became a number-one hit and won a Grammy for Best Music Video. Perry later responded with “Swish Swish,” which also charted well and kept fans talking about their rivalry.
Drake vs. Meek Mill – Back to Back
Meek Mill accused Drake of using ghostwriters, sparking a heated feud. Drake responded with two diss tracks, including “Back to Back.” The song became a commercial success and was even nominated for a Grammy. This feud and its musical outcomes dominated hip-hop conversations for months.
Cardi B vs. Nicki Minaj – Money
The long-standing rivalry between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj came to a head at a New York Fashion Week event. Shortly after their public altercation, Cardi B released “Money.” The track was a commercial success, debuting in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Many fans saw it as a response to her clash with Minaj.
Pusha T vs. Drake – The Story of Adidon
Pusha T reignited his feud with Drake by releasing “Infrared,” accusing Drake of using ghostwriters. Drake responded with “Duppy Freestyle,” but Pusha T’s follow-up “The Story of Adidon” stole the show. The track revealed Drake had a secret child, causing a media frenzy and becoming one of the most talked-about diss tracks in recent history.
Mariah Carey vs. Eminem – Obsessed
Mariah Carey and Eminem’s feud stemmed from disagreements about their past relationship. Carey released “Obsessed,” which many believed to be about Eminem. The song became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success and the ongoing drama between the two artists kept fans entertained for months.
Kanye West vs. 50 Cent – Stronger / Curtis
In 2007, Kanye West and 50 Cent famously competed for album sales, releasing “Graduation” and “Curtis” on the same day. This rivalry led to increased attention for both artists. West’s single “Stronger” became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and winning a Grammy. The competition ultimately boosted both artists’ careers.
Nas vs. Jay-Z – Ether / Takeover
The feud between Nas and Jay-Z is one of hip-hop’s most famous rivalries. Jay-Z’s “Takeover” and Nas’s response “Ether” are considered classics in the genre. Both tracks gained significant attention and are still discussed in hip-hop circles today. This rivalry pushed both artists to new creative heights.
Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera – Me Against the Music
While not a direct feud, the media-driven rivalry between Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera inspired both to push their boundaries. Spears’s “Me Against the Music,” featuring Madonna, was seen as a response to Aguilera’s edgier image. The song became a hit, topping the charts in several countries.
The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones – We Love You
The supposed rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones was largely created by the media. However, it led to some interesting collaborations. The Stones’ “We Love You” featured backing vocals from John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This unexpected collaboration resulted in a top-10 hit in the UK.
Prince vs. Michael Jackson – Bad
The rivalry between Prince and Michael Jackson pushed both to create innovative music. Jackson’s “Bad” was originally intended as a duet with Prince, but Prince declined. The song went on to become one of Jackson’s biggest hits, topping charts worldwide and cementing his status as the “King of Pop.”
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