A music industry veteran of over 25 years, Tank – for his own hits as well as those he’s penned for others – is easily one of the most revered male R&B vocalists of his generation.
With that reverence and experience, the singer-songwriter (born Durrell Babbs) has not shied away from voicing his displeasure over the changes he’s seen in the business over the years – chiefly as it applies to the commercial reception (or lack thereof) of R&B and the ease in which up-and-coming acts are so quickly deemed leaders of the genre.
His stance on those honorific titles landed him in hot water with rising rapper Yung Bleu earlier this week, sending both acts’ fans into a frenzy over their heated exchange.
See it all inside (in case you missed it):
As seen above in social media posts captured by our friends at TSR), Bleu retweeted a fan who stated, “Yung Bleu might b the new King of R&B this brotha make bangers only.”
Taking umbrage with the compliment, Babbs replied, “I’m glad I’m from a different generation cause y’all wild.”
When news of the ‘When We’ singer’s comment landed on the desk of Bleu, he hit back with:
“Another episode of bitter old ni***s. Tank u still waiting on that verse that’s why u mad. U supposed to be a OG! U commenting on shade room acting like a female.”
Suggesting the 46-year-old’s dismissal of his ‘king’ title was due to bitterness over the emcee passing on doing a duet (alongside screen shots of their text messages discussing the unrecorded tune), Bleu also said:
“I already felt your weird energy that’s why I didn’t want to record that wack a** song.”
Tank didn’t let the diss slide so easily. Via a video message (seen above), he hit back saying:
“And this generation throws the king and queen around like you don’t have to earn that. You how many years and how much success it takes to earn the title of king or queen. You know how long Mary J. Blige worked? You know how long R. Kelly worked? Do you understand how long Usher worked to get those titles? Chris Brown? You know what, I’m done.”
Offering the final word (via a screen shot seen above), Bleu slammed Tank’s lack of Gold or Platinum-certified records.
“…I never did anything but gave u your flowers just answer me one thing,” the rapper wrote. “Seeing that I have more plaques than you and sold more records. What make you more legendary than me? Time right? Give it time!”
All-in-all, the 27-year-old did acknowledge Tank’s legendary status.
“Ima real talent! I can be legendary within my own generation just like you were,” Bleu said. “All these songs I wrote 100% . NO help “except baddest!” All I’m saying! But it’s no beef bro I wish you nun but blessings u a legend but that dnt mean ima stop tryna be one also.”