Diddy vs. Drake: The Unheard Story Behind the Zero to 100 Conflict

When you hear the iconic beats of Drake’s 0 to 100, you probably think of the smooth flows, the addictive rhythm, and a time when Drake was undoubtedly at the top of his game. The track, which became a cultural touchstone, was even nominated for two Grammy Awards. Yet, as much as 0 to 100 represents one of Drake’s most memorable hits, it’s also tied to a dramatic chapter in the history of hip hop – a chapter that involves Diddy, a controversial altercation, and a rivalry that was as personal as it was professional.

While Diddy’s career and persona as “Brother Love” has always been about unity, success, and power, a deeper, more complicated relationship with Drake has been lingering under the surface for years. The two music moguls were once on amicable terms, even collaborating on stage and sharing mutual respect. However, as the story of 0 to 100 unfolds, what initially seemed like a friendly business relationship turned into an unexpected and messy conflict.

The Birth of the Beef

It all started in 2010 when Drake, still on the rise, joined forces with Diddy on the song Loving You No More from Diddy’s Last Train to Paris album. The collaboration signaled a budding friendship between the two, with Drake frequently expressing admiration for Diddy, someone he had idolized growing up. By 2013, their camaraderie seemed solidified when Drake invited Diddy and Mase to perform at his OVO Fest in Toronto. Drake even stated that performing with Diddy was one of the best moments of his life, a sentiment that seemed to echo his respect for the mogul.

But, like many relationships in the world of hip hop, things didn’t stay rosy. By 2014, their bond began to fray. The first public sign of trouble came during a performance at Miami’s Club LIV, when Drake, without warning, snatched the microphone from Diddy. What followed was a moment of confusion, as Diddy was left scrambling for another mic. Some would say this was simply a minor misstep, perhaps a misunderstanding in the heat of the moment. Others, however, saw it as the beginning of a brewing storm.

The Zero to 100 Incident

The real tension between Diddy and Drake began over the production of 0 to 100, a track that would eventually become one of Drake’s most successful songs. The story behind this iconic track is more than just a tale of musical innovation—it’s a tale of professional rivalry, rejected beats, and a battle over creative control.

The beat for 0 to 100 was originally crafted by producer Frank Dukes, who sent it to Boy W, another producer who had worked with Diddy. Boy W pieced the melody together and played it for Diddy, who initially passed on the track, stating that he wasn’t interested in using it. Later, Diddy came back, wanting to feature Drake on the track, not to perform it, but to ghostwrite. This would have meant Drake writing for Diddy, but with a verse from Diddy himself included on the track.

However, things took a strange turn when, after Drake recorded the track, Diddy decided not to use it. Drake, undeterred, uploaded the track to SoundCloud, where it quickly gained massive traction. 0 to 100 became a hit almost overnight, gaining critical acclaim and charting as one of the best songs of 2014. It was even nominated for two Grammy Awards that year. To say Diddy was upset would be an understatement.

The Fallout

The situation turned even more contentious when Diddy began to publicly address the song’s success. During a performance in July 2014, Diddy introduced 0 to 100 with the words, “This song was stolen from us,” signaling his frustration. It was clear that Diddy felt slighted by the situation. The bitter irony of it all was that the very beat Diddy had rejected became one of Drake’s defining hits, leading to the song’s widespread commercial success.

By the time the two artists crossed paths again at a nightclub later that year, the tension had reached its boiling point. The encounter, at DJ Khaled’s 39th birthday party, would lead to a confrontation that few expected. According to reports, Diddy tried to speak with Drake about the 0 to 100 situation, but Drake, perhaps tired of the drama, wasn’t having any of it. As Drake attempted to leave the party, Diddy allegedly confronted him outside. What followed was a physical altercation, with Diddy slapping Drake, and the confrontation escalating quickly.

The details of what exactly transpired are murky. Some say Drake was slapped so hard he had to be taken to the hospital, with some reports even claiming that he was placed in a wheelchair afterward. While Diddy continued to deny the allegations, claiming he never laid a hand on Drake, others, including 50 Cent and Charlamagne Tha God, confirmed that the altercation did indeed happen.

The Aftermath and the War of Words

The incident was a turning point in the conflict between the two superstars. Drake didn’t respond immediately, but a year later, he would take several shots at Diddy in his song 4 PM in Calabasas. The lines were unmistakable, with Drake referencing Diddy’s infamous catchphrases like “Take that, take that,” and mocking his persona.

Even though Boy W, the producer who had originally created the beat for 0 to 100, downplayed the conflict, calling it a misunderstanding, the tension between Diddy and Drake was undeniable. The episode didn’t just reveal the friction between the two artists, but also highlighted the underlying issues of jealousy, pride, and the competition that exists in the world of hip hop.

A Resolved Conflict?

As with many beefs in the world of hip hop, time has a way of healing wounds. Today, Diddy and Drake seem to have buried the hatchet, but the story of their conflict serves as a reminder of the personal and professional rivalries that define the industry. Whether or not their beef is truly over remains to be seen, but the saga of 0 to 100 continues to be one of the most fascinating stories in modern hip hop history.

In the world of hip hop, where egos run high and the battle for dominance is fierce, the tension between Diddy and Drake over a beat represents something deeper. It’s not just about music; it’s about legacy, control, and the unpredictable nature of success. And while it might seem like an issue of the past, the impact of that one song—0 to 100—remains felt, as both men continue to navigate their careers in the ever-shifting landscape of hip hop.

In the end, perhaps the only thing that’s certain is that, in the world of hip hop, nothing is ever truly over.