The context of "Calling Out Names" is rooted in the volatile nature of early 2000s hip-hop, a period marked by fierce rivalries and high-profile feuds. Kurupt, a former member of Tha Dogg Pound and an artist closely associated with Death Row Records, was no stranger to the drama. In "Calling Out Names," he addresses personal grievances and industry tensions head-on, particularly targeting rappers DMX and Ja Rule.
Kurupt's primary target in the song is DMX. The diss track also takes shots at Ja Rule, adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing beef between different factions in the rap community. Kurupt's no-holds-barred approach exemplifies the era's competitive nature, where artists often aired their grievances and settled scores through their music.
"Calling Out Names" is significant not only for its lyrical content but also for its impact on the hip-hop landscape. It serves as a snapshot of a turbulent time in the genre, reflecting the intense rivalries that helped shape the careers of many artists involved. For Kurupt, the song reinforced his reputation as a fearless and formidable lyricist, unafraid to speak his mind and defend his place in the rap game.