I know you’ve heard it before. Every good EMCEE can freestyle. Is that true? What about battling? Can every good EMCEE battle? How important is battling? Is it a vital requirement in the whole dues paying process of becoming a well respected rapper?

“What you Got” - "Show & Prove"

While it is hard to say exactly when battling first started, it is a fact that it has been around since the early 80s. Battling can be traced all the way back to the LL Cool J - Kool Moe D days when they exchanged brutal verses on wax both making a “diss” song about each other. Battling has been known to make or break careers, just ask Cassidy or Canibus.

Battling has come a long way since the era of shell toe Adidas and Kangols. It has evolved into more publicized street battles with opponents squaring off face to face in winner take all competitions. Some times rappers freestyle and sometimes they spit written rhymes. Freestyling is always more respected because it shows the true on the spot skills of an EMCEE. Plus people always find it more entertaining when somebody is making fun of somebody’s clothes and appearance and they know that it relates directly to that person.

So if battle rappers are so well respected, then why don’t most of them ever blow up and become superstars? And also, if this form of hip-hop shows true skill and ability, then why is it that we have numerous rap stars that have never battled or really won any major competitions?

Well, in my opinion, being a great battle rapper doesn’t mean that you are a great emcee. All it really means is that you are a great battle rapper. However, I do believe that it takes a special talent to battle, and it is definitely a great way to show your true skills on the mic. Also, just because you can battle does not mean that you are capable of making a great song. I hear cats all the time that are great battlers try to make hot songs and they have trouble because they are so lyrical and clever that the song doesn’t come out as smooth as it should. Also battle rapping doesn’t require a great voice and timing whereas making Hit Records does. Think about it! Most of the music that really breaks through on the charts is simple, melodic, and smooth. That is why OnFireBeats.com offers tracks that will be accessible to the mass majority of consumers.

We understand the importance of having that attention grabbing production that could place you on the charts. We also offer professional songwriting services to assist those artists looking to have the right lyrics and hooks to complement these top quality tracks. Why just make ok music? Make great music. Don’t be just another battle rapper who is struggling to make it because their rhymes are hot but there songs just aren’t right for the Hip Hop Consumers. Remember that you are not selling your rhymes to rappers, you are selling to woman, children and people who wish they could rap or people who are mesmerized by Hip Hop Beats. Of course if you’re hot enough other rappers will buy your albums but the commercial audience (suburban citizens, woman, children, etc…) are the ones who will really determine your success and you cannot fall short of they’re expectations or you will not sell any records.

So my advice for battle rappers is not to give up. Keep battling to gain respect and earn fans and notoriety. But when it comes to making music don’t become another Canibus (no disrespect because Canibus is dope). Don’t be that emcee that was so talented at battling and crafting brilliant metaphors that he forgot about the importance of making great songs that the whole world will sing!! Whether you get production from OnFireBeats.com or somewhere else just make sure that your music will standout and capture the people’s interest in your market.

Peace,
JOeY G

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