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Battle Rap: An Exploration of Competitive Rhyming in Hip Hop

2023; Springer International Publishing; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/978-3-031-15617-5_9

2634-5781

Matthew Oware,

Diverse Musicological Studies

Emcees deploying clever and pointed wordplay in order to outduel an opponent remain a staple of rap music. Originating in the South Bronx in the mid-1970s, hip hop started in local parks but grew in popularity, leading to commercial success for many musicians. Now, artists receive record contracts, play in concert venues, and appear on audio streaming and digital platforms such as SoundCloud. Nevertheless, the practice of “battling” or engaging in spirited hyper-competitive banter by insulting adversaries continues (Alim et al.; Mavima). This chapter unpacks “battle” rap. First, we trace its beginnings to New York and the structural and cultural dynamics that influenced it. Next, we focus on early “beefs”—verbal jousts among male and female lyricists. In addition to exploring same-sex battles, we also address cross-gender clashes and the rise of women in rap (Keyes; Rose). Next, we turn to one of the most controversial “battles” in rap lore—the East Coast versus West Coast conflicts of the mid-1990s. Here, we witness bi-coastal combatants from California and New York praising their home state’s rap supremacy while demeaning the other. Sadly, this regional rivalry led to the tragic deaths of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. These fatalities reveal the dark underbelly of verbal confrontations, specifically, moments where intended slights provoke violent retaliation. Nevertheless, clashing on the microphone remains popular and lucrative despite instances of physical violence. Officially sanctioned, battle tournaments featuring local artists exist. Moreover, in 2020, famous rappers entered “Verzuz” battles—the newest cultural expression of the subgenre. Overall, “dissing” or insulting your opponent stays true to the art form and is here to stay.