Top 10 Battle Rappers Of 2015 So Far (Part 2)

Here it is, our Top 5 battlers for the first six months of the year. As we explained in Part 1 yesterday, we got six separate lists from the site's editorialists and a couple of other hand-picked experts and then averaged those picks out for this final order. Check back tomorrow to see those individual selections, the point tallies for every battler and the honorable mentions.

5. PAT STAY

Opponents: Charron, Calicoe

Despite not being as active as some battlers on the list, Pat Stay has kept up his elite standing through sheer quality. The reigning KOTD champ began 2015 looking to preserve his status as the best battle rapper in Canada. He accomplished that against Charron at "Blackout 5," where he extended his hold on the KOTD chain (again) by prevailing in one of the most anticipated Canadian match-ups ever.

Some people questioned whether he could navigate an aggressive opponent in front of his first American crowd. He did that successfully against Detroit's Calicoe at "MASSacre," delivering a solid performance in what became a heated battle. Fortunately both emcees and their camps maintained their composure, and Pat ended with an excellent round about rising above the violence that only landed harder because of the situation that night.

Pat's also one of the few emcees that Hollow Da Don considers worthy competition.

4. K-SHINE

Opponents: Mr. Wavy, Aye Verb, Dirtbag Dan* (short-notice replacement for DNA), Strizzy Streetz
Doubles opponents (with DNA): Syahboy & John John Da Don, Aye Verb & Hitman Holla, Marv Won & Quest Mcody

This year, K-Shine turned a rocky start into a killing spree, and it’s been the jolt that his career needed. Naysayers were unexcited for him to face anyone at "Rookies vs. Vets," and arguably losing to Mr. Wavy only exasperated this disinterest.

But as we’ve noted repeatedly, NWX has brought something out of each of its members this year. Whether teaming up as a 2-on-2 was part of a larger plan or just something Eurgh asked them to do at Don’t Flop Atlanta, it marked a turning point for both DNA and Shine. Ironically, the Shine that faced DNA was back, with haymaker punchlines and electrifying energy.

Shine’s other highlights include smoking Aye Verb’s boots as the underdog at NOME 5 only to have a classic 2-on-2 against him and Hitman weeks later, and replacing DNA to beat Dirtbag Dan on about eight-hours notice at "MASSacre."

3. HOLLOW DA DON

Opponents: Charlie Clips

Arguably the biggest battle announced this year so far has been the main event for URL's "Night Of Main Events 5." It pitted the then-current #1 in battle rap Charlie Clips against one of the all-time greats of the modern era, Hollow Da Don. Considering Hollow is the one on this list, you can imagine how it went. He provided a masterclass in breaking down Clips’ style in fresh, clever, memorable ways. Will anyone ever forget Hollow leading the crowd in punchline predictions for Clips-style bars?

The solid majority of fans and experts gave the win to Hollow, and his first two rounds were almost universally praised. The only complaints one can really have about him are that his third round took some of the shine out of his performance when he lost the crowd, and that he's the least active battler on this list (not counting his impromptu battles for Adult Swim).

2. CHILLA JONES

Opponents: 100 Bulletz, Math Hoffa, Conceited, Dizaster

Chilla gave even more credence to his “Mr. Jump To Top Tier From The Proving Grounds” slogan this year, taking on some of the hugest names in battle rap (as well as 100 Bulletz). His timing has been as impressive as his talent too. He was in the right place (his home state of Massachusetts) to get Conceited at “MASSacre” and was also around at the right time to fill in on short notice as the opponent for Math Hoffa at DF Atlanta’s “Resurrection” and Dizaster at KOTD’s “Back To Basics 2.” Regardless of how he got those opportunities, he’s made the most of them and his pen has been strong enough to compete with some wildly charismatic opponents.

The scariest thing though is that he keeps getting better. He seems intent on perfecting his craft, and regularly fine tunes his style in response to the feedback fans give him.

1. RONE

Opponents: Big T, Daylyt, The Saurus, Goodz, Marv Won

Things seem to finally be going Rone’s way.

His opponents have mostly stopped no-showing, and his performances against Big T, Marv Won and The Saurus have all been top notch, meeting each of them at or near their peak to produce some of the most rewatchable battles of the year.

Even Daylyt walking out of their DF Philly battle wasn't enough to steal Rone's spotlight, and he was able to get out all of his content in front of his hometown crowd and still have people saying he had performance of the night.

His creativity has gone a long way too. Who else could make a concept round of fat jokes — easily one of the most played-out angles in all of battle rap — sound fresh enough to go viral to some 10 million people across the Internet?

Critics will hold up his performance against Goodz at “MASSacre" as a reason to keep Rone out of this top spot, and while it wasn't his best work, he still had enough standout material to keep it debatable.

That he placed high enough on every panelist's list to make it to #1 only shows how incredibly accessible and likable he is across all fanbases.

Now go check out our picks for the first five Rone battles to watch.

Or read our full breakdown of the list, as well as the individual picks from our six panelists, the point tallies and the honorable mentions.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.