Rap beef is usually exhausting. It’s loud, it’s often performative, and by the time the third "response" drops, most of us are ready to move on to a podcast about woodworking. But when Joyner Lucas released Nobody Cares in July 2025, the vibe was different. It wasn't just another entry in the endless ledger of hip-hop rivalries. It felt like a specific, jagged moment in the "US vs. UK" rap war that’s been brewing for years.
Honestly, if you weren't scrolling X (formerly Twitter) on July 15, 2025, you might have missed the immediate explosion. Joyner didn't just drop a song; he dropped a tactical nuke on the idea that London rappers can out-rap their American counterparts.
The track was a direct retort to Skepta’s "Friendly Fire." Skepta, the grime godfather, had basically called Joyner a "lyrical miracle" rapper who sounds like he "studied at Harvard."
Joyner’s response? Nobody Cares.
The Meat of the Beef: Why "Nobody Cares" Cut So Deep
Let’s get into the actual bars. Joyner Lucas has always been known for that rapid-fire, technical flow. Some call it "corny" (we'll get to that), but you can't deny the athleticism of his tongue. On this track, he stopped trying to be the "storyteller" for a second and just went for the jugular.
One of the most viral moments was when Joyner clapped back at Skepta’s proximity to Drake. He rapped:
"Nobody cares about how you and Drizzy are close / Or how you invented UK rap but still ain’t top 10 on your coast, n***a."
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Ouch.
That line hit because it touched a nerve regarding international relevance. Skepta is a legend—full stop. But Joyner was playing on the American ego, suggesting that being a "king" in London doesn't mean much if you’re still a niche act in the States. It was dismissive. It was arrogant. It was exactly what rap fans wanted to argue about in the comments.
A Weird Timing for ADHD 2
The song didn't exist in a vacuum. It actually dropped right as Joyner was gearing up for the release of ADHD 2. Talk about a marketing pivot. Some fans felt the beef was a distraction from his actual artistry, while others thought it was the perfect "appetizer" for the new project.
ADHD 2 itself had a lot to live up to. His previous work, Not Now I'm Busy (2024), received mixed reviews. People liked his speed but were getting bored of the "I'm the best rapper ever" narrative without the hits to back it up. Nobody Cares gave him a chance to prove that when he has a specific target, his pen is still lethal.
The Production and the Visuals
Production-wise, the track is spooky. It’s got these creepy, minor-key chords and spry drums that feel like a horror movie chase scene. It wasn't produced by his usual suspects; instead, it leaned into a more "battle rap" aesthetic.
The music video, directed by J Visuals, was equally intense. It wasn't a big-budget Marvel movie like his "Will" video. It was gritty. It was Joyner in a dark room, looking like he hadn't slept, just focused on the microphone.
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There’s something about a rapper stripped of the gimmicks that scares people.
What Most People Get Wrong About Joyner Lucas
There’s this persistent narrative that Joyner Lucas is "corny."
Why?
Mostly because he cares. In a "mumble rap" era (which is a dated term, but you get the point), Joyner treats rapping like a sport. He wants to be the fastest, the most technical, the most "meaningful." Sometimes that translates to "trying too hard."
But on Nobody Cares, he leaned into the "corny" allegations. He basically said, "Yeah, I rap fast. I rap well. And you can't keep up."
It’s a bold stance to take when the UK grime scene—represented by Skepta—is literally built on speed and rhythmic complexity. Skepta’s "Round 2" response even poked fun at this, calling Joyner the "Black Stan" (a nod to his Eminem influence).
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The Impact: Did Anyone Actually Care?
Despite the title, people did care.
The track sparked a week-long debate about the technicality of UK vs. US rap. For Joyner, it was a much-needed win. It reminded the industry that he isn't just a "social commentary" rapper who makes videos about racism or "Logic-style" mental health anthems. He can actually scrap.
If you’re looking for a deeper meaning, you won’t find much. It isn't "I'm Not Racist." It isn't "Broski." It’s a middle finger.
Key Takeaways for Your Playlist:
- Listen for the flow switches: Joyner changes his cadence about four times in the second verse. It’s a masterclass in breath control.
- Check the Skepta response: To get the full picture, you have to hear "Friendly Fire" and "Round 2." The back-and-forth is where the fun is.
- Context is King: Understand that this was Joyner defending the American "rap athlete" title against the UK "grime godfather."
Ultimately, Nobody Cares stands as a high-water mark for Joyner’s 2025 run. It was the moment he stopped being the "nice guy" storyteller and started being the antagonist. Whether you love him or think he's a "lyrical miracle" cliche, you have to admit: the man knows how to get a reaction.
Next Steps for the Hip-Hop Head:
To truly understand the technical side of this beef, go back and listen to Joyner's 508-507-2209 mixtape. It's often cited as his best work because it balances the aggression seen in Nobody Cares with actual, grounded storytelling. Once you've done that, compare the BPM of his flow on this diss track to Skepta's "Konnichiwa" album tracks—it's a fascinating study in how different cultures approach "fast rapping."