East Coast vs West Coast: A History of Rivalry and Cultural Differences (2024)

East Coast vs West Coast: A History of Rivalry and Cultural Differences (1)

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A brief history of the West Coast vs East Coast: How it started, the rivalry, and cultural differences between the two coasts.

Palig Dzadourian

4 min read

September 21, 2022

There are many cultural differences among all the different states in America. However there has been one long-standing rivalry between the two opposite ends of the continent, and that is the East Coast vs West Coast. The origin of this rivalry can be traced back to 1991 when frustrated rapper Tim Dog released a song dissing the West Coast. This was due to the rejection of many East Coast artists in favor of West Coast artists of the time. Just how different are these coasts from each other?

Overview of the history of East and West Coast

The start of this regional feud is closely interwoven with the history of hip-hop and how it came to be. It is fascinating to look back and see the effects of a seemingly small event that created a butterfly effect that transformed into something on a much larger scale.

The East Coast Influences

The history of the East Coast shows significant European influences, mainly seen in the coast’s architectural styles. This side of the coast is where a lot of Europeans first landed and began building their colonies, leaving their mark on the East Coast cities' architecture. Almost anywhere you turn, you will find a structure of historical significance, some of these sites include the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the old town of Williamsburg, Virginia and so many more.

The West Coast influences

When talking about the history of the West Coast, the Wild West is what we associate it with. A diverse and exuberant past is exactly what one might expect of the West Coast. This is where some major historical events took place, starting with the American frontier period, the Oregon Trail hardships, and the chaos surrounding the Gold Rush towns. The progressive spirit of the West Coast is what helped the nation move forward and shed its more traditional roots. An inclusive spirit, a love of diversity and cultures with a respect for nature, and a rather calm lifestyle are all values associated with the West Coast lifestyle.

The Hip-Hop rivalry

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While the East Coast vs West Coast feud very vaguely existed before the hip-hop rivalry began, all the differences were still there. It comes as no surprise that two regions located polar opposite of each other would have great contrasts.

The focal points of these events are feuds between certain artists throughout the years. One of them being East Coast-based rapper the Notorious B.I.G and his New York-based label Boy Records and West Coast-based rapper Tupac Shakur and his LA-based label Death Row Records. This rivalry ended with the assassination of both rappers. Since then there have been many hip-hop artists from both coasts continuing the feud, maintaining the competitive state of both communities.

Cultural Differences and Influences

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As mentioned above, the distinct origins of these two coasts would result in a clash of cultures between them. For example, while New York is a very good contender for high-quality TV production and filmmaking, Hollywood is where the true magic happens. The West Coast is known to be home to the world’s most famous actors and celebrities. The West Coast cities, especially Los Angeles, are essentially movie sets. Anywhere you turn in the city, you are guaranteed to find a lot of places that have been televised or broadcasted.

The East Coast is more known for its theatrical performances, such as the Broadway shows in New York. There are also several ballet troupes and orchestras based in the city. New York is also the city that hosted the very first Fashion Week in the world, and it continues to do so.

Fashion differences

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Given the different climates in these coastal cities, it is expected to find different fashion trends in each one. The West Coast is where people tend to go towards more relaxed and beachy clothing. Especially in California, where the lifestyle is more laid-back, and the weather is warmer year-round, the fashion style of Californians is mainly focused on lightweight outfits.

The East Coast is where practicality takes the forefront of everyone’s fashion choices. The fashion style in New York is sleek and more polished, exuding a sense of classiness. Walking around New York, the streets are filled with formally dressed people, some argue that it looks like a fashion runway. In the East Coast vs West Coast discussion, the distinction is very clear. Some East Coasters may consider the casual outfits of West Coasters to be informal and too laid-back for their daily lives. This leads us to the reason behind these different fashion choices, namely the distinct lifestyle of the two.

Lifestyle differences

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Several elements affect the lifestyle of a certain city. Things like the weather, the culture, the history, and the general archetypes of people that live in said city or region. That is why we see such a clear divide in the way of life between the East Coast and the West Coast. They each have different cultures and ways of life.

The East Coast is a fast-paced place that is career and goal driven. A day spent on the East Coast will show you just how fast of a lifestyle they have in this part of the country. People will be hurrying to catch the subway, scurrying from place to place, and never staying put. It can get overwhelming if you are not used to the hustle and bustle of the East Coast cities, but it is quite exciting once you are accustomed.

The West Coast is where things get a little less intense especially if you are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. The people that live in states like California are usually more focused on health and nature. This is why you will see a lot of people spending time going out to parks and hiking. On the West Coast, people are always searching for a perfect spot to have a good time in nature. The zen atmosphere of West Coast cities is incredibly easy to get used to. It is rare to find someone struggling to adjust to such a lifestyle. It is also important to note that the states on the West Coast are more expensive to live in. For example, California’s cost of living is higher than the average living costs of most states on the East Coast.

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East Coast vs West Coast: A History of Rivalry and Cultural Differences (2024)

FAQs

What caused the East coast West Coast rivalry? ›

After Shakur's murder, it is widely agreed that B.I. G's murder the following year was a retaliation killing. This is why there was an East Coast vs West Coast rap feud. No one will ever know if it was set up by Wallace or not, but Shakur was so sure he declared war.

What is the main difference between the East coast and West Coast? ›

The beautiful landscapes, unique cultures, beaches, differences in weather, culture, and lifestyle are just some of the differences between the West and East Coasts.

Is there still an East Coast West Coast rivalry? ›

The East Coast-West Coast beef “still resonates today,” “History of Rap and Hip Hop” author Soren Baker says. There were many factors behind the complex New York vs. Los Angeles turf rivalry that heightened between 1994 and 1997 and ultimatley lead to their deaths.

Why are the East and West Coast so different? ›

The Atlantic and Pacific oceans bring very contrasting climates to the two coasts. In New York, long, snowy winters are contrasted by hot summers. Most of the East coast experiences all four seasons, while the West coast has a very different climate.

What happened between East Coast and West Coast? ›

The East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry was a dispute between artists and fans of the East Coast hip hop and West Coast hip hop scenes in the United States, especially from the mid-1990s.

What was the East Coast West Coast rivalry and who were the people involved? ›

The two main parties involved were West Coast-based rapper Tupac Shakur and his Los Angeles-based label Death Row Records, East Coast-based rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and his New York-base's label Bad Boy Records. Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were killed by unknown assailants in 1996 and 1997, respectively.

What was one of the main differences between East Coast and West Coast rap? ›

But was the music produced that different? Sure, to a certain extent—East Coast carries a more aggressive sound, while West Coast hip-hop is more laid back. The West Coast scene also popularized g-funk, which is a fusion between hip-hop and funk music.

Which is better East Coast or West Coast of USA? ›

The West Coast or the East Coast? Many people will have arguments for both coasts that will sound promising. However, the East Coast is by far much better, especially for first-time visitors to the United States. There are many reasons that the East Coast is better, and we will go through a lot of them.

Are there more people on the East Coast or West Coast? ›

The East Coast is the most populated coastal area in the United States.

What is the difference between West Coast and East Coast personality? ›

Folks from the West Coast say East Coasters are uptight, unfriendly, and stressed out. Meanwhile people on the East Coast tend to think of West Coasters as flakey, peaceful, and, maybe, healthier.

Is the West Coast or East Coast more liberal? ›

Also, it means that most people who live in the West Coast region have a generally more liberal or progressive attitude than the rest of the country. The phrase plays on the fact that the U.S. West Coast is on the left of the United States when viewing a map with north oriented at the top.

Is the East coast older than the West Coast? ›

The ground in the East is older, colder and more intact than the West Coast or the famous Pacific Ring of Fire. So East Coast quakes rattle an area up to 10 times larger than a similar-size West Coast temblor.

When was the East Coast West Coast rivalry born? ›

The origin of this rivalry can be traced back to 1991 when frustrated rapper Tim Dog released a song dissing the West Coast. This was due to the rejection of many East Coast artists in favor of West Coast artists of the time.

What happened in the East Coast and West Coast hip hop rivalry? ›

The well-documented East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry saw iconic record labels Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records feuding throughout the 1990s. The feud saw both camps lose artists — Tupac Shakur was tragically shot and killed in 1996 and The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed the following year.

Who is the feud between East Coast and West Coast rappers? ›

The East Coast and West Coast rivalry came to prominence because of a personal rivalry between two rappers: Tupac "2Pac" Shakur and Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace. Although 2Pac was born in New York, he lived a majority of his life on the west coast in California.

Was Tupac on the East or West Coast? ›

Tupac Shakur (1971-1996), also known by his stage name 2Pac was a rapper of the late 80's and 90's primarily associated with West Coast Hip Hop. Born in New York in 1971, lived much of his childhood on the East coast, moving to Baltimore in 1984, and eventually to the San Francisco Bay in 1988.

What is the difference between East Coast and West Coast oysters? ›

East Coast oysters are typically smoother with a large cup and crisp meat with a briny, savory flavor. By comparison, West Coast oysters typically have a ruffled shell with a deeper cup. The meat itself is sweet and plump with a subtle mineral flavor.

Why is Tupac considered West Coast? ›

Tupac is considered a "West Coast" rapper because he represented the west as a rapper. Although he did grow up in Baltimore and New York City, he didn't even try to become a rapper until after he moved to California. There he got acquainted with "The Digital Underground", and became their roady for touring.

What is the difference between West Coast beat and East Coast beat? ›

West coast rap features funk samples while east coast rap features jazz samples. While west coast sounds more lay back, east coast sounds more lyrical. As a result, west coast rap sounds chill and more musical, its subjects mostly about drugs, racial profiling, police brutality and slang.

What is the difference between West Coast and East Coast swing music? ›

The East Coast style of Swing is made up of two triple steps and one rock step. The West Coast style of Swing is made up of two walking steps and *two triple steps.

Is the West Coast cooler than the East Coast? ›

Along the west coast of the U.S., the California Current carries cold water from the polar region southward, keeping the west coast relatively cooler than the east coast.

Is it cheaper to live on the east or West Coast? ›

Expenses. There are many exceptions to this rule of thumb, but general cost of living is less on the West Coast than on the East Coast. Real estate prices are often cheaper, and utilities are frequently less expensive.

Is east or West Coast warmer? ›

Did you know the ocean along the east coast of the US is warmer than the ocean along the west coast of the US? It's true! There are large scale ocean currents that move water around in the oceans.

Why do most Americans live on the East coast? ›

Why is the eastern half of North America more populous than the western half? Climate: Eastern America is temperate and subtropical whereas Western America is drier in comparison. The lack of water resources in the west mean that large scale food production necessary for sustaining a large population is harder.

Why did East Coast and West Coast rappers hate each other? ›

The East Coast and West Coast rivalry came to prominence because of a personal rivalry between two rappers: Tupac "2Pac" Shakur and Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace. Although 2Pac was born in New York, he lived a majority of his life on the west coast in California.

Was public enemy West Coast or East Coast? ›

Public Enemy
Public Enemy performing in 2000
Background information
OriginLong Island, New York, U.S.
GenresPolitical hip hop East Coast hip hop hardcore hip hop progressive rap
8 more rows

Which two rap hip-hop rivals represented the face of the battle between East Coast and West Coast rap of the 1990s? ›

In the summer of 1997, hip-hop desperately needed to find its joy again following a presumed East Coast/West Coast rap rivalry left its two brightest stars, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., dead at the ages 25 and 24, respectively.

Which coast started hip-hop? ›

It's the East Coast because that's the epicenter, that's the foundation, that's where it began." Snoop added that a lot of the rappers from the West Coast imitated those they saw thriving on the East Coast, "All of the rappers that started in New York in the beginning was our foundation...

Why did Tupac support West Coast? ›

Tupac is considered a "West Coast" rapper because he represented the west as a rapper. Although he did grow up in Baltimore and New York City, he didn't even try to become a rapper until after he moved to California. There he got acquainted with "The Digital Underground", and became their roady for touring.

Why is Tupac considered a West Coast rapper? ›

Tupac Shakur (1971-1996), also known by his stage name 2Pac was a rapper of the late 80's and 90's primarily associated with West Coast Hip Hop. Born in New York in 1971, lived much of his childhood on the East coast, moving to Baltimore in 1984, and eventually to the San Francisco Bay in 1988.

Who started rap on the West Coast? ›

Ice-T is known as one of the pioneers of West Coast Hip Hop and gangsta rap, with songs such as "6 in the Mornin," released in 1986, demonstrating the unique style of the west coast.

How did West Coast hip hop start? ›

The origins of West Coast hip hop trace back to the late 1970s in Los Angeles when Alonzo Williams, a young disc jockey from Compton, California, began to DJ at parties and various venues in Southern California under the name "Disco Construction".

Who was part of East Coast hip hop? ›

Following this, early artists of hip hop such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, the Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Jam Master Jay and Run-DMC, pioneered East Coast hip hop during hip hop's earlier years in the 1970s and 1980s.

Who was America's first Public Enemy? ›

America's first Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger, was an idolized gangster who robbed and killed during the Great Depression. Considered a Robin Hood character by the public, in reality he was a prosaic gangster and a cold hearted killer.

Which is better East Coast or West Coast rap? ›

While west coast sounds more lay back, east coast sounds more lyrical. As a result, west coast rap sounds chill and more musical, its subjects mostly about drugs, racial profiling, police brutality and slang. On the other hand, east coast rap sounds hard hitting, and is played by a lot of MCs and deejays.

How did Public Enemy influence hip-hop? ›

More than any other Rap act, Public Enemy are credited with rewriting the rules of Hip Hop, both as a musical form and as a market force. To many, the group's arrival in the late 80s signaled Hip Hop's maturation into a serious art form, while broadening the genre's appeal to white Rock listeners.

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