Takeover vs. Ether: Hip-Hop's Most Legendary Rivalry

In 2001, Nas and Jay-Z—two of hip-hop's greatest lyricists—engaged in the most legendary rap battle of all time, producing "Takeover" and "Ether," diss tracks that split New York down the middle and changed the culture forever. This documentary reconstructs the complete rivalry timeline, from subtle subliminals in 1996 to Jay-Z's devastating Summer Jam 2001 performance, the September 11th release of "Takeover," Nas's career-saving response with "Ether" on Jay's birthday, and their eventual 2005 reconciliation that taught hip-hop that competition and respect can coexist.



0:00 - The Rivalry Begins: Summer Jam 2001
2:15 - Origins: Nas from Queensbridge
4:45 - Origins: Jay-Z from Brooklyn
7:20 - The Death of Biggie: The Throne Is Empty
9:40 - Early Tensions: Subliminals and Shots (1996-2000)
12:30 - Carmen Bryan: The Personal Becomes Public
15:10 - June 28, 2001: "Takeover" Debuts Live
17:50 - September 11, 2001: The Blueprint Drops
20:25 - Dissecting "Takeover": Jay's Surgical Strike
23:40 - December 4, 2001: Nas Responds with "Ether"
27:15 - The Cultural Shockwave: Hip-Hop Reacts
30:20 - "Supa Ugly": Jay Goes Too Far
32:50 - The Media Battle: Hot 97 and Public Opinion
35:30 - 2002-2004: Continued Shots and Subliminals
38:10 - October 2005: The Reconciliation at "I Declare War"
41:00 - 2006: "Black Republican" and Moving Forward
43:30 - The Legacy: How the Battle Changed Rap Forever
46:20 - Conclusion: Competition and Respect
48:00 - CLS Signature Closing