Who knew hip-hop could be so academic! I never thought I would see such an article, but my oldest (very, very old) brother sent me this article and I feel compelled to share it. The article, by Marc Lynch, draws comparisons to America’s foreign policy and how Jay-Z has handled beefs, and most specifically his most recent challenger The Game, throughout his career. I agree the premise is kind of a stretch, but it actually matches up well and the ingenuity alone behind the article deserves it to be on this site. He also admits that Nas got the better of Jay-Z in their beef (something I spent many hours debating in my younger days) so that pretty much guaranteed I was going to like it. Here is an excerpt:

His ability to respond actually declined as his power and enemies list grew, though. As a young 50 Cent spat at him (twisting one of Jay’s own famous lines), “if I shoot you I’m famous, if you shoot me you’re brainless.”  He’s generally avoided getting embroiled in beefs since reaching the top, only occasionally and briefly hitting back at provocations from rising contenders like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and others.  Responding to every challenge does not become a hegemon. Indeed, it would be counter-productive and exhausting, and would likely trigger even greater resentment among other rising rappers.  Better as hegemon to rise above the fray and accept the sniping of the less powerful while reaping the rewards of a status quo which he dominates and profits from excessively.

Yeah you just read that right, an academic approach to rap beefs. Grab the link below to read the full article.

Article: Jay-Z vs the Game: Lessons for the American Primacy Debate