Battle rap is bracing itself for the seventh annual installment in the Ultimate Rap League’s Night Of Main Events, going down Saturday (April 8).
This year, demand for tickets has been so high that the league has broken with tradition and decided that the event will be available to stream on pay-per-view, having sold out New York’s 1,000 person-capacity Irving Plaza several weeks in advance.
Why is NOME 7 generating such hype this year? Let’s a take a look at the card and find out.
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T-REX vs K-SHINE
The main event of main events, literally. As far as history in battle rap, these two contenders have more than most other possible pairings. T-Rex and K-Shine were Dot Mobb partners for roughly a decade, backing each other up both inside and outside of the ring.
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But after some tension that ultimately led to Shine’s departure from the crew, the two will settle their differences on the stage. T-Rex’s reputation as a legend and a vet stretches back further than Shine’s, but in recent years Shine has held his own with the heavyweights as T-Rex has lost the previous consistency that had people putting him in the GOAT category.
Who will have the upper-hand on Saturday remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this match-up has the right ingredients for a classic.
TAY ROC vs CHESS
From his early battles with Shotgun Suge and K-Shine, to his rematch against Charlie Clips, to his role in the legendary 2-on-2 performance with Tsu Surf vs NWX, Tay Roc has carved out a reputation for himself in the battle game that any newcomer would envy. The Baltimore vet goes against the Bronx on Saturday as he takes on Chess, whose string of aggressive performances (the most recent against Ave) proves that he’s capable of rocking the big stage.
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Those who’ve been paying attention to the battle game might still think of the teenaged MC as an upstart, but the fact is that his resumé is already stacked and only getting more impressive with each opponent. Tay Roc will be his biggest test yet, and whichever man wins will have added a huge victory to boast about.
GOODZ vs T-TOP
With NOME 7, URL has put together a card where not a single battle is easy to call. Goodz vs T-Top is no different. Goodz has always been somewhat under-appreciated in the game — the kind of rapper who can deliver solid performances against the likes of Hollow Da Don and Aye Verb and whose swagger both on stage and off is unmatchable. That said, a lot has changed with URL and its fans since his last performance for the league in June 2014.
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Despite coming out of their Funk Flex faceoff looking like the more capable MC, that’s no guarantee Goodz will get the better of North Carolina’s T-Top in their battle. For a dude who was considered Rookie of the Year in 2014, T-Top has become a fearsome prospect, developing a well-rounded style and looking strong against top competition.
This time it’s the vet who’ll need to bring his best to make sure he can keep pace with a rapper who has shirked off the “rookie” tag at an unprecedented pace.
AVE vs SHOTGUN SUGE
Many in the scene regard Ave as the next big thing — so it makes sense that you’d put the golden boy of the URL against one of the league’s best-known bullies. Shotgun Suge is most famous for his aggression and huge presence (literally and figuratively), and there’ll be no shortage of tension on stage when he goes against Ave.
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Ave’s last few battles have already generated huge hype and, unlike most big names, he hasn’t taken any battles on smaller leagues since coming to the URL stage. This means that you’re guaranteed an A-Game performance every time from the Virginia rapper. This one is no David vs Goliath, this a titan vs a titan in the making.
BRIZZ RAWSTEEN vs ILL WILL
Fans are expecting a high-octane clash between Brizz Rawsteen and Ill Will, two rappers known for their combative, and occasionally humorous, style. The last time Brizz stepped onto the NOME stage was last year when he showed out against Arsonal and made himself look like Da Rebel 2.0.
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There’s a lot on the line for Ill Will who was, arguably, seen as a more worrisome opponent three years ago when he won BET/URL’s Ultimate Freestyle Friday tournament and had a classic battle with Tay Roc. He took a long hiatus from the league but has since returned and will be looking to fulfill his former potential. Standing in front of Brizz Rawsteen for three rounds and walking away with the W would be a forceful step in the right direction.
JAY BLAC’S BREAKDOWN
Check out battle rap blogger Jay Blac’s video breakdown of the card for more info, or at least shake his hand.
Tickets are sold out, but you can get the live pay-per-view here. Check BattleRap.com for live updates too.
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