Pusha T Declares Diss Tracks “Dead to Me” in New Interview, Reflecting on Changing Stakes in Rap Beefs

Virginia Beach, VA — In a candid new interview, Pusha T, the acclaimed rapper and one-half of the legendary duo Clipse, has proclaimed that diss tracks are “kind of dead to me,” citing a fundamental shift in the culture of rap battles. The Virginia native, known for delivering some of hip-hop’s most devastating lyrical assaults, explained that modern beefs lack the high stakes of the past, where a loss could effectively end a career.

Speaking with Consequence in early December 2025, Pusha T elaborated on his disillusionment: “It’s the ransom of what a diss track used to bring: There was a clear winner. Somebody would really bow out and then that’s it — the last man standing. Now it’s just a whole bunch of noise. Even after we find winners, it’s still noise. And it’s like, man, then what’s it for?”

The comments come as Pusha promotes Clipse’s acclaimed 2025 reunion album Let God Sort Em Out, which has been hailed as a return to form for the Thornton brothers. Pusha emphasized his focus on artistry over conflict, stating, “I’m somewhere right now where I don’t even want to make music with other people, nevertheless [have] anybody else in my music or be the focus of my music. What we’re doing right here [with Clipse] is, to me, so next level.”

Pusha’s remarks inevitably draw parallels to his own storied history in rap feuds, most notably his 2018 clash with Drake. That battle, ignited by subliminal shots dating back to 2011, escalated dramatically when Pusha released “The Story of Adidon.” The track, built over Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” instrumental, exposed Drake’s then-secret son Adonis, mocked his producer 40’s health struggles with multiple sclerosis, and attacked his racial identity and parenting. Widely regarded as one of the most ruthless diss records in hip-hop history, it left Drake without a direct response and is often cited as a decisive victory for Pusha.

Drake later confirmed his fatherhood on his album Scorpion and, in a 2019 Rap Radar interview, admitted no desire to reconcile with Pusha. Yet, contrary to the “old days” Pusha references—where defeats like Ja Rule’s against 50 Cent or Canibus against LL Cool J carried lasting damage—Drake emerged stronger commercially. Post-2018, the Toronto superstar embarked on one of his most dominant runs, racking up billions of streams, chart-topping hits, and sold-out arena tours.

Fans and observers have interpreted Pusha’s latest statements as a subtle acknowledgment of this reality. While he never explicitly names Drake in the Consequence interview, the timing and context fuel speculation. Reddit discussions and hip-hop forums buzzed with reactions, with some users calling Pusha a “sore winner” frustrated that his knockout blow didn’t derail Drake’s career. One commenter noted, “He seriously thought he ended Drake… but Drake ain’t going anywhere.” Others defended Pusha, arguing that rap’s mainstream evolution has diluted the consequences of battles, turning them into temporary “noise” rather than career-defining moments.

Pusha’s evolution mirrors broader changes in hip-hop. In the golden era of the 1990s and early 2000s, beefs often had tangible fallout—lost endorsements, diminished relevance, or forced retirements. Today, streaming algorithms, global tours, and diversified income streams allow even “losers” to thrive. Recent high-profile feuds, like Drake’s 2024 exchange with Kendrick Lamar, generated massive engagement but ultimately boosted both artists’ profiles without permanent scars.

This isn’t Pusha’s first pivot away from conflict. Despite recent subtle shots at figures like Travis Scott on Clipse tracks (stemming from perceived disloyalty during the Drake-Kendrick saga), he has repeatedly signaled a desire to move beyond beef. His brother Malice, during the same interview, echoed this sentiment by quoting Jay-Z’s “Takeover”: “Don’t argue with fools / ‘Cause people from a distance can’t tell who is who.”

As 2025 wraps up, Pusha T’s declaration has sparked debate: Have diss tracks truly lost their bite, or is this a veteran rapper grappling with a game that no longer plays by his rules? One thing remains clear—Pusha’s pen is still sharp, but he’s choosing to wield it for legacy-building rather than destruction.

Meanwhile, Drake continues to dominate charts, with tracks from 2025 projects amassing hundreds of millions of streams, proving that in today’s rap landscape, survival and success often transcend the scoreboard of a single battle.