Hit 'Em Up Diss Track Release

Lore & Background

The song was recorded at Can Am Studios on April 19, 1996. A previous version was recorded on October 31, 1995. The lyrics contain vicious insults to several East Coast rappers, chiefly Shakur's former friend turned rival, the Notorious B.I.G. The song was produced by Johnny "J". The video includes impersonations of Biggie, Puffy and Lil' Kim. "Hit 'Em Up" had a large role in exacerbating the East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry. The controversy surrounding the song is due in part to Shakur's murder in a drive-by-shooting only three months after its release.

Reader's Guide

The first and third verses are performed by Shakur, the second by Hussein Fatal, the fourth by Yaki Kadafi, and the fifth by E.D.I. Mean. The bassline and drum loop are replayed samples from 'Don't Look Any Further' by Dennis Edwards, previously used in Eric B. & Rakim's 'Paid in Full'. The song's ferocity was fueled by Shakur's anger over the November 30, 1994 attack and his belief that Biggie and Bad Boy Records were involved. Shakur also responded to Biggie's 'Who Shot Ya?'. The chorus is a play on Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s 'Player's Anthem', and the phrase 'take money' is a play on 'Get Money'. The music video was filmed on June 3, 1996 in a warehouse off Slauson Avenue near the Fox Hills Mall in Los Angeles.

Did You Know?

• The song uses the word 'fuck' or 'motherfucker' 46 times and was issued a Parental Advisory label.
• Reporter Chuck Philips described the song as 'a caustic anti–East Coast jihad'.
• Shakur also insulted Chino XL in the song for vulgar comments made on his track 'Riiiot!'.
• The original recording included insults to Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, and Lil' Cease, but these were removed after microphone issues and persuasion by Outlawz members.