DMX’s ‘Party Up’ Was a Response to Kurupt’s ‘Calling Out Names’ Diss Track, Says Xzibit
DMX’s iconic track “Party Up (Up in Here)” may have been a massive hit back in 2000, but did you know it was actually a fiery response to Kurupt? Picture this: Xzibit, whose sound got sampled on Kurupt’s “Calling Out Names,” spilled the tea on DJ HED’s Effective Immediately show in June. Turns out, both Xzibit and Kurupt had histories with the one and only Foxy Brown, adding a whole new layer to this rap beef drama.
Xzibit couldn’t hold back his shock upon realizing that “Party Up” was a sneaky diss to Kurupt. According to the man himself, Drake could’ve taken a page out of DMX’s playbook in his battle with Kendrick Lamar. Xzibit’s blunt advice? Don’t mess with fighters when you’re not ready to throw down.
But let’s rewind a bit. Kurupt’s savage “Calling Out Names” dropped in ‘99, where he directly targeted heavyweights like DMX, Irv Gotti, and Ja Rule. Kurupt wasn’t pulling any punches, rapping lines like, “And I’mma start callin’ y’all b–h n—s by name.” The West Coast legend wasn’t playing games.
In retaliation, DMX unleashed “Party Up (Up in Here)” on his … And Then There Was X album, shaking up the industry. With Swizz Beatz’s production magic in the mix, the track soared to No. 27 on the Hot 100 and made a splash on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay charts. It was a knockout move in this rap rivalry.
Exciting news for DMX fans! A posthumous album titled DMX Features is on the horizon, slated to drop this summer straight from the vaults of the Yonkers native’s estate. The legacy lives on through new music, keeping the spirit of the rap icon alive and kicking.
If you’re curious to hear Xzibit spill more details about the beef that shook the rap world, check out the interview below. Get ready for some raw truths and insider insights straight from the source. Let’s dive deep into the untamed world of hip-hop history and the legends who shaped it. 🎤🔥
[Watch Xzibit discuss DMX’s “Party Up (Up in Here)” at the 48-minute mark in the video below]





