As RMR continues to bring more exposure to the MC battle culture, it’s important to know who the top dogs of battle rap are and the nature of the events they perform in.
Smack & Beasley run a number of series showcasing the lower, mid-level and top tier talents. These include Proving Grounds, Rookies vs. Vets, Born Legacy and N.O.M.E. (Night of the Main Event) just to name a few.
Proving Grounds is where new faces make a name for themselves – sink or swim is your only option as a “PG”. If proven there, advancing to a Rookie vs. Vets card may be your next stop; also a tough battle. If battlers can hold their own here, the next step may be a Born Legacy card. This card is where I believe the exposing get’s done.
Some could say Rookie vs. Vet’s card is the first stage of true exposure. However, in that stage, viewers are still feeling out a rookie’s talents, probably even anticipating an L against the vet. Whereas in Born Legacy, battlers have now ascended above their PG class, they’ve given vets a run for their money and now they have an opportunity to become a staple in the game. There’s a certain level of expectation viewers have for a battler on a card like this. Last but not least, there is N.O.M.E. Once you’ve made it here, you are either top tier or have begun to be apart of that conversation. Only the best of the best exist on this card.
Keep in mind, this isn’t every battlers route to the top, but it isn’t an uncommon one either. Other cards and battles that are not as high profile still play a key role for battlers reputations. Every win is a bragging point and every loss is a shot for your next opponent to take.
Now that you’ve got an idea of what the different tier of events are, now we make our way to the battlers. There is no shortage of MC’s in today’s culture, but just like in anything, there is only a handful who can call themselves top tier. My list will only feature the top CURRENT talents. If you’re a fan of URL and don’t some of the legends listed, we’re saving that for later. That being said, keep your eye out for these battler’s.
Tay Roc – Baltimore, Maryland.
- Aggression
- Lyrical
- Word Play
- Self-proclaimed “Gun Bar King”
Tsu Surf – Newark, New Jersey
- Crowd Control
- Lyrical
- Powerful Delivery
- Performance
Rum Nitty – Phoenix, Arizona.
- Punchlines
- Delivery
- Aggression
- Performance
- Self Proclaimed “Gun Line King”
K-Shine – Harlem, New York
- Wordplay
- Performance
- Aggression
- Delivery
Arsonal – Newark, New Jersey
- Disrespectful
- Aggression
- Lyrical
- Witty
- Crowd Control
Shotgun Suge – Newark, New Jersey
- Stage Presence
- Performance
- Delivery
- Lyrical
Charlie Clips – Harlem, New York
- Freestyling
- Lyrical
- Crowd Control
- Performance
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