Finding The Lost Art Of Battle Rap
- Khotso Isaacs
- Jun 28, 2024
- 3 min read
We recently celebrated 50 years of hip hop, an astonishing milestone for this culture that we love dearly. While rap has transcended the music industry as one of the most commercially appealing genres, there are quite a number of individuals who stick to the core fundamentals of being a true emcee. This is not to say that commercial artists are not true emcees, trust me, they are.
Just as crucial to our contemporary rap style is the forgotten skill of battle rap. The real question is, has it truly been forgotten? Or are we simply not giving it the attention it deserves.
For a while now, there has been a rising community of rappers engaging in lyrical battles, crafting rhymes tailored specifically for their opponents . This is quite a rare skill that these artists showcase as it is not solely based on their rapping ability but the performance that comes with their rhymes. The antiquated style of rapping is out the window. Instead, we see a more structured approach in modern day battle rap. With three separate rounds, each round ranging from 2-3 minutes (or even more), in todays world of battle rap artists get a bit more creative with how they approach a battle. A multi-syllable style of rap, a more comedic approach, getting personal with the opponent, these are some of the examples that rappers might use to gain an upper hand to gaining victory in a battle.
Deciding who wins, or who performs better, can be influenced by factors such as stage presence, interaction with the audience, improvisation skills, storytelling prowess, level of disrespect, aggression, and more. This is a very entertaining skillset that is showcased by these individuals and has gained a lot of recognition internationally. Having various battle leagues worldwide like URL, KODT, Rare Breed Ent, Don't Flop, and others, this setup allows these leagues to display their talents in diverse regions through collaboration with different leagues.
It can be argued that this is also a method to generate monetary value for both entities and individuals, in addition to avenues like paid subscriptions, pay-per-view events, merchandise sales, tours, and collaborations with external brands.
Locally, battle rap has been gaining momentum for a considerable period. While there aren't as many leagues in South Africa, the existing few that we have show that there is still an appreciation for the art. For a lot of us, our introduction to battle rap from a local perspective was Scrambles 4 Money, a formerly renowned league that, unfortunately, is on an extended break. This is the platform where we witnessed formidable contenders such as Cerebro, Tumi Molekane (Stogie T), Kadence, Pava Gunz and One L. These rappers introduce a distinctive element that enhances the relatability and pleasure of their raps, underscoring the significance of context.
Here is a look at some of the current existing battle leagues that you can look out for:
Rap Battle Association (RBA)
It's easy to claim to be a hip-hop enthusiast, but true dedication is shown through active participation in shaping the culture. Founded by prominent Pretoria rap artists A-Reece, Jay Jody, Nveigh, and Blaklez, the Rap Battle Association is a platform where emcees pick each other apart in the quest to be crowned King. Although the league is still relatively new, it does show a lot of promise in the battle rap culture. With over 5K subscribers on YouTube, and +40K views for the battle between Heit vs Tee Starz, the league includes familiar names like Don Veedo and Illy Amin (formerly of Scrambles 4 Money) in its roster.
Diamond City Battle League
Birthed in the diamond city of Kimberley, DCBL has been a growing league that has done well in showcasing raw talent in the city. Hosted by King Keyla, Metamore, MC Koke, and other 053 hip-hop pioneers, the league promotes competitive sportsman spirit, offering a platform for battle rap artists to express their art.
Zulluminati Nation
Originating from Secunda Mpumalanga, Zulluminati Nation has showcased top-tier emcees from all over the country. Their events like Endgame: Titans, Rumble In Zamunda, and Backlash have been outstanding. Led by Pava Gunz (formerly of Scrambles 4 Money) and other influential figures from Secunda, the league has featured renowned artists including Jake Baker, Kuss Diverse, Verbalist, and Blain.
Hip Hop 411
Diving into a realm of beats, poetic rhymes, and rhythmic vibes, Hip Hop 411 delivers rap showdowns, cyphers, and captivating shows featuring top talents in South African Hip Hop . It represents the essence of a vibrant industry centered on collaboration and innovation. This digital platform and production company offers a range of online services and demonstrates excellence in all stages of creativity. Not only has the league had amazing cards, but they also provide in-depth analysis through a battle rap podcast series hosted by BangX and Killer Verb.
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