A massive rap battle is returning to Toronto to highlight how influenced the city is by hip-hop culture.
On February 11th this year, an underground rap tournament organised by creative agency Wonderstar Creatives and production company Real Entertainment Made for You (REMY) Creatives took place in the city centre.
“Battle rap has played an interesting role in Toronto's hip hop culture since the late '90s and early 2000s, particularly in the underground scene,” J Maroon, founder of REMY Creatives, told Now Toronto.
JMaroon has been working as a music producer and cultural educator for over a decade and has witnessed and participated in nurturing Toronto's hip hop scene as it developed.
According to JMaroon, one of the oldest rap battles is King of the Dot, which has now spread across North America.
“A lot of it comes from the roots of Jamaican dancehall, when sound boys and DJs like Yellowman and Beenie Man were battling it out on stage for the masses,” Jay Maroon said.
Similar to a traditional battle, Blockbusters Rap Battle will see eight rappers compete against each other, with the audience as judges, and the winner will receive a cash prize.
According to Camille Manoska, founder of Wonderstar Creatives, the Underground Battles are important to the city's hip-hop community, providing a platform for artists, beatboxers and DJs to test their talents and for small businesses to get their products in front of a new audience.
Rap Blockbusters' first rap battle was attended by over 100 people at Bar Cathedral in the Esplanade, and both J Maroon and Inston decided to make it a regular event.
“I work closely with many hip hop and rap artists in Toronto and wanted to create an event that truly captured the essence of hip hop culture and talent. Instead of a typical artist showcase, the rap battle will add a creative twist and not only shine a spotlight on individual skills but also engage the audience and immerse them in the world of underground hip hop,” Manoska said.
Toronto's hip hop scene reflects the city's growing immigrant population and multicultural reputation.
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“Toronto is one of the cities known for its most cultural diversity in the world, which has helped it to shape and grow its own unique hip hop culture. Multiculturalism helps to raise awareness of different sounds and deepens understanding of how hip hop can be used as a platform for education and a voice for the many communities in Toronto,” JMaroon said.
“The current state of hip hop culture in Toronto is complicated, but full of potential. We have the power to shape the reality and goals within hip hop. By intentionally creating a safe and inclusive environment, we can unite our community and achieve great things together,” Manoska said.
Tickets for the Blockbusters Rap Battle this Sunday, August 11th at 9pm are available here.