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“Am I the meanest?” – Sho Nuff

Sorry for the hiatus, but we’re back.  While you ponder Sho Nuff’s question allow his presence, his look, his tone to affect you emotionally. Do you feel intimidated? Leroy did … While you cower in his red glow, red ghee and wild eyed stare I’ll try to guide you back to why we are here.  Now let us begin … 

Welcome back to the dojo … (Bow <-Traditional Far East Customary Bow)

As we continue our never ending quest to become a Master Battle Rapper, we must delve into the fundamentals. In our first lesson, we identified the catalyst that generated our inspiration and passion to battle rap. It is upon this catalyst we began to build our foundation that we can build upon. In this lesson, we will explore a Hip-Hop staple – style.  

“You know my Steez” – Gangstarr

What is style? Webster defines style as “[noun] a distinctive manner of expression (as in writing or speech)

As a kid, I remember watching classic films like Beat Street, Krush Groove, and the Fab Five Freddy documentary, Wild Style.  Each film showcased the the four pillars of Hip-Hop (rapping, b-boying, DJing, and graffitti). If there was one thread that connected each pillar, it was style. Each had their own secret ingredient. A single drop of “something” that separated them from their peers. How emcees and b-boys would wear flashy gold chains, rings, Adidas sweat suits and say to myself “wow, those guys are what it means to be an emcee!”  Aside from the look, it was a simple thing they had the “it-factor.” (See RETINA Component #3 – 20%)

When those emcees spit their rhymes, their confidence (ora) was palpable…to the point where I could physically feel it through their lyrics. How does this apply to Battle Rap? One word … authenticity. When your personal persona and what you portray on stage (style) are aligned you will be rewarded. Remember you are selling yourself and your story. Battle rap fans are acute observers and can quickly identify a fraud and will let you know that they don’t believe you.

You gotta know your own formula, your own ingredients. What made you, YOU…” – KRS-ONE

If you are a smooth player, you want your rhymes to come off as smooth. If you are a rugged street guy that has been in and out of prison and sold drugs, or the bully on the block, then you must convey that message through your art. Let me be clear, I’m not saying you have to portray a criminal image, but being real in your art helps you go a long way and prevents any would be future opponent from “Pulling your card” in a battle! If you are a geek be a geek! If you want to be a storyteller then do that! It’s not what it is you rap about, but more importantly how authentic you come across to your audience.

Each one the aforementioned hip hop artists are living and past legends. But what about battle rappers? Let’s start with Loaded Lux. Lux is looked at as the Godfather of all true lyricist in this current era of battle rap. His battle with Midwest Miles, ushered in a new wave of writers that emulated his style. Lux layered hidden meanings within his lines …  each line was cryptically coded. Double and triple meanings embedded within his rounds which were structured to stimulate and trick observers’ minds while deceiving his opponents. The embodiment of a “Pen Game”emcee. Ask yourself is this YOUR style?

Conversely, there’s Shotgun Suge. For all intents and purposes, Suge is the complete opposite of Lux. This is night and day in terms of Battle Rap style. Suge aggression manifest. His style is very straightforward. There aren’t many double or triple meanings; he tells you like it is. Is this YOUR style?

Are you the type of emcee that is willing to get in your opponent’s’ face and yell in his ear to get your point across? Or do you want to embarrass your opponent by telling humiliating jokes, and delivering it as smoothly as possible, like say…Goodz? Only you can answer this question.

As a professional Battle Rapper, I can tell you that you MUST do what’s comfortable with you. If your style feels forced to you, it will definitely feel forced and contrived to the audience. Think about emcees like: JC, Charron, Head I.C.E., Bigg K, Bill Collector, Carter Deems, and Bender (R.I.P.). What do they all have in common? They are all battle rappers (emcees). What don’t they have in common? Similar styles … each one is completely unique and their battle style is congruent with their personal persona.

 

It sounds simple, but if you truly want to be great you must master this lesson before proceeding. Remember, be yourself … Our journey continues next week!

(Bow <-Traditional Far East Customary Bow)

Danny Myers

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