X gon’ give it to ya?!
With everyone from Ja Rule to Khia issuing battle challenges, DMX is stepping in the ring. The legendary MC wants to face f with none other than his old rival JAY-Z as part Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s popular “Verzuz” series.
While speaking with N.O.R.E.’s “Drink Champs” podcast, DMX was asked who he would want to potentially battle on Instagram Live. X didn’t hesitate to respond. “JAY,” he said.
His response took N.O.R.E. by surprise. “Are we saying JAY-Z?” he asked.
“Yeah, who you think?” said DMX, adding, “There you go. That would be battle number three.”
As HipHopDX points out, the rivalry between DMX and JAY-Z dates back two decades, including once at a pool hall in the Bronx in the early ’90s and on the “Hard Knock Life Tour” in 1999. The latter moment was documented in the 2000 documentary Backstage.
It remains to be seen if JAY will respond to X’s challenge. The “Verzuz” battle series has already produced iconic matchups between DJ Premier and RZA, Scott Storch and Mannie Fresh, Lil Jon and T-Pain, and Babyface and Teddy Riley, which set a livestream record with over half-a-million viewers. Jill Scott and Erykah Badu will face f during the next “Verzuz” challenge, which is set for May 9 at 7 p.m. EST.
Other potential battles are looming including Diddy and Dr. Dre. Last month, the Bad Boy mogul teased the epic pairing. “Yeah, we talkin’ about it,” he told Fat Joe.