An MCs ability to hold his own in a battle is just one of the ways that we as fans (and critics) measure a rapper’s worth. It takes true grit to stand face-to-face with an opponent while fans gather to watch. You have to be confident, posses a quick wit and an unrelenting desire to completely annihilate and embarrass your opponent.
Some of the game’s best battle rappers like Kool Moe Dee, Eminem, Cassidy, Iron Solomon, Jin and Murda Mook have made their names in the trenches. In the March 2011 of XXL (On Sale Now) writer and features editor explored the history and current state of battle rap in his article “Wish You Would.”
All this battle talk got our adrenaline pumping in the XXL offices. We reminisced on our favorite battles and since seeing is believing, we scoured YouTube and compiled 30 must-see battles that were (thankfully) captured on tape.
Eminem Rap Battle 1997
Eminem goes off the head and battles a few opponents with true off-the-top freestyles, the competition never stand a chance.
Cassidy v. Freeway Battle (1 of 2)
Cassidy: “Go ‘head spit ’bout your jewels, I love that they froze up/You gonna do the same thing when Cass put dem Fours up.”
Freeway: “Middle of the summer leave you dead where you stand/If you thought you were fuckin’ with free, well you can’t”
http://www.youtube.com/embed/G1K42_Pe6nk
Cassidy Vs. Freeway (2 of 2)
Cassidy: “Then i ask for my papes and you pretend you crazy/I put 10 in your Avi and pretend you paid me, leave you stuffed in a dumpster like Brenda’s baby.”
Freeway: “I run through thugs Jackie Joyner/ I shoot through thugs pack the burner”
http://www.youtube.com/embed/qWUvSE1kemk
Busta Rhymes Vs. A High School Student
Bussa Buss loves the kids and engages in a friendly rap battle with a high school student. Gotta respect that.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/QCovLIvLrw8
DMX Vs. Jay-Z
This wasn’t the infamous pool table battle, but it’s still interesting to see these two go at it, even if it is in a friendly manner.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/JYLZ663xqpAEminem at 1997 Rap Olympics
It was at the Rap Olympics where Em ultimately got discovered. Now we can see why.
The Ladies were not left out either
http://www.youtube.com/embed/vmmAzVAaKPY
Charles Hamilton Vs. Briana Latrise
It gets ugly......This clip was a hit online.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/dj9SYy5R5VU
Jae Millz Vs. E Ness
The battle footage was edited and originally appeared on Diddy’s Making the Band show on MTV. Thank God for the raw footage and power of YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/MQUdUFkEEwg
Jae Millz Vs. J.R. Writer
These two harlem titans have been known to go at it a time or two.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/eVSuecKL3TY
Murda Mook Vs. Jae Millz
It doesn’t get realer than this. Mook and Millz go toe-to-toe in front of a Harlem crowd.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/1eUQeZHdt6w
Nov Vs. Live Wire
AHAT pits two raw rhymers against each other. No big names or bells and whistles, just lyrics and aggression.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/UOhq8BZ9gH4
Jin Vs. Sterling
An already decorated battle vet, Jin really made a name for himself winning BET’s 106 & Park Freestyle Friday segment. “Your girl must love alcohol ’cause hse be swallowin’ Jin.”
http://www.youtube.com/embed/J7u2ax1xcU0
Jin Vs. Chosen
One of the more highly-contested of Jin’s battles. Who do you think won?
http://www.youtube.com/embed/21NIL_sGDdU
Jin Vs. Iron Solomon
Flight Klub was known for producing many classic battles, but none more than when Iron Solomon went head-to-head with Jin. Mean.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/lHxaHDwWQ0k
Jin Vs. Mistah F.A.B.
Gotta give it to Jin. He never backed down from anyone.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/eCLCRYWetqA
Royce Da 5’9″ Vs. Mistah F.A.B.
It’s rare that you see a celebrity rap battle, but Allhiphop.com pulled it off when they pit Mistah F.A.B. Vs. Nickel Nine.
Stay Tuned for more on this blog......
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