RBE has been making noise in New York since it first launched, but 2015 was the year that it really came into its own. It continued to develop its roster, providing a platform for underrated talents like Ah Di Boom, Showoff, Mr. Mill$, Jimz, Ooops, Big Kannon and JC. The gambit paid off too, with those names showing up all over this Best Of 2015 list.
Here are our picks for the best RBE releases of the year.
Daylyt vs. Ooops
Who: Ooops (St. Louis, Mo.) vs. Daylyt (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Where: RBE's "Blood Sweat & Tiers 2" in Manhattan, N.Y.
When: April 18, 2015
Fans were singing this battle's praises since the day it went down, and as soon as the footage dropped the battle was everywhere, impacting many viewers on a personal level.
The battle itself takes “debatable” to the next level. Day has a premium first round, Ooops dominates the second, and the third is just too damn real to call. Day shows another side of himself in confronting Ooops' self-righteousness with his own war stories and callous thoughts on the protest movement. Ooops gives a harrowing account of his painful relationship with his daughter and his constant battle with cancer.
Chilla Jones vs. Danny Myers
Who: Chilla Jones (Boston, Mass.) vs. Danny Myers (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Where: RBE's "Lift His Soul 2" in Brooklyn, N.Y.
When: Sept. 6, 2015
Insert “wow, another Writers Bloque classic” line here. Right? I mean, it’s just getting ridiculous at this point. Danny Myers and Chilla Jones clash for yet another entry, and RBE is unsurprisingly the perfect stage for it.
Chilla stays consistent in this appearance with a third round that shines above the rest. He heats up throughout the battle in terms of crowd reaction, and he makes the bold choice to get somewhat personal in Round 3. “I paid JC $600 and made a classic. You paid Rex $12K…” Yikes. I don’t care how many times you’ve watched Chilla’s rounds; watch them again with our transcription of the lyrics because I’m almost positive you missed something.
Even against KingPen, Danny is starting to look unstoppable in a small room. His energy is simply unrelenting, and when the crowd doesn't care about hating on him for whatever reason, it’s a tough day at the office for anyone facing him. In the building, it was almost impossible not to call this 3-0, but it’s just a good old-fashioned classic on cam.
Mr. Mill$ vs. Big Kannon
Who: Mr. Mill$ (Gary, Ind.) vs. Big Kannon (Chicago, Ill.)
Where: RBE's "Blood Sweat & Tiers 2" in New York City, N.Y.
When: April 18, 2015
Like so many RBE uploads, one could argue that this is a classic. Big Kannon came with a typically sharp performance, and Mr. Mill$ more than rose to the occasion in being given a shot against the bigger name.
Both emcees were consistent throughout this clash, and there’s plenty of debate to be had as to who won. Interestingly though, this battle was judged. Mill$ ended up taking it on a split decision, probably off the strength of his second and third rounds. We were in the building for this, and Mill$’ relentless delivery, particularly in the second round, made it impossible for the crowd to calm down.
Although Mill$ generally spazzed and flipped Kannon’s name quite impressively, Kannon once again made a case for being the best name flipper in battle rap. You’ll be shocked at how creative his manipulation of mill/meal/etc. is throughout, and the rest of his content is fresh as well.
Big Kannon vs. JC
Who: Big Kannon (Chicago, Ill.) vs. JC (Detroit, Mich.)
Where: RBE's "Lift His Soul 2" in Queens, N.Y.
When: Sept. 6, 2015
The highlight of this battle is probably Big Kannon’s first, and it’s a building shaker. At this point, you’d have to weave together a pretty complex argument to dispute him being the nameflip GOAT. Surprise surprise, there’s a lot you can do with “J,” and Kannon’s flips are the cream of the crop. Interestingly, he makes a point in Round 2 by sticking to freestyle, the point presumably being that you suck if you can’t.
JC is a small-room veteran, and it shows. His setups are some of the smoothest and most meticulous in battle rap, and his second and third rounds are glowing examples of that. This is a debatable classic, but if writing means a lot to you, you’ll probably go with JC.
Ill Will vs. Big Kannon
Who: Big Kannon (Chicago, Ill.) vs. Ill Will (Pontiac, Mich.)
Where: RBE's "Blood Sweat & Tiers" event at Club DROM in New York, N.Y.
When: Nov. 1, 2014
This battle may have happened in 2014, but the footage dropped in early 2015 and remained one of the league's best releases of the year.
The match-up was supposed to be Big Kannon vs. Arsonal, but Ars pulled out, leaving Ill Will as the replacement, who was sitting on unused content from his own cancelled "Summer Madness 4" battle with Arsonal (and then Math Hoffa). Many fans had given up on Will after his off performance against DNA, but here he showed he was still capable of the red-hot performances that first made him popular.
Kannon stays consistent for all three rounds, while Ill Will has higher highs and lower lows. Kannon makes the crowd screwface. Will makes them laugh. Ultimately the winner comes down to whose style you prefer, but it doesn't really matter because the battle itself is great.
Words by Jackson Yates and Chris Mitchell.
Don't miss the rest of our 2015 In Review coverage.
What were your favorite RBE releases from 2015? Let us know in the comments below.
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