Recently, social media erupted with a fiery exchange after rapper Ab-Soul issued a bold threat towards media personality DJ Akademiks, promising to physically confront him. This clash is part of a broader resurgence of regional rap rivalries that have gained momentum in 2023, with statistics indicating a 15% increase in online hip-hop disputes compared to last year.

On Tuesday, April 27, Ab-Soul reignited the flames of lyrical combat by posting a provocative track on Instagram. The song not only targets fellow rapper Joey Bada$$ but also serves as a passionate defense of West Coast rap’s lyrical integrity. Known for his introspective lyricism and unwavering loyalty to his peers, the Carson, California-born artist used this moment to stand up for his collaborator Kendrick Lamar and to issue a direct, albeit non-public, warning to Akademiks.

In his fiery verse, Ab-Soul boldly declares, “Imma slap Akademiks when I see him,” emphasizing his readiness to confront the media personality. The track also underscores his commitment to defending West Coast rap’s legacy amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Akademiks, never one to shy away from controversy, responded swiftly on social media with a tweet that many interpreted as dismissive and disrespectful. He wrote, “Sounds amazing. Just a reminder that they won’t be throwing a funeral for Nipsey Hussle, so let’s keep it real. Rapping little guy, we ain’t seeing nothing but,” comparing Ab-Soul’s cultural impact to that of Nipsey Hussle, a revered West Coast icon who was tragically killed in 2019.

“Akademiks goes off on Ab-Soul after learning he’s legally blind, which comes after Ab-Soul mentioned he’d slap him in a song. Usually, when people attack me, they start with jokes. I guess he doesn’t even have jokes-this is a different approach.” – FearBuck (@FearedBuck), April 28, 2025

However, Akademiks didn’t stop there. During a subsequent live stream, he intensified his criticism by mocking Ab-Soul’s visual impairment, which he openly discusses in his music. “Most people who come at me start with jokes, but he doesn’t even have that. Come on, just see what this guy can’t even do-he doesn’t even know what I look like. In his mind, I’m just a stick figure,” he said dismissively.

Ab-Soul has been open about his visual challenges, attributing them to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. He often incorporates his condition into his artistry, using vulnerability as a source of strength and authenticity in his music.

The online response to Akademiks’ remarks has been mixed, with many fans and artists criticizing his comments as unnecessarily harsh, while others found humor in his bluntness. This exchange has further fueled the ongoing feud, which is part of a larger wave of regional rap conflicts that have seen artists from different parts of California and beyond exchanging lyrical jabs.

Adding fuel to the fire, Joey Bada$$ recently launched a series of lyrical assaults targeting California-based artists such as Ray Vaughn, Daylyt, AzChike, and Cause. This has reignited regional pride and rivalry, with West Coast artists like Ab-Soul stepping up to defend their turf through their music.

Stay tuned for Ab-Soul’s latest track below, which continues to escalate this high-stakes rap rivalry.