Battle rap has not gotten the recognition it deserves. I myself would know because well, I haven't known about any of these battle rap contestants in all my years of listening. That is at least until now. If Slaughterhouse has done anything in their years of being on the music scene, its making syllabic, thought provoking rhymes relevant again, and they're about to take things to the next level. Welcome to Total Slaughter: a competitive battle rap league set to name the best emcee out there. Not only do we get the privilege of watching these wonderful wordsmiths work, but we also get to see Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden show why he deserves his spot in the most lyrical group in rap music altogether. With Budden set to battle Hollow Da Don and the headlining match up of Loaded Lux vs. Murda Mook, this is surely set to be one for the ages. But lets shift our focus to the contestants who need to earn their spot in the main event. These guys will be the focus on the Road to Total Slaughter.
First up, Daylyt. Now this guy is an interesting one. Originating in Watts, California, there is never a dull moment in the ring with him. He tells interviewers he wants to be a "gimmick rapper," and he certainly lives up to his claim. His energetic delivery, great punch lines and never taking anything seriously type attitude will definitely bring a different perspective to the league. Any battle of his will definitely put on a show, as he likes to put on a black ski mask, sometimes even making his opponents do the same, and just rap! His skill level is what should be focused on though, and if he's not taking it seriously as he says he's not, it'd certainly be a scary result for the opponent if he finally does decide to take it seriously.
Next up is the ever confident Math Hoffa. His smooth, cool, calm and collected style is something to marvel at, and he's been called an underdog, and one who could win it all. The thing about Hoffa's style in particular is his lack of lyrical, power-packed punch lines, but he makes up for it in severity of how personal his lines hit against his opponents. Claiming he "doesn't lie in his raps," he has been said to be one to perform well with the odds against him.
Now we come to Arsenal. From Newark, NJ, he is probably one of my choices to win it all, just from seeing the emphasis of his punch lines in his battle against Shotty Horroh, as it is evident they both get more personal and more fed up with each other after every round, definitely worth a watch in my book. Arsenal is known for his in your face, kill you, murderous type battle raps as it is clear to see in the Shotty Horroh battle. He is very lyrical, and is definitely one to make you think with his lines, look out for this guy!
Next up we have the one and only Aye Verb from St. Louis, MO. His style can be classified as "ignorant, braggadocios rap, as he is very cocky and confident in his abilities. He holds a lot of extra in the tank and can turn it on when he needs to. But like any good reality tv character, I expect more attention to be drawn to his personality in Total Slaughter.
This next guy is a big one, literally he is Big T from Chicago, Il. Looks are definitely deceiving, but lend him your ears and you shall not be sorry. His power packed flow is topped only by his haymaker like punch lines, seemingly every line is one to end you, and as he draws in the crowd he only gets better. His flow is endless, his wordplay is flawless and his simile and metaphor game is on point. If there's one contestant that will make you think about what he's saying in this competition, my pick is Big T. A quiet favorite of mine to win it all.
Cortez is up next, reigning from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, NY. Another deceiving contestant just from looks, but his great punch lines and energy build up by round and definitely makes him a sleeper. His energy is a big part of his rap, as his main favorite topics are street tough, killing, gansta-like raps. Another underdog who can turn it on when he needs to, in my opinion.
Next we have Dizaster, the one and only. Reigning from Los Angeles, CA, this guy's track record shows with his defeats and his experience, and his performance itself shows no limits. A very descriptive rhymer who can get to his opponent with personal content, he is very lyrical and can adapt to any sort of flow, and once he gets going its very hard to stop his energetic, in your face sort of rhymes. A decent pick to win it all if he can get the crowd on his side like he's used to.
Last but certainly not least, is Marv Won from the dirty D, Detroit, MI. Interesting candidate due to his friendship with Royce Da 5'9, and hailing from one of the most decorated rap originating cities in Detroit. His style definitely differentiates from the rest, as he doesn't seem to use energy to get the crowd on his side. His smooth, laid back flow is a very nice change of pace. But it's best to pay attention to what he says, as his smooth, clever punch lines and underrated flowing ability are only topped by his evident confidence shown in his rhymes.
Well this here is just the intro to a battle rap fan's wet dream. Despite not being maybe the biggest fan, or having any real knowledge of the style myself, I must admit I'm very excited to see how all of this plays out, especially since the man Marshall Mathers is at the helm. Who knows what could happen? All this ego, all this skill and intensity colliding, anything can happen. Stay tuned for more posts as the show goes on.
No comments:
Post a Comment