Streets. Music. Arts. Culture. Knowledge.
"From a rock to a mountain."
Cola- Black Compass Media
- This thing of Ours. Vibes from the ground level as I seek the analysis of what this all could mean in the grand scheme of Battle Raps climatic evolution. Many wise words from Cola said though none more vivid than the quote. A mountain. From NY sectors of concrete spirit to Southern California theatrical productions the URL thrives. A sport of it's own, while no one thing exist to best describe the sport quite like- S.M.A.C.K.
Synopsis: As the streets of neighboring Los Angeles County communities come together in support of Battle Rap's present day Leviathan, I cannot help but notice the acronyms adherence come to life all throughout the evening of competition. Artist introductions are accompanied by their own music and even some impromptu performance from Calicoe. The Arts are on display as flashing lights dim the stage where Battlers arrive and cameras pan across the rooms sky to capture angles and defining moments of each battle. The pre-fight promotions that weigh-in the artist and quickly explain the MCs skill. People are wearing shirts that say staff, hard at work because this sport is an Art. Next, the culture thrives as the demographic representation found amongst the crowd illustrates how this sports ability to captivate us all brings together men and women from varying walks of life to enjoy one common component. Or keep it real, some people popped out to see Drake. And Drake is here to see the sport. And both can be true and add value at the same time. Leading to the last and most binding pursuit of perfection aesthetic of S.M.A.C.K.- knowledge.
To expound I quote Battle Fan in attendance Helen:
"Battle Rap is a niche crowd. Consisting of an old-school new-school demographic that still appreciates the Art of lyricism found within this subculture of HipHop comparable to the microwave subculture of Rap."
-Helen
I ask for an example parallel to her prospective.
"Its like Seinfeld to Friends"
I don't get it.
"Ok. It's like The Wire to Power"
Say no more.
(Thank you Helen for the insight.)
This subconscious quest for knowledge has ingrained HipHop into the hearts and minds of us all from its inception. And Battle Rap has the opportunity to bridge its generational gap like no other form of Rap. I continue to be optimistic that this culture will continue to allow this sport to teach and advance minds everywhere. The ability to teach doesn't have to be in the mold of what we were taught. It was Rap who challenged convention with Art from the start. Battle Rap can take it even farther.
Murda Mook once said on Black Compass radio- "what did I learn from it?"
Indeed.
On to the card!
Editorial in review: Til Death Do Us Part
Pat Stay🌡
The elaborate round one opening statement detailing what it detailed also demonstrated what one could have come to expect heading into this matchup. A veteran with a plan possesses the know how which counts the most when deciphering a bout that goes the distance. Pat Stay awaringly appeared confident Real Sikh could not and would not lyrically knock him out. So he strategized for the points. Vet prowess on display here for Stay as his ability to decompress and disarm alot of what endears a spectator to Sikh demonstrated to me the tactics of a fighter who knows how to throw and land every punch while countering. Will you land them all? Of course not, but it's the versatility of knowing how that can get a fighter through in a pinch. This was Stay. Comedic, rapid in delivery, freestyling, punch performance, etc. Tallying points with multiple styles. Good to see the Nova Scotian Legend back.
PenGod- “let me call Pat though, cause that’s the only way sikh ull sell.”
[entendre]
Real Sikh🎤
Sikh's dilemma. Lyrical wit and sturdy jabs pack alot of power when they do. See Nome11 vs. Danny Myers. But what about on a night when the matchup suggest a different approach alas up against a lyrical fighter who does what you do well just as well? The Danny Myers bout took from us the opportunity to see the chin of Real Sikh in a match. The Ave bout gave us the opportunity to see he could sustain enough defense to counter heavyweight lyricism. The Pat Stay bout gave us the opportunity to see Real Sikh will continue to get better and learn to manage tactical approaches up against different styles. The unorthodox fighting style of Pat Stay served as the example that at times the goal isn't to knock out the opponent. It is simply to dance circles around them and do just enough. See Mayweather. Maybe Pat Stay isn't the greatest display of defense boxing has ever seen but he’s just enough of that in the Battle Rap arena. Sikhs development of his own unorthodox style is what projects him as the future of a battle his peers find impossible to pinpoint due to a natural defense (Danny made reference to already) that can also serve as a great adversary in moments of indecisiveness from the viewership. Artist like Pat Stay had time to get in the ring and figure it out. The same expectations should be had for Real Sikh. Perhaps the strong man approach and demeanor can be somewhat tempered going forward if not deployed in every match. See Lu Castro. Otherwise Sikhs a mainstay for my 2cents. Very interested to see what archetype of matchup style he heads into next.
PenGod- “if your highs and your lows met, your obsession would never start.”
Initial Scorecard:
Round 1- Stay= 18
Round 2- Sikh= 16
Round 3- Stay= 18
Final Score:
Pat Stay=50 Real Sikh= 46
Decision= Split Decision
Jaz the Rapper📣
Another Jaz return. Another reminder served. Say what you will about resume and record, a fighter who comes out and delivers in the convincing fashion Jaz often does embodies a rare space that warrants the anticipation for a worthy matchup a Jaz hiatus presents. For me Jaz scored very high on point tally for the nite and one of the most complete performances overall. Technically her percentage of landed angles and punches would likely grade out obscenely high. No one can get in the ring and sustain the amount of lyrical punishment Jaz doled out without inevitably succumbing to the greater fighter. Deontay Wilder stood tall and fought for 11 rounds. And had several moments of his own including two knockdowns. Just as he was deserving of the boxing cultures respect, Gattas deserves just as such from the BRC. But, on this nite Jaz the Rapper stole the show. And perhaps set in motion a restructuring of hierarchy amongst the female division after reclaiming her vacated belt. A masterpiece from Jaz summated by a punch up challenge to the Compton Leviathon. The juice may be worth the squeeze.
PenGod- “no gloves i’m gripping the Colts with my bare hands.” [entendre]
Gattas🖊
I for one will spend this editorial space giving praise and adoration to Gattas rapidity of wordplay and performance. Gattas has PenGod Rap aesthetics. Layered and heavy. She fought a good fight. She had a good plan. She even gave the viewership great showmanship at times. Completing the objective and continuing to respect the craft and empty the chamber (with lyrical gems she could have pocketed and taken home with her to see another day) as the vets vet that she is. I salute and commend this aspect of her professionalism. Her playback will lend well to seeing many positives on tape. Good film is often key for any performer in any sport or entertainment medium and she has that here. Sells a fight really well while running the risk of creating angles; that high-risk high-reward quality about Gattas adds more zest to the female division as well. Time will tell whats next for Gattas.
PenGod- “angry beavers, two sets of choppers, I would put a dent in ya smile"
[entendre]
🔥
Initial Scorecard:
Round 1- Jaz= 30
Round 2- Jaz= 25
Round 3- Jaz= 24
Final Score:
Jaz= 79 Gattas= 57
Decision= Unanimous Decision
Twork🥊
A heavyweight decision that goes the distance will almost always be revered as a classic moment in sports. Use the C word for this 1 freely. That it was and is. This clash of gun bar specialists perhaps surprisingly however will be remembered for different reasons. The angle-laden tit-for-tat exchange saw a lyrical fight of body shots every round. Twork can get rolling and deploy three signature strapped ins and it works for him when the magnetism of his delivered punch power dizzies opponents into a frenzy. Twork has Tyson strength in the ring with his lyrical ability and like Iron Mike has a reputation that proceeds him for many reasons making him the most captivating figure in the sport. But also like Mike, Twork is the most dangerous head up the sport offers when fully engaged. A prodigious talent that marveled the culture early on and reached heights rather quickly that generational talent can take a person, ready or not. No one had seen a punch like Mike's. No one had seen a style like Tworks. The dilemma of what to do with it over time could be the paradox harder to relate to when most cannot relate. Well, Twork showed up to the Caffeine stage revitalized and boosted up for a matchup the culture anticipated for many years. He not only turned back the clock and served notice to the field, Twork looked eager to remind the BRC who once wore the crown now occupied out West these days. Some context, Buster Douglas beat Mike. And etched his name in history for it. Apart of the aura prior for Mike is that no had seen it happen to him in that fashion. He was invincible. Buster altered the trajectory of history in one night but no one finds the two comparable in reality, respectfully. Mike beat his self. It happens. So they say. Similarly, Twork took his chops for lackluster outputs in the ring stemming from assumed overall fatigue. in addition to a sequence of events outside of it that could not be ignored, rightfully so. But if this performance serves as any indication, reclaiming the face of the sport will be a worthy hill to climb in 2022 for Jerusalem. Even if there is a 3x time COTY awaiting all challengers at the top.
PenGod- “and I know alot about homonyms, so I can’t let you resume with this resume”
[Entendre]
🔥
Tay Roc☄
So many things to say about Tay. Mostly chatty patty outside of a battle format and it's unfortunate but fortunately won't be discussed at all here. Tay Roc's commitment to the artistry of this sport will warrant celebration when his storied/decorated career comes to a graceful end, 21 Gun Salute style. In the meantime, the architect of every f'n gun in a battle round showed up to put on per usual. If anyone could get Twork in the ring and force a sink or swim ultimatum its Roc and with a style specifically catered to a bucket list matchup the likes of v. Twork, fight of the night goes to these two. Far from a shock but yet vindicating anytime Tay Roc gets the opportunity at a moment. Even with angle galore floating in the atmosphere Tay Roc's heart of a champion to spar through it all is very commendable. And not for nothing Tay Roc dealt punishment in this bout. Forcing the action is a superpower of his that begins to make him infallible in the ring over time. Roc has stood in front of it all. At this point he would be well within his right to ask his opponent out the gate- what can you tell me? Fact is, Lil Wayne scorched Earth for a moment in time. So did Roc. Yes their respective styles are both acquired preference and not for everyone. Skill over substance. But no one can question their commitment to the craft and willingness to carry it. Tay Roc always does his part. Win some lose some, true. But whoever won in a Tay Roc battle earned it everytime. No question.
PenGod- “i’m a hunter, preserve the kill if the catch is worthy, hang his head up on the wall, taxidermy.”
[entendre]
🔥
Initial Scorecard:
Round 1- Twork= 33
Round 2- Roc= 42
Round 3- Twork= 33
Final Score:
Roc= 93 Twork= 92
Decision= Split Decision
Tsu Surf🌀
The Wave had a point to prove. His words not mine. Whether or not that was fully accomplished he did achieve an important and obvious aspect of the point in the way of preparing properly for a quick turnaround and completing the objective. The sheer volume of output the URL Surf returned to requires as much. Based on the tone and energy this bout built up over the course of the past calendar year, the Music Industry 101 Tutorial this matchup seemed to be headed toward several months back quite honestly held alot more situational spice. What could have been…however a last minute faceoff happens in the sport of boxing often. One final look at your opponent. Surf as expected for my 2cents took that opportunity to sell it for the battle arena. Once in the ring, Surf delivered rapidly, sharply, and got his points for tally; shelving his performance laden animation of scheme jabs and bar aethetics for a more intense stage presence to match his usual electric lyrical splash. Surf fought to win the points, get good film tape, stand his ground, and leave energy in the tank for his much alluded to quick turnaround in December. The condensed rounds of both artist suggest not only a lack of true motivation toward one another and more a matchup to someone else's liking, but also a seething animosity that may in fact linger a tad past kayfabe. Moving on- Julian Carter's battle rap soul is required in hell. Can Grandson deliver?
PenGod- “last kill my dog really did it, Son of Sam.”
💡
Calicoe🎲
Pre-battle= Its a mirror match of unexpected potential outcomes from two wildcard MCs. Post battle= The proof is wild. The deuce in this context exemplifies the flat energy of two camps pushed into the ring for a mandatory bout. Gotta create some zest. Nonetheless, Calicoe's wizardry arrived to the festivities early and out the gate. The momentum served him well but that wouldn't sustain. Some may choose to point to preparation i will instead veer left. Again, alluding to animosity that may have taken away some of the performance Calicoe would otherwise rollout when Surf understands a superpower of Calicoe is to diminish the perception of his opponent stylistically, thus Surf is overtly brash and refusing to appear backed down. It would seem Calicoe understood this. The energy of the room to me suggested Cal let off of the gas afterwhile and while we all know Calicoe doesnt have any real problems with no battle rappers this performance appears as a short and sweet approach of pulled punches and rap aesthetics speaking more to simply saying to Surf what he thinks of him as opposed to crafted rounds. Albeit effective and still noteworthy. Not off-brand for Calicoe and his unique style however not as subtly effective as we've recently witnessed his thousand cuts in the wind tactical delivery knockdown the likes of Verb, Holla, and Geechi. All in all, a Cal/Eazy matchup appears destined at some point and the wildcard irony of Cal means never count him out because he's never overmatched. Perhaps the Clips match brings vintage Calicoe back outside.
PenGod- “when the smoke clear all he gon see is his eyelids"
[Entendre]
Initial Scorecard:
Round 1- Calicoe= 24
Round 2- Surf= 28
Round 3- Surf= 26
Final Score:
Surf= 72 Calicoe= 59
1 Deduct🚫 = Calicoe 3rd
Decision= Majority Decision
Rum Nitty🛸
Got the win. For my 2cents. The obvious angle coupled with the consistent bombs of Nitty body blows. His style wins lyrical fights. Simply that. Observation: I think Nittys opponents trajectory going forward should obviously be consistent with his latest rise in standings as a URL artist but also with a style makes fights approach that can test not only his pen but the comfort zone his intricacy can land him when the field already expects the viewership expects a win going away. Maybe it's a punch for punch thing going forward. Or maybe it's a curve ball stylistically all together. Rum needs a new benchmark in the sport. The Rubix cube of punch drunk lyricism he's now solved endless times. James Harden needs a ring. Rum needs the Battle equivalent. The margins grow slimmer at these heights. Harden ain't Mike or Kobe. Or is he? Rum got his MVP in UM3. Championship trophies are all that separate the rare air at this point.
PenGod- “I'll make Randy run a fade, i’m Dante Culpepper.”
🔥
Geechi Gotti🔱
The Opus relic of most Kings reign often rings loudest. But not as a blade cemented in rock. Or the head of fallen adversaries to the guillotine. For Geechi Gotti the hill on high the mountaintop can be heard far more subtle yet just as potent and loud to the gladiator sport that is the URL- Every F’n Bar. You know the mantra. And on this day the warfield of Thunder Studios in Long Beach California chanted along in droves as the Caffeine production churned out another moment of landmark growth for the culture of Battle Rap. Geechi Gotti ascends to uncharted territories beyond the skies. And make no mistake about it, Loaded Lux is 1 you would have to see to reveal the top of the skies myth. Greatest Of All Time quite often represents a measure with no end. We all contribute to its unnecessary allure. I myself grace Lux as such but in reality the Greatest consistently crowns the rise of the tide. In moments we find this mark's the spot I knew (insert whomever) this individual crossed over into the heralded space reserved for a small few in any respective craft. And as for the sport of Battle Rap Geechi Gotti became the tide Saturday nite. Salute to him and his newest milestone. JayBlac's COTY panel will be hard-pressed to identify a bigger moment 2021 had to offer. As for in the ring, Geechi Gotti brought his character arc full-circle. Becoming the beloved villian after years of being the heralded hero who's authenticity appealed to nearly every sector of the sport. Geechi Gotti was the cousin who could do no wrong. The family loved him despite his perceived flaws. And all the while what festered underneath the surface was a shark developing through experience. Thrown into the ring over and over getting better each time and adding skills along the way, Geechi one day realized the component of his arc that woke up a monster at the bottom of the abyss- being the hunted. Battle Raps leviathon has emerged. The heel you love to love to some and the heel you love to hate for others. What Geechi Gotti is doing for the sport should not be glossed over. He's deciding to make the face of the URL less company man brand and more Michael Myers. A genius approach for my 2cents. One day, perhaps after Geechi is crowned COTY a third time, the conversation of resume starts to become less about stats and more about who changed the sport. In the meantime, a Geechi Gotti battle in California is something you should not do. Though many may still try, trying to win over that environment...goodluck.
PenGod- “I'll individual by myself” [entendre]
Loaded Lux⛰
It was once thought in histories antiquity that Emperors were invincible and would live forever. Well that wasn't true but what was? The recorded recollection of their contribution to culture will be etched in time far more expansive than any lifespan. These aren't life goals for most. Perhaps rightfully so. But for the man who once coined the "for the glory, who do we put in our moments" word to the wise, the gold bar is backed by the attrition of time itself. Times have changed Loaded Lux. This new collective will elect how to remember your excellence. This isn't fair. Knowing education is a goal but no guarantee. See- Russell Westbrook exist to parallel Oscar Robertson and tie Eras of artistic context to understand that one doesn't have to be appreciated more than the other. Because without one the other can't rhyme or reason it's way here into existence. Lux demanding more profit be attributed to himself years ago projects a large picture where Geechi Gotti earns a monetary take home far exceeding generations prior. Culture I ask- Why perceive backwards the ventures that are pushing the sport forward? Damian Lillard earns more from an NBA salary than Magic Johnson ever made. This is progress. And it is also the foundational responsibility of one Era to carry another into brighter horizons. Oscar Robertson, Jim Brown, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar fought legalities as well as the court of public opinion to help create the free agency so many athletes enjoy today. So it's only right Loaded Lux defend the torch atop the mountain and make someone take it. Rite of passage isn't done right if everyone won't do their part. How this subculture of HipHop treats its pioneers will be telling. Amongst the Battle Rap contributors far and wide I do hope the scribes do our part to entrench the invincibility of hailing the Arts original craftsmen. And uphold the ethos of S.M.A.C.K.
Til This Day.
PenGod- “I don’t know what they sold ya about me but i’m decorated.” [Entendre]
Initial Scorecard:
Round 1- Lux= 34
Round 2- Lux/Geechi= 29
Round 3- Geechi= 33
Final Score:
Geechi= 86 Lux= 83
1 Deduct🚫 = Lux 3rd
Decision= Split Decision
A plea. In reality Lux/Geechi scratches off a bucket list battle for me. No scorecard required. With many subplots as explained above. Lux just means more to this thing of ours than a perceived loss. That is all.
-Lastly, If you read to the end I must say how appreciative I am of your time and attention. Not for nothing I do not take such for granted Luv1.
Til Death Do Us Part- Complete.
End
P.ess- I told my spouse a year ago Geechi Gotti will battle Loaded Lux one day and when he does I'm pulling up.
TwoCent
1/1
💪🏾✨🌊 🔥 🌏🗣Great breakdown and blog ! Peace -@ELPoetiiiko