CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
SZN ⏰
Sidebar: Dope artwork. JayBlac whenever you are ready to fill the pages underneath these immaculate covers I have 2Cent to put on it. 🗣 The BRC needs its Source/Vibe Magazine. You have a contributor in me when the time comes.
Shake my hand. ✊🏽
-As we all conjure up our opinions, power rankings, stats, and bias ahead of the mid-January panel to determine COTY. I would like to present a Top 3 finalist projection along with a brief summary to add to the madness for discourse!
2cent: A URL commission to formally judge and sanction each battle would seem to be the ideal future for where the sport is headed. Absolutes take Battle Rap into its highest trajectory when formality becomes apart of the end result. A battle with no official score just seems deflating. Yes I know efforts to master the score metrics are already in place within the URL app as more of a community consensus but follow me here. Imagine watching the Suns-Warriors tomorrow evening and ESPN cuts to Tim Legler who gives an awesome analysis of how Devin Booker got to his spots and scored at will while Chris Paul hit tough shots in the clutch but Steph stole the show with ten 3’s and Draymond had his moments on defense and after all that Tim Legler just decides the Suns won because he liked their performance a little better as ESPN cues up Stephen A who decides he had the Warriors because Steph is amazing and they then argue back and forth about an opinion with no end... Absolutes alter the discussion for the better. Engage clarity and Battle Rap as a sport joins the ranks of the most affluent forms of competitive entertainment we have. Just a thought. I couldn’t imagine Max Kellerman watching a good fight go the distance and the first thing he says after 12 rounds of pure boxing display is: “that fight was long”. Strategy is apart of the craft for these artist as they are athletes in that way. Condensing the sports dialogue into more concentrated modes of discussion can effectively remove the haphazard mistake of cheapening the product unintentionally. Hell, even wrestling comes with a three count. Simple metrics are easily digestible for the viewership and I understand that hence 2-1 3-0 “debatable”. However for the artist, the stakes raise in a sanctioned contest that ends in a decision. And so does the marketing appeal for it. You don’t think Geechi Gotti handing Loaded Lux his first loss on the URL would have been more monumental for the branding of the sport if marketed that way? See how some of you already don’t agree with the Lux statement? Or the fact I only have Geechi Gotti losing a bout once this entire calendar year. Incoming debates…Absolutes. If top tier is a thing forreal then it’s a weight class. As is mid-tier, low-tier, etc. For my 2 cents I feel we can evolve the discourse around the sport when we have something universally accepted to begin with. In the boxing world decisions are debated often in the same intense fashion the BRC enjoys with the URL. But if your guy’s arm wasn’t raised that day he still took a 1 in the L column. Or if the Lakers ever decide to play top tier basketball again I will talk my sh*t amongst my peers. With a final score to work with from the beginning. I always hear said Battle Rap is an opinionated sport. Oxymoronic yet the paradox makes it true for now. But maybe it should change?
Anyhow, on to the Top 3 Power Rankings for COTY 2021!
3. Tsu Surf
W-L= 3-0
Signature Wins: v. John John Da Don/v. Calicoe/v. Twork
URL Performance Of The Year: v. Twork (no recency bias necessary)
Summary:
“When I come back like Jordan
Wearin' the 4-5, it ain't to play games with you
It's to aim at you, probably maim you
If I owe you, I'm blowin' you to smithereens
Sucker, take one for your team!
And I need you to remember one thing (one thing)
I came, I saw, I conquered”
-Tsu Surf probably
Well as it turns out Mike didn’t win the chip that season. But he did win the next three. In dominating fashion. Culturally what he won in his abbreviated return was the confidence of the league and viewership alike- He’s back. In iconic allure. The love for the sport intact and as hungry as ever alongside the gear within his competitive drive to make moments forever cemented in sports history as the epitome of his craft. And just like Mike returned to hoops from hiatus to reach his Zenith as the prototypical skillset with no flaw, Tsu Surf’s time is here.
But not this year.
Poor optics set poor precedence in poor taste for a panel comprised of the sports media to reward and appoint a yearly award to three stellar performances (maybe even unmatched pound for pound) that began in…September. Even more so to the individual who spent the first half of the calendar year doing color commentary for Caffeine TV. Sidebar: Tsu Surf is awesome. But have you met the acquaintance of Rajon the promotor/businessman? Sure you have if you’ve even remotely entertained his case for the award. Kudos to him on making things that aren’t really a thing. A thing. 9-0 in 90 days is both hilariously genius marketing and untrue. And not for one second is it lost on me what Surf is doing. The mental gymnastics of training the media to cover the sport a certain way is a major part of his brand aesthetic that should never be undermined. Rajon is smarter than the smart you already think he is. A silver tongue with the boots to match can leave quite an imprint on a sport measured by individual appeal. See Muhammad Ali. Or Floyd even. Bottomline: Mike can’t win MVP of the league for a season he began as a Baron and not a Bull. But the wrath of Tsu Surf is upon us nonetheless.
2. Eazy The Block Captain
W-L= 3-0-1
Signature Wins= v. T-Rex/ v. K-Shine
Battle Of The Year= v. Chess
Summary: One half of the ‘Battle Of The Year’ hands down, Eazy the Block Captain makes the Top 3 of this particular power ranking with a strong finish to what was the biggest rise in ranks during 2021 for the Ultimate Rap League. In the same vein of quality over quantity Surf presents, the case for Eazy as COTY runner-up is just as viable and that much stronger considering the catapult itself. Eazy launched himself into the conversation with precision and preciseness. The ultimate risk v. reward that is a battler picking his/her fights saw the Block Captain stare down the barrel of punch-up challenges in weight class repeatedly and deliver each time. Cherry-picking isn’t for everyone. But for Eazy, it is having his picks that has him in the drivers seat of contention for a Top 2 finish. As the manifold of his own engine, Eazy bypassed the potentially harmful clutter to a resume by way of saturation and low-reward emissions (which ironically helped fuel the gas his lyrical horsepower enjoys as a result) such as admission into one-rounders which provide game tape for future opponents but not much in the way of building the biggest fights. They want Eazy when he pop up. Peers and viewers alike. That only increases the value of each performance with the skill to match. Example: Floyd ain’t getting knocked out in unsanctioned bouts because they would never happen. (don’t dare bring up Jake Paul for reference 🙄 …) Thus, sparring in one rounders is cool but Eazy appears to be on a different path that sees co-headlining main events as his steady status quo. This year officially began that process for him. Flaunting aesthetics where the gain is minimal is exactly the temptation Eazy avoids and thus puts him in demand for any given URL card. So how did he get here? Simple- he didn’t miss. I don’t have any decisions on the Block Captains resume ending in L. I’m sure the panel alongside JayBlac will speak to his double impact performance w/Tay Roc as a point of consideration but I personally focus more toward the 1 v. 1 format. I have a split decision draw for his part in the classic clash between himself and Guntitles constituent Chess and that is just as noble a badge to carry as any moment to highlight 2021. Eazy earned convincing decisions v. T-Top & v. T-Rex in my book and closed his campaign with a majority decision in favor of points most recently to close out the yearly quarter v. K-Shine. In total, a net +4 with zero gaps and zero stains all year has Eazy a close 2nd for me with momentum heading into 2022 projections as the early odds on co-favorite with Tsu Surf for the award. I fully suspect the competition for Eazy the Block Captain to increase significantly as the hunted. No different than when the NFL as an entire league gets a year of film on an emerging young quarterback that takes the league by storm suddenly. Everyone will adjust accordingly, as they should. Congrats to Eazy on a stellar 2021.
-And kudos to him for turning off the lightswitch early on any propagated bouts that do not align with his intentions in the ring next year…A-Ward.)
And the new…
1. Geechi Gotti
W-L= 10-1-1
Signature Wins= v. Loaded Lux/v. DNA/v. AWard
Moment Of The Year= v. Loaded Lux
Summary: Who else? Give the man his Finals MVP already, again. The most decorated modern Era prize fighter the Ultimate Rap League currently offers heads into the COTY debate panel with yet again and even more impressive this go round, a resume like no other. The Co-MVP of UM3 and 2x COTY sits atop the highest mountain alone as his 2021 body of work remains unrivaled. With no stone left unturned for Geechi Gotti the versatility of his full body of work for 2021 speaks volumes about the antithesis of an approach like Eazy’s. Geechi’s approach would have to make a loud impression to bypass the quality of going 4/4 from the field. Mission accomplished. Geechi took all head-ups and embraced different challenges, settings, expectations, and potential hiccups. Eazy didn’t miss a shot but Geechi attempted more and thus made more with the higher volume as a result. So in this case- volume wins. All that noise is what may have contributed to the return of Tsu Surf fresh off of a Space Jam set, powers back in tact. Nonetheless, what Geechi Gotti is doing for this sport transcends stats. And that is the true mark of a great champion. Many argue LeBron James isn’t the most skilled or as skilled as other pantheon athletes in hoop history and yet- well what he is is damn good so what? So good in fact that that skillset in question may be the greatest of them all when all is said and done. As a result, speaking this highly of Geechi Gotti’s career became no longer far-fetched this calendar year. He is not only your COTY for my 2cents, he is also the changing of guards. A new tide risen to now propel the sport where it could one day broaden its ambitious heights to demographics the URL has yet to reach. Which speaks just as much to the impact the man outside the ring can promote as means to increase the general wealth of what he does inside the ring and within the margins as well. Geechi’s speech coincides with being crowned the face. A progression that steadily built along the way as his technical abilities within the sport also grew as well. A more refined all-around game has the Compton native poised to now segue seamlessly into the prime of his URL career and begin prepping the torch to be passed in the not-so-distant future. In essence, there’s a real chance Geechi Gotti won’t be here for that climb himself as far as front-lining the URL flagship of Smack White’s Hip-Hop institute. Perhaps a ride off into the sunset Veni Vidi Vici as the most accomplished battler of all time who retires the game before the game retires him is his chosen fate of a near-ish future. Yet, it is without question the spirit of Geechi Gotti will be seen in this sport just the same as the influence of Stephen Curry to his as both not only changed his respective sport; both gave the sport a new archetype you can’t unsee and that will carry in legacy long after Wardell is done shooting threes and Geechi Gotti is yelling EFB. And no, said to say I am not advocating those superlatives as reasons for his merit. In the ring Geechi Gotti’s work speaks for itself. Pick a fight. DNA to open the 1st quarter. Loaded Lux to close the 4th. He also ran through the ranks of a tournament style gauntlet mid-year to collect a seasonal Co-MVP. Say what you will of the competition he faced respectfully, Bron ran through the East for years at his peak. To the tune of 8 straight trips to the Finals in fact. You play who’s in front of you and you win. Geechi did just that by and large. What Geechi also did was secure the brightest moment of 2021 stepping into the ring with the Golden Era Harlem Sage himself. To be even more clear, one cannot accomplish a bigger moment in this sport (Surf’s performance v. Twork if matched would stand side-by-side) with more certain conviction than a convincing win at home across from Beloved; who’s lyrical masterclass Geechi deemed obsolete with sound strategy. The biggest fight of Gotti’s career and he got it done. And unless your Eazy the Block Captain 1 v. 1 with a sharp and surgical Mook, there wasn’t a greater signature win to be had for anyone. Eazy’s case would be neck & neck with all things even. Unfortunately it didn’t happen and therefore the decision here is quite clear. The reign of Geechi Gotti reigns supreme. Belt him. Seems odd to say considering the most dangerous battler heading into 2022 wears a white tee but this is where we are. 3x time COTY Gotti makes history and procures a well-earned championship IMO.
Well, that is that on that. I do not envy JayBlac and the team as they task themselves with sorting out the details. Respect to all artists in contention.
In closing, below I compiled a list of 2022 mandatories I think the culture might very much enjoy as a wishlist for Troy & Beasley to consider perhaps= ⤵️
2022 Wishlist=
Eazy the Block Captain v. Goodz= Goodz issued the mandate for Eazy to do more, Eazy obliged. This one classifies as a mandatory.
Eazy the Block Captain v. Calicoe= If anyone can neutralize Eazy’s tactical advantages in schemed subject matter it would be Calicoe.
Tsu Surf v. Cortez= Why not? Surf needs a few mandatory bouts to fill up his 2022 resume and who better than the one guy who’d love to shock the World and stun Surf’s current teflon style of fight? All Surf’s bouts need to count. This qualifies.
Tsu Surf v. Geechi Gotti= I may be alone on this hill. But maybe not. The build-up for this grudge fight could be monumental should both continue their run.
Eazy the Block Captain v. Geechi Gotti= Inevitable. Ideally within the first half of the calendar year to set the table for the entire field on the back half.
Calicoe v. Charlie Clips= Yes. Whenever URL can seize the opportunity to get a motivated Calicoe in the ring do it. Clips thrives in these style clashes.
B Dot v. Loaded Lux= Its time. And with the other anticipated fight already earmarked for Beloved potentially in limbo B Dot is his best comp for 2022.
B Dot v. Tay Roc= Mandatory. Roc said it. So can I. And it will be a show.
Ave v. Tay Roc= We all would like to see it. Empty the chamber style.
Jaz the Rapper vs. Geechi Gotti= Jaz won’t find a bigger fight outside of Fit. This one could be ground-breaking for the women’s division should it happen.
Rum Nitty v. the Field= Unconventional bouts only. The alien has punched thru the ceiling at this point. Style clashes like 1 v. 1 Lu Castro all 2022 for Nitty.
Fonz v. Rum Nitty= The exception to everything I just said. Punch it out.
Lu Castro v. Twork= A last quarter bout with proper build-up that could pop.
Lu Castro v. Chess= The electricity this battle could produce may have Chess going half on Battle Of The Year once again when all is said & done. Mandatory.
Chess v. Murda Mook= Probably the biggest stretch of this list, who knows if it could ever truly lock-in but if Mook is interested in a lyrical brawl, here it is.
Viixen the Assassin v. Ms.Hustle= Viixen meets her match stylistically. Ms. Hustle can lyrically TKO Viixen’s heavy handed style with her own punches.
Coffee Brown v. Twork= A discussion. If they must.
K-Shine v. Twork= Should be the first outing of the year for both artists for my 2 cents. This bout brings opportunity of the redemptive kind both should crave.
DNA v. Pat Stay= Perfect style clash meets substance bout. Humorous.
King Los v. B Dot= Friendly fire? I don’t think so. Competitive fever pitch!
Guntitles v. EFB= Mandatory.
Loso v. Jakkboy Maine= Mandatory? Of course it is.
Danny Myers v. Serius Jones= Get Serius comp. He still got hands, lyrically.
Kid Chaos v. Rum Nitty= At some point it makes sense right?
Jey the Nitewing v. Head I.C.E.= And watch it end up a goodie.
Ace Amin v. Real Sikh= Would be highly interested in Ace’s approach here.
Ms. Hustle v. Tay Roc= Again- a discussion. If they must.
Swamp v. Aye Verb= This bout would be wildly entertaining on all levels.
JC v. Aye Verb= Mandatory.
Real Name Brandon v. Ave= RNB flips from Ave? Sounds good to me.
*Bonus* = Eazy the Block Captain v. Reed Dollaz= Off-script for Eazy true enough. But the Captain never meeting the General in the square for the naming rights to Battle Rap in Philly just doesn’t equal up to the measure for my 2cents.
That’s my time Luv1
Looking forward to prosperous outcomes for the culture all 2022.
Cent’Anni to All.
Salute.
TwoCent
P.ess-
1/1