360
Still On It

Whether by phoning into radio stations or interviewing with print, online or TV media, there’s no shortage of avenues for rappers to talk shit (preferably in high-pitched voices). But with mixtapes no longer the most viable option for MCs to unleash their aggression on their foes, most are (and will be) finding other ways to spark beef. XXL gives rappers a heads-up on 10 ways to get the job done.

1. SHOOT A LOW-BUDGET VIDEO

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on embarrassing mixtape cover art (sadly, no more Jimmy-in-spandex images), why not put that money into a conceptual and scorching video shoot? YouTube will do all the work from there. And remember, it’s cheaper to use video hoes than vixens.

2. ATTACK THEM IN THE MEDIA

For old heads, a simple jab (or subliminal diss) should do the trick. Magazines, Web sites, radio, DVDs—pick your poison. Be wary, though. Words can and will be used against you.

3. CREATE SCATHING T-SHIRTS, PREFERABLY WITH SLOGANS

You and your street team can design and sport clothing that openly disses the enemy. Then, have your monstrous security wear it, to really make a statement. (Phrases later to be spray-painted on buildings.)

4. DRAW UNFLATTERING ILLUSTRATIONS

An effective replacement for mixtape cover art, funny illustrations, animations and slogans are clever and instantly amusing.Alternatively, you can also damage street-team posters or post embarrassing fliers online. Maybe during a video?

5. TRY TO DISMANTLE THEIR CREW

Crews tend to be a soft spot, and most have weak links. Tug at one, and they can all fall down.

6. GET THEIR ALBUM PUSHED BACK OR THEIR BUDGET FROZEN

For those who have friends in high places, getting someone’s album pushed back is like taking food straight from their child’s mouth. Well, their baby mama’s mouth.

7. COMPARE EACH OTHER’S SOUNDSCANS

Hit ’em where it hurts—their pockets. Sure, overall album numbers are down, but some artists are faring worse than others. So point it out: “Ya boy only sold 20 thou’, yo!” Response: “Look what you sold…”

8. CREATE A TAUNTING CATCHPHRASE

This can play off the other rapper’s name or song. The fewer syllables, the better. You don’t want people running out of breath trying to diss your rival.

9. BAN RADIO STATIONS OR DJS FROM PLAYING THE ENEMY’S SONGS

Again, connections can work wonders. If you have a strong rapport with radio folk, banning your opponent’s song is a good way to halt much needed promotion—unless the rapper has no problem beating up DJs.

10. GET THE PEOPLE INVOLVED

Skilled beef-ologists, hip-hop fans are not afraid to do the dirty work for you. Once beef is initiated, they can create Web sites, videos, fake ads, illustrations or simply lobby on your behalf. Having a large fan base is a must, though. LilFlipsBoo456 can’t do it all.