Battle raps are raps written about the idea of freestyle battles.
They often incorporate self-glorification, insulting language, and violent
metaphors as if a real freestyle battle was afoot. Battles can be
directed toward specific individuals or anonymous
targets. The purpose of writing these raps (which for some groups are very
popular) is to romantise real freestyle battles, express machismo and/or
disgust with other rappers (sometimes referred to as wack MCs), or to just
have fun and exercise lyrical skill. Battle raps differ from freestyle rhyming
in that they are written beforehand, allowing the rapper to create much more
complex, wittier verses then he or she would be able to in a freestyle battle.
Battle raps are closer to the original form of MCing than concept raps,
which are more essayic or narrative in form. This is because they feature
'shout outs' and insulting language, which are actually an
evolved form of the roasting that was part of the original MC's craft
(or toasting as it was called in Jamaica by Raga and other
dub artists).
Traditionally, a battle usually takes place before live audiences. Recently, however, the Internet
has been used as a forum to hold online battles. Proponents of this practice say that the Internet provides a safe
environment for artists to practice their skills. Critics argue that a true battles can
only held before a live audience.
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