When a rapper steals lyrics from a peer, to some it epitomizes one of music’s highest transgressions. After Consequence accused labelmate Pusha T of plagiarism, fans flocked to his side, many denouncing Pusha for blatantly stealing lyrics. Of course, it was later revealed that Cons’ accusations were highly exaggerated and far-fetched, but still highlighted the disdain Hip Hop listeners have for stealing lyrics.
Plagiarism is one thing, but swagger-jacking is another. On Tuesday, former Roc-A-Fella artist Young Chris commented – not for the first time – on speculation that Jay-Z stole not his lyrics, but his flow.
“Yeah I hear [speculation],” he told Meet Tha Dealer. “I don’t really indulge in it but I hear it though. We were all around each other [in the studio] so that shit rubs off on each other. We took from everybody. Everybody took from each other. I always say steel sharpens steel and that’s what I mean [and] that’s what defines that.”
A year ago, State Property member Peedi Crakk boldly commented on the similarities between Jay and Chris’ rhyme pattern.
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“I want to clarify that [Jay] doesn’t steal anyone’s songs,” Peedi said. “He steals swag, ideas, concepts… Jay doesn’t just straight up jack you for a song, he’s smooth with it. You ever listen to Young Chris rap and then go back and listen to Jay? You almost start to scratch your head. The old Jay-Z never rapped like that… Jay has no swag of his own.”
However, Young Chris explained that people’s feeling about this controversy are arbitrary and shift back and forth.
“I don’t really get into that. [Jay’s] my man. People say I took his shit. A few weeks back they was saying I sound like Jay-Z, but years down the line they’re like, ‘Oh hold on, maybe [Jay-Z] took his shit!'”
Young Chris also speaks on his feelings about the Jay-Z and Nas beef.
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