I gotta say, even though Nas has consistently been the better lyricist before and during their feud, Jay-Z's song "Threat" is one of the greatest he ever wrote. Full of arrogant swagger and intricate wordplay, this gem from 2003's
The Black Album is, lyrically, one of the best songs Jay-Z has ever created. If you are looking for one of the greatest 16 bars ever, I would humbly and respectfully direct you to the second verse of that song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxQIKmtX5k8
"Grown man, I'll put hands on you. Dig a hole in the desert
Then build the Sands on you. Lay out blueprint plans on you.
We're 'Rat Pack' [brothers]-- Let 'Sam' tap dance on you,
Then, I, 'Sinatra', shot-cha-- God damn you!
I'll put the boy in the box, like David Blaine.
Let the audience watch; it ain't a thing.
Y'all wish I was frontin'. I'll 'George Bush' the button.
For the oil in your car: 'Lift up your hood, [sucker]! Run it!'
Then, lift up your whole hood, like you got oil under it.
Your boy's got the goods. Y'all don't want none of it,
Like castor oil. I'll 'Castor Troy' you;
Change your face, 'fore the bullets change all that for you.
Y'all [suckers] is targets. Y'all are garages
For bullets. Please don't make me park it
In your 'upper level'. I'll valet a couple strays
From the .38 Special-- [sucker], God bless you."
The lyrics were tight, the flow was tight, and the beat by 9th Wonder was exceptional.
If Jay-Z had responded to Nas' "Ether" with
this track, Jay-Z would have won that feud.