Since Joey Bada$$ initiated his high-profile feud with several West Coast rappers in January, fans have largely focused on his solo efforts to defend East Coast pride. Yet Pro Era cofounder CJ FLY has quietly stood alongside his longtime friend, offering unwavering support behind the scenes. Today, CJ FLY steps into the spotlight with his latest diss track, “STINGray,” proving that he’s more than just a hype man—he’s a lyrical heavyweight in his own right.
Released on May 20, “STINGray” marks CJ FLY’s second salvo aimed squarely at TDE emcee Ray Vaughn. As one of four California spitters who have squared off with Joey Bada$$—alongside battle rap veteran Daylyt, Top Dawg signee REASON, and emerging MC Az Chike—Ray Vaughn has found that CJ FLY’s precision matches his teammate’s fiery intensity. Notably, Daylyt fired back earlier today with his third rebuttal, “WRD2MIMVA,” escalating the coast-to-coast showdown to new heights.
Across the feud’s multiple tracks, “STINGray” stands out for its brutal closing bar: “If the world knew what n—injas knew about you, they would jump off a bridge too.” By invoking the tragic death of Capital Steez—Joey’s close friend and Pro Era cofounder—CJ FLY delivers a gut-punch that underscores both his loyalty and his willingness to push boundaries. In doing so, he reminds listeners of Pro Era’s origins and the pain that still resonates within the crew.
On “STINGray,” CJ FLY peppers his verses with witty wordplay and unapologetic mockery. He skewers Ray Vaughn’s recent complaints about mixing quality:
“You must be sauced like BBQ’s
You complained about the mix
I hope you love this CDQ
I could tell that he lactose
’Cause this small fry don’t see DQ’s.”
The track’s chilling beat provides a fitting backdrop for CJ FLY’s acerbic flow, punctuating each bar with a sense of menace. He turns the heat up even higher in the second verse:
“I would expose you but you’ve already did that
You took your d**k out in public, they never pictured you’d flash
Public indecency now you showing your a*s.”
By painting Vaughn as increasingly desperate and erratic, CJ FLY not only defends Joey’s reputation but also stakes his own claim as a formidable spitfire. He continues:
“Held a chopper with a pink skirt while you was throwing it back
Then you shot a video naked holding a shotty
You washed up, should’ve known you would fold all this dirty laundry.”
With momentum firmly on their side, Pro Era has unleashed two potent tracks in rapid succession. Yet despite CJ FLY’s standout performance, it’s clear that the ball is back in Joey Bada$$’s court. Can he match the precision and intensity of “STINGray,” or will he pivot to a new tactic altogether? One thing is certain: East Coast fans are hungry for a countermove, and the next chapter of this coast-to-coast clash promises to be just as electrifying.
