10 Reasons Why Battle Rap Is the Next Big Thing
Hip-hop has always been fiercely competitive. Its history contains numerous heated (yet highly entertaining) on-stage, on-mic battles that are still debated to this day. Nods to Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee Starski’s battle in 1981 at the industry-famous Harlem World that is cited by many as being one of the first emcee battles, as well as KRS-One’s back-and-forth with MC Shan. Contemporary examples include Jay Z and Nas’s infamous war of words at the turn of the new century, and of course, The Game and 50 Cent’s fiery enduring feud.
Despite the string of classic and omnipresent lyrical clashes, the competitive emceeing element of hip-hop has recently taken more of a backseat, leading to the birth of a new subculture: battle rap. Today, the contemporary format of battling is more popular than ever. There are numerous platforms that have been established to promote the “sport,” including the United States’ leading stage SMACK/Ultimate Rap League, and Canada’s premier platform, King Of The Dot. Moreover, the sub-culture is a recognized breeding ground for top emcees. Here are 10 reasons why this sub-culture is hip-hop’s next big thing.
People Are Seeking It Out
Battle events very often attract crowds in their hundreds, if not thousands, and the YouTube videos attract views into the millions. For example, the headlining battle from SMACK/Ultimate Rap League’s “Summer Madness 4” event that pitted Tsu Surf up against Hitman Holla amassed close to one million views in just 30 days.
Industry Artists Are Entering The Battle Arena
On July 12, 2014, the culture of battle rap infiltrated the headlines like never before. The Eminem and Shady Records-backed “Total Slaughter” event in the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York had thousands of fans turning out to watch history. Industry artist and known battle rap aficionado Joe Budden jumped into the ring to face off against Hollow Da Don, one of the culture’s premier emcees. This battle pushed the movement into the public, being covered on major publications and becoming one of the most talked-about moments in battle rap’s history. Yesterday, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper Cassidy faceed off against Dizaster in California. Elsewhere, icons such as Joell Ortiz, Fredro Starr, Royce Da 5’9, Keith Murray, Eminem, and Drake are all frequently linked to an appearance in the battle ring. Long may this trend continue.
Financial Investment
Besides its impressive expansion, battle rap’s latest chapter has experienced major fiscal investment. Billionaire Alki David’s FilmOn venture has teamed up with veteran battle rap associate Lush One’s Fresh Coast Media Group to craft an event titled “Ether,” which went down this weekend in Los Angeles. With Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper Cassidy scheduled to battle Dizaster, the former received a rumored $250,000 paycheck for his performance. Elsewhere, battlers signing exclusivity contracts has become increasingly popular.
Battle Rap Is Centered On Lyricism
Despite being shunted further and further down the list of essentials in modern rap, lyricism is still rap’s bedrock, and battle rap re-emphasizes its importance. It removes the radio-friendliness, the pop-infused beats (contemporary battling is customarily a capella), taking hiphop back to its rawest, angriest, and most compelling.
It’s Entertaining
At its core, battle rap is entertaining. The lyrical acrobatics of the culture’s elite is a must-watch for any fan. No matter the battlers, nor the platform, each battle is sure to offer laughter, excitement and jaw-dropping rhymes and punchlines.
Co-Signs From Majors
The contemporary format of battling has received co-signs from hip-hop’s most notable: Eminem, Dr. Dre, Drake, Slaughterhouse, Jadakiss… The list of mainstream artists approving the culture of battle rap goes on and on.
More Diversity
Like its parent culture, battle rap is a heavily male-dominated domain. But specific leagues have been established to promote women battlers, most notably Queen Of The Ring. Some of their battles have reached over half a million views, and their YouTube account currently sits at over 130,000 subscribers.
It’s Available Everywhere and Easily Accessible
Technological advances have only furthered battle rap. Before YouTube, battles used to come out through the SMACK platform on DVD, meaning accessibility was troublesome, deterring the casual fan. Today, anyone with a sufficient Internet connection can get an impressive catalog of battles wherever and whenever.
It’s International
Battle rap doesn’t just operate within the United States, either. Canada’s leading league, King Of The Dot, has played host to some of the biggest and most-viewed battles in the history of the sport. If we travel across the pond, England’s Don’t Flop league regularly hosts events that sees crowds in the hundreds.
Battle Rap Is Not Oversaturated… Yet
Even as the popularity of battle rap has surged to new heights, the culture is currently operating at optimal level, without oversaturation and sacrificing quality. However, with new leagues emerging regularly, and the same big-name battlers being booked for every major event, league owners must tread carefully in order to preserve and sustain the future path of this rapidly growing sub-culture.
Hip-hop has always been fiercely competitive. Its history contains numerous heated (yet highly entertaining) on-stage, on-mic battles that are still debated to this day. Nods to Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee Starski’s battle in 1981 at the industry-famous Harlem World that is cited by many as being one of the first emcee battles, as well as KRS-One’s back-and-forth with MC Shan. Contemporary examples include Jay Z and Nas’s infamous war of words at the turn of the new century, and of course, The Game and 50 Cent’s fiery enduring feud.
Despite the string of classic and omnipresent lyrical clashes, the competitive emceeing element of hip-hop has recently taken more of a backseat, leading to the birth of a new subculture: battle rap. Today, the contemporary format of battling is more popular than ever. There are numerous platforms that have been established to promote the “sport,” including the United States’ leading stage SMACK/Ultimate Rap League, and Canada’s premier platform, King Of The Dot. Moreover, the sub-culture is a recognized breeding ground for top emcees. Here are 10 reasons why this sub-culture is hip-hop’s next big thing.