The ongoing feud between prominent figures in the rap industry has taken an intriguing turn with DaBaby’s recent comments directed at Lil Durk, amidst rising tensions following NBA YoungBoy’s diss tracks. The rivalry, often seen as a division between “Team YoungBoy” and “Team Lil Durk,” has escalated significantly in recent weeks, particularly with the release of King Von’s latest album, “What It Means to Be King,” on March 2, 2022.
The backdrop of this conflict is marked by NBA YoungBoy’s collaboration with DaBaby on a project titled “Better Than You,” which coincidentally dropped on the same day as King Von’s album. Initial sales projections indicated that King Von’s work was expected to outperform the collaboration, with estimates showing 65,000 units for Von compared to 30,000 for YoungBoy and DaBaby. This competitive landscape ignited further animosity, particularly as YoungBoy has recently disrespected both King Von and Lil Durk, leading to a series of online exchanges.
In a tweet, Memo 600, an affiliate of Lil Durk’s OTF crew, criticized DaBaby, implying that DaBaby was seeking NBA YoungBoy’s help to revive his career. DaBaby fired back, asserting his independence and stating that he would not be swayed by social media antics. He acknowledged King Von’s legacy with respect, emphasizing that he has no intention of picking sides in the ongoing beef and expressing his readiness to support his business ventures, regardless of the drama surrounding it.
As the situation unfolded, Lil Durk’s response to DaBaby’s comments on social media further fueled the fire. His Instagram story featured a cryptic message, hinting at the ongoing tensions without directly addressing DaBaby’s remarks. This exchange is a continuation of the animosity that has been brewing since Lil Durk’s song “Aha,” which included lines that appeared to target both NBA YoungBoy and DaBaby.
The back-and-forth intensified when NBA YoungBoy released “I Hate YoungBoy,” just hours after the debut of Lil Durk’s latest track. In it, YoungBoy addressed the ongoing feud, referencing Lil Durk’s late cousin and King Von while asserting his position in the rivalry. This pattern of retaliation underscores the personal stakes involved, as both artists have intertwined their narratives with the legacies of those lost in the violence that has plagued their communities.
The broader implications of this feud extend beyond the artists themselves, as fans and industry insiders find themselves divided in their loyalties. With DaBaby’s decision to collaborate with NBA YoungBoy, he inadvertently aligned himself with YoungBoy’s faction, distancing himself from Lil Durk and OTF. This move has led to speculation regarding the future of collaborations within the industry, particularly between DaBaby and Lil Durk.
While DaBaby has claimed that his collaborative project was purely a business decision, the fallout from these public exchanges suggests a deeper rift may be forming. As the rivalry continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dynamics between these artists will evolve and if any further collaborations will be possible in the future. With tensions still high and more diss tracks likely on the horizon, the rap industry is poised for a tumultuous period as fans eagerly watch the developments in this high-profile dispute.