Rap battles are the alpha event when there’s a showdown in the rappers’ community. While the disses and the beats have everyone in awe, some rap showdowns have literally changed the rap battle community’s course as we know it.
Some are light-hearted in nature and a fun, playful collaborative event amongst the rappers, while some rap battles are the finale to a public feud, settled through talent and talent solely. That being said, there have been countless battles that went down as some of the most iconic acts in history. Today we’ll be looking at some of the best rap battles that you need to watch again.
Kool Moe Dee vs. Busy Bee
Starting off with the old-school classic of 1981, the showdown between Kool Moe Dee and Busy bee was one for the history books. This iconic battle has formed the genre of hip-hop raps for decades afterward. While Kool Moe Dee was ready to annihilate with his fast and witty rhymes, Busy Bee was no amateur either. Kool Moe ultimately won the game, and his freestyle rap laid the foundation for all other raps in the decades to come.
2Pac vs. Biggie
Whether you’re a new rap enthusiast or you’ve been at it for ages, the 1990s rivalry of 2Pac and Biggie Smalls remains to be a touchy topic for many of their fans. Repping each coast, the Tupac team from the west and the Biggie supporters from the East anticipated the battle significantly. The battle was as memorable as their legacy. Unfortunately, both of them were murdered later on in the year. Tupac’s death is what compelled Biggie to put the coastal feuds to an end once and for all.
Serius Jones vs. Charlie Clips
The 2012 faceoff was one to remember where Charlie clips took the opening round with a straight dig Serius June’s former occupation as a barber, but Serius did not shy from picking up the pace and retorting with a straight diss. The personal attacks were brutal in this showdown, but the pace kept everyone at their toes. While Serius wiped the floor with his final beats, the interchange was remarkable and definitely worth a couple rematches.
Dumbfoundead vs. Tantrum
This viral battle shook the internet to its core with its first upload in 2008 on Youtube and to this day gains traction with new daily views. This showdown was the first of its kind as two incredibly different personalities came on one stage to let it all out. Dumbfounded with his cooler vibes and sharp jabs versus Tantrum’s emotional takes, the battle indeed was intense. You see the contrast between the quick and fast verses as well as the strategically launched disses.
Eyedea vs. P.E.A.C.E.
One from the 1999 records, this battle took place at Scribble Jam, and it’s still remembered today as one of the most memorable showdowns in history. While both the rappers maintained a good flow with creative lyrics, the feud was not personal. Instead, it was a matchup at an event that led to the finest rap battles to have ever been witnessed. The intensity of the match was even more evident when the music turned off, but the fire verses kept on coming. Eyedea won overall, but their techniques and mastery remain unbeatable.
Conclusion
Some rap battles have genuinely changed the course of history, and these are one of them. From the flow of the tracks to the disses that were constantly on fire, rap battles have shaped the world of hip hop rap, and there is no denying that. We hope you enjoy re-watching these battles as much as we did!