Top 10 Greatest Clap Back Songs
#10: “Love Yourself” (2015)
Justin Bieber
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Originally written for Ed Sheeran’s “÷” album, “Love Yourself” was ultimately given to Justin Bieber, who released it as the third single from his album “Purpose”. Bieber sings about a narcissistic former lover who seemingly took advantage of his status, and left him feeling used and underappreciated. According to the singer, the tune was directed at “someone in my past… who I don’t want to put on blast”. But even without specifically mentioning any name, fans were quick to point out references to Bieber’s high-profile relationship, and breakup, with singer and actress Selena Gomez. Although the chorus appears to be fairly innocent, Sheeran has admitted that the titular lyric was initially meant to be much more explicit.
#9: “On My Mind” (2015)
Ellie Goulding
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Speaking of Ed Sheeran, in 2014, the English singer-songwriter put out the fiery heartbreak track “Don’t,” which many speculated was about his short-lived relationship with Ellie Goulding. Without wasting much time, Goulding seemingly went into the studio with an ax to grind. The following year, she released “On My Mind,” the lead single from her third album “Delirium,” which many deemed to be her comeback to Sheeran. Here, Goulding categorizes their time together as a one-night stand, stating that while he wanted something more serious, she only really liked his tattoos. Goulding has since claimed that “On My Mind” is just a fun song, not directed at anyone, but forgive us for taking such claims with a pinch of salt.
#8: “Obsessed” (2009)
Mariah Carey
The early 2000s were a tumultuous period for Mariah Carey. Her 2001 film “Glitter” and its accompanying soundtrack were both critically and commercially unsuccessful. This led to her very public breakdown and hospitalization. Later on, rumors began to swirl that Carey and rapper Eminem had dated during this period of her life, although she denied them. After Eminem dissed her for refuting their purported relationship, Carey seemingly fired back with her 2009 single “Obsessed”. On the track, the singer once again denies her stalker, even suggesting that he is probably under the influence. Of course, she never mentions the rapper by name, but you only need to watch the music video to see that the stalker is clearly depicted as him.
#7: “You Oughta Know” (1995)
Alanis Morissette
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The ultimate revenge record, “You Oughta Know” is an emotionally charged song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette. The tune was released as the lead single from her breakthrough album “Jagged Little Pill” and serves as a blistering clapback at Morissette’s ex-lover. Delivered with what can only be described as pure rage, the lyrics depict the singer confronting her former partner for moving on rather quickly and leaving her brokenhearted. For decades, many have speculated about the subject of the song, but Morissette has remained tight-lipped. It has, however, been strongly suggested that it was directed at “Full House” actor Dave Coulier. Regardless, “You Oughta Know” marked a significant shift in Morissette’s career, establishing her as a unique and uncompromising artist.
#6: “No Vaseline” (1991)
Ice Cube
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As a rapper and songwriter, Ice Cube was one of the major creative forces behind hip-hop group N.W.A. His time with the ensemble came to an end in 1989 after a heated royalty dispute. Following his departure, N.W.A dissed Cube on their 1990 EP “100 Miles and Runnin',” calling him unoriginal and a coward. In response, the rapper released “No Vaseline,” a scorching indictment of his former bandmates and manager, Jerry Heller. Cube utilizes clever wordplay, and unfiltered, raw language on the track, accusing the subjects of betrayal and exploitation. “No Vaseline,” however, attracted controversy for what was perceived as an antisemitic death threat against Heller. Shortly after the song’s release, N.W.A disbanded.
#5: “Fighter” (2003)
Christina Aguilera
Sometimes, the best way to move on from a traumatic experience is to learn from it and become much stronger. That certainly was Christina Aguilera’s mentality following the tumultuous romance that inspired this 2003 track. The third single from her album “Stripped,” “Fighter” showcases Aguilera’s resilience and strength in the face of a failed relationship. Rather than wallow in scorn, the singer remains determined to rise above the circumstances and regain control of her life. This transformation, to Aguilera at least, is the ultimate clapback. “Fighter” resonated with audiences worldwide, soaring to the top ten in multiple countries. It remains an enduring anthem for those who have faced heartbreak and emerged stronger on the other side.
#4: “Killshot” (2018)
Eminem
American rappers Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly had a years-long public feud, seemingly dating back to 2012. In 2018, Eminem released his surprise tenth studio album “Kamikaze,” which featured this scathing diss track that served as a response to Kelly’s “Rap Devil”. Clocking in at around four minutes, “Killshot” is an aggressive and lyrically intense retaliation aimed at undermining Kelly’s credibility as a rapper. There’s not even a chorus here. It’s just rapid-fire bar after rapid-fire bar laced with Eminem’s signature intricate wordplay and clever metaphors. Upon its release, “Killshot” became one of the most viewed YouTube videos in its first 24 hours. The track evidently closed the chapter on the rappers’ feud, as Kelly never released a response to it.
#3: "Shake It Off" (2014)
Taylor Swift
Who says a clapback song must always be vitriolic? Sometimes, it can be an infectious pop tune with inspiring lyrics. Just ask Taylor Swift. The singer’s 2014 smash hit “Shake It Off” marked her official introduction as a pop artist, after rising to the spotlight primarily in country music. Swift wrote the song in response to the constant scrutiny she received from the media and the public, much like her earlier single “Mean” . But on “Shake It Off,” the singer sounds a lot more carefree, encouraging listeners to brush off criticism and embrace their true selves. The song not only solidified Swift’s transition from country to pop music, it also showcased her ability to turn adversity into a catchy, empowering anthem.
#2: “So What” (2008)
Pink
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After getting married in 2006, Pink and her husband, professional biker Carey Hart, separated just two years later. Amidst this turbulence in their relationship, the singer wrote and released “So What,” the lead single from her album “Funhouse”. The song addresses Hart’s rumored infidelity and the couple’s subsequent separation. Pink touts her status as a rock star and embraces her newfound freedom as a single woman, giving the ultimate screw-you to her estranged partner. The music video shows the singer moving through L.A. and cutting down a tree with the couple’s name on it. It also features a tongue-in-cheek guest appearance from Hart himself. Fortunately, the two were able to work through their issues and officially reconciled in February 2010.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Swish Swish” (2017), Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj
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“Piece of Me” (2007), Britney Spears
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“Part of Me” (2012), Katy Perry
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“Hollaback Girl” (2005), Gwen Stefani
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“Cry Me a River” (2002), Justin Timberlake
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#1: “Back to Back” (2015)
Drake
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Arguably one of the most infamous rap beefs in recent history was that between Drake and Meek Mill. The feud began in July 2015, when Mill alleged that Drake used ghostwriters for his songs. The Toronto rapper quickly followed up with two diss tracks - “Charged Up” and the more searing “Back to Back”. Drake comes with ruthless jabs in the less-than-three-minute song, mocking his opponent’s credibility and career. He also takes aim at Mill’s relationship with Nicki Minaj, his former label mate. The song quickly gained traction online and was even acknowledged by Mill as a fiery diss. Drake’s ghostwriting rumors would resurface years later in his feud with Pusha T, resulting in that rapper’s blistering clapback track “The Story of Adidon”.
