After nearly a decade, LL Cool J and Canibus seem to have finally put their differences aside. During LL’s performance of the classic “4,3,2,1” at Hot 97’s XMAS Show last night, Todd Smith surprised fans when he brought out long time nemesis Canibus.
The entire feud started back in ’97 when Canibus, who appeared on the aforementioned song, seemingly took a jab at LL when he opened his verse with “Yo L, Is that a mic on your arm? Let me borrow that.” LL, for whatever reason, was offended by the line and asked ‘Bis to remove it and re-record his verse in order to stay on the song.
‘Bis obliged but changed the opening bar to his verse to something a little more subliminal: “I’m the illest n*gga alive, watch me prove it / I snatch your crown witcha head still attached to it.” The Canibus verse ended up staying in tact but LL responded to ‘Bis with his verse.
When the single was released, two versions appeared. The A-side featuring Canibus, DMX, Master P, Method Man & Redman, while the B-side just featured DMX, Method Man & Redman.
Beef eventually ensued, “Second Round K.O.” was recorded and one of the illest battles was engraved into history, with follow up diss records pressed.
Hopefully this means a new collaboration in the future? Perhaps something for LL’s upcoming G.O.A.T. 2? Only time will tell.
