London battler Shox The Rebel hit the scene in mid-2014 and has quickly become a recognizable and highly demanded name in U.K. battle rap. He's also one of the few British rappers to hit URL's channel (through the league's EURL co-production with Gift Of The Gab) where his authentic street style netted a co-sign from PG boss Norbes.
Shox's writing is vivid and violent with no hint of the satire often present in U.K. battle rap. He also sets himself apart by performing with the maturity and self-awareness of someone who has seen a lot in his life.
Here's an interview to help you get to know the rising star ahead of his battle with Jonny Storm on March 5.
Who are you?
Shox The Rebel.
Where are you from?
London City, England.
What’s it like there?
A melting pot of culture and ignorance, rich and poor. I love it.
How old are you?
34 going on 16.
How long have you been battling/rapping?
Rapping for a decade, battling for about 18 months.
What made you start?
I love shouting at people, rapping and watching battles. Made sense to try it out.
How would you describe your style in three words?
Aggressive, technical, punchy.
What makes you different from other battle rappers?
I think maybe my punchlines and my honesty. Every battler punches, but I write quite left field punches that can rock a room after people catch it. I'm also self aware and can get quite personal with my bars. But battling is just another form of rapping and when I rap, I vent.
What’s your best battle?
My one vs. Olde English I think.
What was your worst?
The 2-on-2 I did with Tali against Raptor and Briggzy. We didn't write until five days before and had no rehearsal except on the day. It was awful haha.
What did you learn from them?
Put effort into my writing AND performance. Rehearse and take this shit serious.
What’s surprised you the most since you started battling?
The reception from fans. I hate even writing that word because it makes me feel egotistical but that's what they are. Strangers who approach me or send me messages to tell me they get gassed off my writing or music. Especially my music. It's humbling.
What’s your favorite battle of all time?
This changes all the time. At the minute I'd swear it was Rum Nitty vs. Steams, as recent as it was.
Who’s in your current Top 5?
DYLAN DYLAN DYLAN nah I'm kidding. Quill, Rum Nitty, Hollow, Tony D, Soul.
Which battle rapper annoys you?
This could have 20 answers on it's own! Right now, Lexx Luthor and Arsonal. I fucking hate their attitudes. Fresco too. He's a fucking arsehole.
Who would you battle if you could choose anyone?
Rum Nitty.
What’s the biggest problem in battle rap?
Ego. Everyone is out for themselves. I want to push the scene collectively. I take battles to elevate the scene, not myself. My recent one-rounder against Templer proves that. If I think you're dope, I'll battle you. All this tiers and views talk, it's poison. I've had staff try set up fire battles with me and my opponents claim my name ain't big enough. Jonny Storm battles Charlie Clips then me. What more can I do with a buzz haha.
How would you fix it?
Make people earn their status through consistency. Set pay by performances and how you draw the crowd in, not what you THINK you're worth. We all know it'll never happen though.
What do you do when you’re not battling?
Raise kids, be a partner, grind, bring home the bacon and make music. I'm in my thirties so I've settled down a bit now.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a loving father, dedicated partner and open man who did more for others than himself. All the rest, it really doesn't matter to me.
See all of our coverage on Shox The Rebel and check this interview we did with him and Lu Cipher after they battled at Don't Flop's "7th Birthday Weekend."
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
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