Ice-T Explains Why Having Beef Is “Just Not Smart”

Ice-T explains why he thinks rap beef is just not worth it. Speaking as a guest on the Boss Talk 101 podcast on Monday (Nov. 4), the Hip-Hop veteran explains how feuding on wax can have real-life complications.

“Hip-Hop has always been competitive, so saying ‘I’m better than you’ is part of Hip-Hop,” elaborated the 66-year-old. “My DJ is better than you, I can out-rap you, I can out-breakdance you that’s just part of Hip-Hop.”

He continued to explain, “The disses… that’s one thing but then when you take it to the next level like ‘When I see you,’ it’s a problem. The problem with beef is it can escalate away from you,” sharing that he and Treach recently discussed the subject. The “Colors” rhymer went on to use Treach in a hypothetical example of the potential dangers of beef.

“Say I have beef with Treach and I’m talking sh*t about Treach. I could run into one of his fans on the street who wants to get active,” the Law And Order: Special Victims Unit star shared. “Having beef is just not smart if you can avoid it.”

The rapper then detailed how, especially in the digital age, rap beef can get complicated. He explained how rappers in the past, “Didn’t have social media, big difference.”

He added, “Social media is an amplifier to everything. It forces [a] reaction that really could be squashed so much simpler,” continuing, “Why people have beef and take it to social media is beyond me, especially if you know a ni**a’s phone number.”

Earlier this year, Ice-T shared his thoughts on rap beef, specifically referencing the drama between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that climaxed this spring.

“I’m sorry if I’m not interested in current Rap Beef or random Male Gossip…I’m a HUSTLER,” shared the Grammy-winner on social media. “I’m only focused on the bag.”

Watch the clip of Ice-T on Boss Talk 101 below.