Australia is full of talented battlers, those just about to make their mark, as well as veterans who have been carrying the scene through its growing pains. With the announcement of Don’t Flop relaunching its Oz division, one of battle rap’s largest and most successful platforms will once again thrust Australian talent back into the international spotlight. Some of you might be thinking this means more Anecdote, 360 or Kerser but the scene has grown considerably since Don't Flop was last on the continent.
A few of us (Codix, Avant Bard, Vega and I) put together a small guide to help you figure out who to watch out for. This is a big list so let's get started with some vets who are still active...
Manaz
He's battled Charron, Dizaster, Daylyt, Illmaculate, The Saurus — if you have never heard of Manaz Ill now is the time to catch up. Hilariously witty and incisive, he is a talented rapper with top tier abilities.
Battle to watch: Manaz vs. Charron
Purpose
Well-rounded, hard-working and charismatic — as well as a very capable rapper — Purpose is a great storyteller who uses all types of poetic devices in his attack.
Battle to watch: Purpose vs. Uno Lavoz
Dunn D
Dunn D has been battling consistently since 2010, an average of more than five battles a year. He's battled vets like Greeley, Kase Won and even Kerser. His powerful performance lends to his humble style, and his simple honesty and charisma is reminiscent of Oshea.
Battle to watch: Dunn D vs. Harry Baker
Greeley
Powerful presence with a great mix of jokes and rapping ability. Greeley is cemented top tier and the fourth most-viewed battler in Australia.
Battle to watch: Greeley vs. Purpose
Eljay
There is a lot of wordplay and comedy in Eljay's style that he uses to pick apart his opponents.
Battle to watch: Eljay vs. Manaz
Dwizofoz
Dwiz runs the Brisbane's Real Talk league and has been one of Australia's best battlers for many years. His background as a rapper helps round out his battling style as he is an energetic performer with a noticeably veteran pen game.
Battle to watch: Dwizofoz vs. D Bax
Dunks
Dunks' strength is real talk, breaking down his opponents with his aggressive yet technically diverse approach.
Battle to watch: Dunks vs. The Kid
Big Koz
Koz is also from Queensland and is a widely respected veteran known for his clever angles and the truly offensive power of his insults.
Battle to watch: Big Boz vs. Dunn D
Johnny Trash
Johnny's well-rounded and generally offensive style has been progressing since his debut, and in his last battle he showcased the most complete performance of his career. He's like an Australian Dirtbag Dan.
Battle to watch: Johnny Trash vs. Smegz
Azmatik
Multis, presence and clever writing are the reasons Azmatik is one of the best current battlers in Australia. He also helps run the league FBL.
Battle to watch: Azmatik vs. Darko
Creepy J
Self deprecating and original, Creepy J has a good sense of performance and technical writing ability. His slogan is ‘Fuck Creepy J.’ He has an intimidating W-L ratio, and recently took performance of the day at Amped Up’s "The Evolution" — the prize for which was a spot on the next DF Oz card.
Battle to watch: Creepy J vs. Avant Bard
D-Bax
D-Bax has an aggressive style that uses a lot of schemes and bars but has the depth to get away with some humor too. He is one of the most prolific battlers in Australia, having competed on pretty much every league against everyone active today.
Battle to watch: D-Bax vs. Jack Scarey
Kaotik
With his smart humor and angles, powerful projection and energetic delivery, Kaotik is one of the most well-rounded in this latest crop of battlers.
Battle to watch: Kaotik vs. DLiver
Vega
Vega is arguably the sharpest writer in Australia. After only five battles he is still rounding out the rest of his game but with a great stage presence and startling pen game he is quickly climbing the ranks and battle cards nationally.
Battle to watch: Vega vs. Darko
Matthew Klein
With a background in stand-up it's easy to see why his writing and reference game is on point. Creativity that matches well with his comedic performance, he raps too. Easily one of the top comedic battlers in Australia right now.
Battle to watch: Matthew Klein vs. Creepy J
Jiburish
Jiburish is naturally funny and has a sharp wit that helps him control the crowd. He's especially entertaining when he uses multis and storytelling to hit his punchlines. With 19 battles under his belt he is one of the best battlers in New Zealand.
Battle to watch: Jiburish vs. Te Kahu
Ted
Incisive and witty, Ted is a promising prospect. His relaxed delivery and interesting wardrobe choices help him to stand out but his clever one liners and well-written rounds are why he's on this list.
Battle to watch: Ted vs. Johnny Trash
Mahvel
Mahvel is a great writer and delivers on his pen game consistently. Early in his battling career he won the Amped Up title and has retained it since.
Battle to watch: Mahvel vs. Sturdy
Sturdy
Powerful delivery separates Sturdy from others in the scene. He is a natural entertainer who controls the crowd and understands how to get the most out of his character.
Battle to watch: Sturdy vs. D-Bax
Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
{{ comment.author.name }}
{{ reply.author.name }}