features
Rock The Bell Staff
Published Sun, October 3, 2021 at 12:00 AM EDT
Hip-Hop and battling have become increasingly dominant in mainstream culture today.
With the rise of rap music and the popularity of rap battles, the art of spitting rhymes has become a trending part of pop culture.
The genesis of these rap battle roasts has ties to timeless Hip-Hop. Today, even high school kids are parroting their favorite freestyle rap battle lyrics. Of course, TikTok rappers aren’t on the same level as tenured veterans. Still, the contemporary rap battle landscape is actually thriving.
Let’s explore nine of the most important rap battles, their best rap battle roasts, and the impact of battling culture today.
1. Jay Z vs. Nas
Jay-Z’s best line: So yeah, I sampled your voice, you was using it wrong/You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song.
Nas’ best line: You ass, went from Jaz to hangin' with Kane, to Irv, to B.I.G/ And Eminem murdered you on your own sh*t.
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2. 2Pac vs. Biggie
2Pac’s best line: You claim to be a player, but I f*cked your wife/ We bust on Bad Boys, n*ggas f*cked for life.
Biggie’s best line: N*gga please, blood floods your dungarees/ And that’s just the half of my warpath/ Laugh now cry later, I rhyme greater.
3. LL COOL J vs. Canibus
LL COOL J’s best line: The symbol on my arm is off limits to challengers/ You hold the rusty swords, I swing the Excalibur.
Canibus’ best line: Mad at me 'cause I kick that sh*t real n*ggas feel/ While 99% of your fans wear high heels.
4. Common vs. Westside Connection
Common’s best line: Use higher learning, don't take my words out of 'text/ Went from gangsta to Islam to the dick of Das EFX.
Westside Connection’s best line: Used to Love H.E.R., mad ‘cause we f*cked a puss*-whipped BITCH with no Common Sense.
5. Ice Cube vs. N.W.A.
Ice Cube’s best line: 'Cause you can't be the N*gga 4 Life crew, With a white Jew telling you what to do.
N.W.A.’s best line: Started with five and, yo, one couldn't take it/ So now there's four cause the fifth couldn't make it.
6. LL COOL J vs. Kool Moe Dee
LL COOL J’s best line: It ain't loud enough punk, it ain't hitting/ This year you tried, next year you're quitting.
Kool Moe Dee’s best line: I’m bigger and better, forget about deffer. Every time I rocked the mic, I left a stain in your brain that will remain.
7. Eminem vs. Benzino/The Source
Eminem’s best line: You sit behind a f*ckin desk at The Source butt-kissin/ And beggin motherf*ckers for guest appearances.
Benzino’s best line: You the rap David Duke, the rap Hitler/ The culture stealer, n*ggas ain't with ya.
8. Eazy-E vs. Dr. Dre
Eazy-E’s best line: Damn, E, they tried to fade you on “Dre Day,”/ But Dre Day only meant Eazy's payday. All of a sudden Dr. Dre is the G Thang/ But on his own album covers he was a she-thang.
Dr. Dre’s best line: Used to be my homie, used to be my ace/ Now I wanna slap the taste out your mouth. Make you bow down to the Row/ f*ckin' me, now I'm f*ckin' you, little hoe.
9. KRS-One vs. MC Shan
KRS-One’s best line: So, you think that hip-hop had its start out in Queensbridge? If you pop that junk up in the Bronx you might not live.
MC Shan’s best line: Sit back and watch your life get jettisoned/ If rhymes were juice I'd be Con Edison.
Rap Battles in Modern Pop Culture
Rap battles have also contributed to the rise of Hip-Hop in mainstream culture. These battles allow rappers to compete against each other to determine who has the best rap skills.
Diss tracks have become a popular part of these battles, with rappers using song lyrics to insult and put down their opponents. This has given rise to a new generation of rap music that is characterized by its focus on clever wordplay, intricate rhymes, and provocative lyrics.
The rise of online platforms such as Roblox auto rap battles and Epic Rap Battles of History has also contributed to the dominance of Hip-Hop in mainstream culture. Influencers like Nerdout have come out with Fortnite battle raps.
These platforms allow rappers to showcase their rap skills to a global audience while incorporating stupid jokes, rap lyrics, and memes into their performances.
One of the most popular freestyle battle rappers of the moment is Charron. Known for his quick wit and clever rhymes, Charron has won numerous competitions and battles, including King of the Dot and BET's Ultimate Freestyle Friday.
His ability to weave humor and pop culture references into his battles has earned him a substantial following, and he has even appeared on the TV show Wild 'N Out.
Another rising star in the freestyle battle scene is DNA. With over 100 battles under his belt, DNA is known for his versatility and adaptability, able to adjust his style to fit any opponent. His battles have been viewed millions of times online, and he has gained recognition as one of his generation's most skilled freestyle battle rappers.
Finally, The Saurus is a veteran of the freestyle battle scene, with over 15 years of experience in the game. He has won numerous battles and competitions, including Scribble Jam and the World Rap Championships.
Thesaurus is known for his complex rhymes and intricate wordplay, making him a formidable opponent for anyone who enters the ring with him.
