It’s unquestionable that battle rap’s popularity has ascended to new heights in recent times. The scene has welcomed new battlers, new leagues and experienced more endorsements from mainstream artists than ever before. Eminem, Drake, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, and DJ Skee are just some of the names from hip hop’s wider sphere that have embraced and accepted the culture’s contemporary format.
Battle rap’s fame reached a new pinnacle on July 12, 2014 with the Eminem-backed “Total Slaughter” event on the tail of the “Road To Total Slaughter” reality TV series. During the event, Joe Budden faced battle titan Hollow Da Don in a much-debated match-up that was arguably the biggest battle in the history of the sport.
But leagues are already trying to surpass the hype from that battle by booking well-known industry rappers, namely Lush One's Fresh Coast venture where Dizaster will take on Cassidy.
Atlanta-based league MC WAR has also continued the industry-rappers-battling trend with their “New World Order II” event that features Fredro Starr vs. Keith Murray and Bone Crusher vs. Mike Jones.
Even AHAT is getting into the spirit of it with an upcoming event featuring Jayo Felony.
So here we present to you 10 industry rappers who have already stepped into the competitive arena that is battle rap.
Canibus vs. Dizaster
Where: King Of The Dot’s “Vendetta”
When: June 9, 2012
This was a disastrous night for Canibus and a topic his diehard fans will most likely try to avoid. As Canibus entered the venue with his arm in a sling, things already weren’t looking promising. His first couple rounds weren’t jaw-dropping but he still held up his end before the unimaginable happened… The rapper once famed for his battling prowess admitted defeat at the start of his third round, then pulled out a notepad and read the remainder of his verse. Words cannot translate this universally mocked cultural moment so be sure to just watch the video.
Joe Budden vs. Hollow Da Don
Where: “Total Slaughter”
When: July 12, 2014
This was the biggest moment in battle rap yet. Don't believe us? Check Google Trends. After months of promotion, Joe Budden and Hollow Da Don finally faced off against one another at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York in front of a crowd of thousands of fans and dozens of VIPs. Despite many fans believing Budden was headed for a win, his ultimate demise came in the third round when his reaction to the crowd’s booing was one of dejection and subsequent mulishness. Hollow went on to pick up the judges' decision.
This battle hasn't dropped on YouTube yet, but you can watch it on demand.
Ab-Soul vs. Daylyt
Where: Off Ab-Soul’s These Days… album
Released: June 24, 2014
Ab-Soul’s third album, These Days…, featured a 23-minute cut in which he battles it out with Watts, California-native Daylyt. “W.R.O.H. (We Really Out Here),” the album’s last track, was heavily debated on social media following its release with Soulo’s core following believing the TDE member was victorious. Of course, most fans of battle rap didn’t agree, seeing it as a comfortable win for Daylyt.
Mistah F.A.B. vs. MC Jin
Where: "Hot Import Nights" in San Mateo
When: 2005
This battle, between Hyphy movement pioneer Mistah F.A.B. and Freestyle Friday phenom/Ruff Ryders artist MC Jin is legendary. The consensus from fans in attendance and from those commenting online seems to be that MC Jin left the winner, but both lyricists held their own.
Royce Da 5’9 vs. Mistah F.A.B.
Where: AllHipHop’s “Celebrity Rap Battle”
When: September 18, 2007
In a battle that was also set to feature Little Brother’s Phonte and Joe Budden (although both backed out), Oakland’s Mistah F.A.B. and Detroit’s Royce Da 5’9 faced off in New York. Following the battle, in which Mistah F.A.B. was named the winner, the pair kept up the rivalry, going back-and-forth with a slew of diss tracks. The two have since squashed their beef and have both hinted at a return to the ring.
Madchild vs. Dirtbag Dan
Where: King Of The Dot’s “World Domination 2”
When: August 5, 2011
Canadian rapper Madchild first made a name for himself with Vancouver-based group Swollen Members. In 2011, he made his KOTD debut against San Jose’s Dirtbag Dan, illustrating his artistic traits with rounds filled with meaningful lyrics while Dirtbag Dan stuck with more traditional, hard-hitting bars. Madchild was also supposed to face Australian battler 360 in KOTD in 2012, but the battle was postponed and has yet to be rescheduled.
Tumi vs. Ness Lee
Where: Scrambles4Money’s “Talk Is Cheap 2”
When: April 26, 2014
South African rapper and poet Tumi Molekane faced off against Atlanta battler Ness Lee earlier this year at Zen Club in Johannesburg. Tumi’s home-crowd advantage played an obvious part in the huge reactions he got but Ness Lee stood his ground, firing back with an array of punchlines. He also demonstrated his research skills with a strong display of colloquial references.
Busta Rhymes vs. High School Kid
Where: High school hallways
When: Pre-2007
There isn't much information about this low quality video of Busta Rhymes going up against what appears to be a high school kid calling him out in the hallways of his school while his classmates cheer. Busta definitely gives them all a lesson in how to curse though.
Eminem vs. Marv Won
Where: Deleted scene from “8 Mile”
When: ~2002
Eminem’s Oscar winning “8 Mile” is the cultural reference many battle rap enthusiasts start with when defining the scene to those unfamiliar with it. In this deleted scene from the 2002 movie, Eminem went up against fellow Detroit lyricist Marv Won. The scene was never meant to have Eminem actually rapping it it, but after Marv dropped a verse and the crowd started taunting him, Em couldn't help but respond. His flow is, as always, immaculate and Marv’s punchlines don’t go unnoticed.
Tony D vs. Don't Flop
Following his involvement in London-based hip hop group Poisonous Poets alongside Lowkey and Doc Brown, Tony D decided to jump into the ring and today resides as the current Don’t Flop champion. Since his debut, he's cemented his reputation as a battler and has paved the way for other U.K. artists (like Skirmish) to test the waters. Although the reigning DF champion, Tony D’s next promo battle is arguably his toughest to date as he goes up against Shotty Horroh in front of Shotty's hometown crowd in an event fittingly titled “Manchester vs. London.”
BattleRap.com recently spoke with Tony D about his upcoming clash with Shotty Horroh. Check out the full interview here.
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