Jay-Z disses Birdman and Lil Wayne?
Jay-Z Disses Birdman and Lil Wayne on New “H.A.M.” Single with Kanye West
Jay-Z has officially stepped back into the spotlight, and he’s making noise. Just one day after the release of his new collaboration with Kanye West, “H.A.M.,” hip-hop fans are buzzing. While the production by Lex Luger and the operatic soundscape already have people talking, it’s a few carefully placed bars from Jay-Z that have stolen the spotlight. In what appears to be a not-so-subtle shot, Jay-Z disses Birdman and Lil Wayne, reigniting simmering tension that dates back several years.
Ironically, Jay-Z has a high-profile collaboration with Rick Ross. Of course, Ross was signed by Jay to Def Jam. Despite this, he maintains a close relationship with Birdman and Lil Wayne. Likewise, Jay-Z made an appearance on Drake’s Thank Me Later album. They collaborated on “Light Up,” where Hov warned Drake about how rap beefs happen and what they do. Now, here’s Jay throwing barbs at two of Drake’s label bosses with one line.
Breaking Down the Bars: “Baby Money” and Beyonce’s Wealth
In “H.A.M.,” Jay-Z delivers the line: “Really, you got baby money.” This phrase operates on two levels. On one hand, it’s a clever play on the idea that his competitors’ wealth is child’s play compared to his own. On the other, it’s a direct jab at Cash Money Records CEO Birdman, a.k.a. Baby, and his top artist, Lil Wayne.
Jay follows it up with an even bolder claim: “You ain’t got my lady’s money!” A reference to his wife, global superstar Beyonce, who reportedly out-earned both him and Wayne in the previous year. According to Forbes, Beyonce brought in an astounding $87 million, while Jay-Z earned $63 million and Lil Wayne pulled in $20 million. Birdman did not make the list at all.
Birdman’s 2009 Claims Come Back to Haunt Him
This moment feels like a rebuttal to past comments. In late 2009, Birdman publicly claimed that Lil Wayne made more money than Jay-Z. In an interview on BET’s “106 & Park,” Birdman insisted, “If we do the most, how could you be number one if you ain’t making the most?” He also said he couldn’t see past Wayne, suggesting that Jay-Z simply didn’t measure up.
Birdman doubled down in other interviews, stating, “Wayne the best. He do the most and he make the most money. I don’t think no [artist] in the business make more money than us.”
Jay-Z remained mostly silent in 2009 and 2010, allowing his actions and earnings to speak louder than his words. But with the release of “H.A.M.,” it’s clear that he’s been listening—and waiting for the right moment to respond.
A History of Tension: Wayne vs. Jay-Z
This isn’t the first time there’s been friction between Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. The drama dates back to the early 2000s when Jay-Z retired from music in 2003. Lil Wayne then proclaimed himself “the best rapper alive.” When Jay-Z returned in 2006 with Kingdom Come, he claimed he had to “save hip-hop,” a statement that offended Wayne and sparked a series of subliminal disses.
Despite the tension, the two appeared to squash the beef temporarily with their 2008 collaboration “Mr. Carter.” The track, featured on Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, saw both rappers exchange bars with mutual respect. Jay-Z even referred to Wayne as the future. But any reconciliation seemed to dissolve after Birdman’s repeated jabs in 2009.
Jay-Z Chooses the Right Moment
Jay-Z has always been calculated with his moves. While many rappers rush to social media or drop diss tracks impulsively, Hov is known for playing the long game. “H.A.M.” was an opportunity to make a major return, and he used it to reassert his dominance in both lyrics and finances.
His bars on the track suggest more than just a response; they imply closure. It’s as if he’s saying, “I’ve let you talk, now here’s my truth.”
Birdman, despite the closeness that existed with Wayne and Jay, took a lot of shots. Given the competitive nature of hip-hop, that’s to be expected. As a result, Jay coming with a response was also to be expected.
Kanye West’s Role in the Drama
While Jay-Z is getting the most attention for his verse, it’s important to acknowledge that “H.A.M.” is a collaborative effort. Produced by Lex Luger, the beat is aggressive and cinematic, matching the high-stakes energy of the lyrics. Kanye, known for his outspoken nature, surprisingly plays the background here, letting Jay carry the narrative.
That decision may be strategic. Kanye has expressed admiration for both Wayne and Birdman in the past. Allowing Jay-Z to address the Cash Money crew solo keeps the politics of hip-hop alliances in balance.
For Kanye, he produced “Comfortable” for Lil Wayne on Tha Carter III. In addition, he appeared on the remix of Wayne’s hit single, “Lollipop.” Then, years before, he almost signed with Cash Money, himself. All of this proves the industry, itself, is a small circle. Also, it shows that alliances can change.
The Cultural Impact of “H.A.M.”
Released as the first single off the anticipated Watch the Throne album, “H.A.M.” is already making waves. Critics have noted the blend of operatic elements and trap beats as genre-pushing. But what really elevates the track is the conversation it’s igniting.
Hip-hop has always been about competition. The lyrical sparring, the subliminal shots, and the quest to be the best all define the genre. Jay-Z’s verse reminds fans that while he may be quiet, he’s still watching—and he’s still king.
Forbes Weighs In
The business angle of this feud cannot be overlooked. Forbes, which closely follows hip-hop moguls and their money, offered their take on Jay-Z’s bar. They broke down the numbers: Jay-Z at $63 million, Beyonce at $87 million, Lil Wayne at $20 million, and Birdman not even ranking.
From a financial standpoint, Jay-Z’s flex holds weight. He’s not just rapping; he’s reminding his peers and fans that he leads in real-world metrics as well.
Will Birdman or Lil Wayne Respond?
As of now, there’s no official response from either Birdman or Lil Wayne. Given their past behavior, it’s possible they may address it in interviews or in their own music. But with Wayne currently dealing with legal troubles and label issues, and Birdman maintaining his CEO status, they may choose to let it slide.
Still, the hip-hop world is watching closely. Any reaction could reignite a full-fledged lyrical war—a prospect that fans would surely enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Jay-Z Reminds Everyone Who’s Boss
Jay-Z’s verse on “H.A.M.” serves as a powerful reminder of who he is. In just a few lines, he silences two of his most vocal critics, reaffirms his lyrical prowess, and flexes financial dominance. More importantly, he does it with class and precision.
While the music world anticipates the full release of Watch the Throne, “H.A.M.” sets the tone. Jay-Z isn’t playing defense. He’s on offense, and he’s not afraid to call out names—even if only subtly.
This is a statement track, and the statement is clear: Jay-Z is still on top.