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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. Some of the greatest Hip hop rivalries have been the result of the battle rap.
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 developing artform that some call "text" or "script" say that the Internet provides a safe environment for artists to practice their skills. Without being hindered by beats, an online writer may use the full range of his or her imagination and vocabulary in a battle. Critics however, argue that true battles can only held before a live audience.
The live audience involved in a battle rap is critical. In a battle rap the MC is downgrading his opponent and all of his words are aimed to his oppenet, but he is really playing to the crowd. The crowd can serve as a way to breakdown the opponent by making him look inferior in front of his peers. The crowd's response is what drives the two battling rappers. And in most cases, it is the crowd that determines the winner of the battle.
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