FilmOn is stepping back into the battle rap scene after their controversial "Ether" event last year. This time the Internet-based television service is launching an online talk show starring Fresh Coast figurehead Lush One and Erica Mena (formerly of Love & Hip Hop and currently Bow Wow's fiancee). The first episode also features 2008 American Idol finalist Asia'h Epperson as a co-host. Future guests will include rappers Daylyt and Bizzy Bone.
The first episode explores battle rap, hip-hop and pop culture and features Dizaster as a guest. It also has a lengthy conversation about cupcakes as a metaphor for inner strength.
Many battle rap fans have met the announcement of the new show with contempt. FilmOn's standing among core fans has been low since the non-payment issues of "Ether" and the staged fight between Lush One and FilmOn owner Alki David.
KOTD staff member KingFly was vocal about his disdain for the company:
But not all reviews for the show have been negative:
@iamErica_Mena got me super hyped watching her on @EtherWeekly!! She knows what hip hop is and clearly delivered the truth. Go watch it now
— Nique ♍️🟪🐺 (@missunique4eva) February 21, 2015
Ayo @iamErica_Mena I dig you waaaay better on @EtherWeekly‼️#GoodFit #GladYouLeftLHHNY 💯 pic.twitter.com/fd4MQOwoEB
— Chae (@ChaeDolla) February 21, 2015
UPDATE: Lush One addressed some of the criticism on Facebook.
Hahaha I feel y'all.. Keep in mind it's not really a battle rap show, more mainstream gossip based etc but it has a battle rap element. It's more to get a new contingent of fans (females in particular) interested in battle rap. It's to inject the conversation of battle rap into more circles where it's not as common & make that more common. There's already SEVERAL shows which are very comprehensive and analyze battle rap on a much deeper level. DBD show, war report, angry fan radio, Sara's show, bishop's show, battle rap arena, hhrt, etc.. Me doing one like that adds absolutely nothing to the landscape.
On top of that it's my job, I get paid nicely to do that and this is how I support my family.
The episodes get a lot better as do the girl's knowledge tho. Daylyt's on episode 2, Bizzy Bone on episode 3, & more.
If you watch the first episode I educate a lot of ppl who haven't ever watched battles on KOTD & a lot more. Like I said, it gets doper too.
Anyways, thanks for tuning in. Even if your just LOLin at it I appreciate the eyes regardless
FilmOn's Contest To Battle Daylyt & Dizaster
FilmOn also launched a contest to win $1,000 by battling Daylyt and Dizaster on the channel's BattleCam site. Entry costs $20.
Thoughts on the show? Let us know in the comments section below.
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