It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. For Ice Spice, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj, those worst times included having their music spotlighted on Variety’s “Worst Songs of 2024” list. This annual compilation has sparked intense debate and highlighted some of the most controversial tracks of the year.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Ice Spice’s Controversial Track
Leading the charge is Ice Spice with her track “Think U the S**t (Fart).” Released in January, the song was immediately met with criticism. Variety’s Thania Garcia described it as a “cringy novelty” that could have been forgotten if not for its sheer audacity. Garcia noted, “Unfortunately, and maybe even surprisingly for Ice Spice, most of the world is still not vibing with songs about feces and farts.” The track’s lyrics, including lines like “Bitches be quick, but I’m quicker / Bitches be thick, but I’m thicker / She could be rich, but I’m richer,” were panned for their vapid delivery.
Kanye West’s “Carnival” Misfire
Kanye West, no stranger to controversy, found himself on the list with “Carnival,” a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti. Released in February, the song was part of West and Ty Dolla $ign’s debut album “Vultures 1.” Variety writer Steven J. Horowitz criticized the track for its crass lyrics and artless execution. He pointed out the chorus, provided by the Inter Milan Ultras, as “the worst kind of drunk chant you’d hear at a soccer game,” and highlighted West’s offensive lines, “Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine / Now I’m Ye-Kelly bitch, now I’m Bill Cosby, bitch”.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Nicki Minaj’s “Big Foot” Backlash
Nicki Minaj also made the list with her track “Big Foot,” a response to Megan Thee Stallion’s diss track “Hiss.” Released in January, “Big Foot” was intended as a fierce rebuttal but ended up being criticized for its outlandish delivery and aggressive tone. Garcia remarked, “Hindsight is 20/20 so it’s no surprise that Nicki Minaj’s ‘Big Foot’ set the tone for such a horribly contentious year.” The track, which addressed personal attacks from Megan Thee Stallion, was described as a “hard listen for anyone and appears far from a seasoned pro”.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Broader Implications
The inclusion of these high-profile artists on Variety’s list has sparked broader conversations about artistic freedom, music criticism, and the evolving landscape of hip-hop. While some argue that these tracks push boundaries and challenge norms, others see them as examples of poor artistic judgment.
Industry Reactions
The music industry has reacted with a mix of amusement and concern. Some industry insiders believe that such lists can stifle creativity, while others argue that they push artists to innovate and improve their craft. Social media has become a battleground for fans defending their favorite artists, with hashtags supporting each musician trending and fans sharing detailed analyses of why they believe the songs deserve recognition rather than criticism.
Conclusion
As the year comes to a close, the debate over the worst songs of 2024 continues to rage. For Ice Spice, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj, the inclusion on this list serves as a reminder of the fine line between artistic expression and public reception. Whether these tracks will be remembered as bold experiments or missteps remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly left a mark on the music landscape of 2024.
