Battle Rap has undergone at least a temporary period of mainstream popularity, largely thanks to the Total Slaughter event organized by Shady Records at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City last month.
One of the biggest battles on the docket was between Loaded Lux and Murda Mook, two prominent names in the underground community who were rematching years after what some hardcore fans hail as "the greatest battle of all time." Mook ended up taking the win after Lux got caught up jawing with Busta Rhymes in between rounds.
Mook doesn't seem to be satisfied with the underground life, but don't worry: He's not looking to release an album. He just noted the night's other marquee event, Hollow Da Don versus Joe Budden, and told BattleRap.com that he wanted to battle "an industry rapper."
Obviously Joe Budden isn't the biggest name on the Billboard charts, so the statement could mean anyone for Mook, but Music Times has come up with a musical wish list for whom we'd like to see Mook go bar-to-bar with. Check out our suggestions, along with the reasons why it should or won't happen.
05) Lil Wayne
Why It Should Happen: Lil Wayne has some peculiarity in that his ability to communicate seems to improve when he's rapping. It would be totally worth it to listen to Sway Calloway interview him for a minute and then drop a beat while continuing the interview just to see if Wayne's responses get better as a result. This need for beats suggests that Wayne is perfect for battle rapping and coming up with disses on the spot. It's a comfort thing.
Why It Won't Happen: Wayne has already ruled himself out, declaring on a recent podcast that he's not cut out for battle rap. Specifically against Mook, one of the "sport's" most acclaimed competitors. "Don't swing at my neck, I'm bowing out, pause," Wayne said, chuckling. "I'm letting ya'll fans know now, I ain't f----n' with Mook."
04) Kendrick Lamar
Why It Should Happen: Kendrick Lamar is incredible at spitting rhymes sharp enough to make competitors bleed, which is why we're constantly surprised by the amateurs lining up to try starting beefs with him. The fact that the emcee doesn't respond to every Trinidad James in the world isn't a sign of cowardice: It's a sign that he knows his "opponents" have already buried themselves alive just by knocking on his door with subpar bars.
Why It Won't Happen: Far too early in the game for Lamar and he knows it. He rose to the top quickly thanks to the success of good kid m.a.a.d. city and his "Control" verse, but he's still not quite established enough to risk embarrassment in a headline battle. Other names on this list won't lose too much by losing to Mook, but Lamar could see his current rise rudely interrupted. Maybe after another acclaimed album.
03) Tech N9ne
Why It Should Happen: Tech N9ne possesses the second most important quality required when being a battle rapper (behind on-the-go lyricism): He just does not give a f--k. His self-embraced indie status means he doesn't need to maintain an image, plus the Kansas City emcee is incredibly verbose and has dabbled in horrorcore enough to make for some engaging attacks/threats on any potential opponent.
Why It Won't Happen: Tech is an indie rapper, albeit the best-selling indie rapper of all time. He's well known enough but perhaps not on the same level that Mook is looking for. After all, at least Budden has starred on Love & Hip-Hop. Plus Tech has a tendency to rap so stupidly fast that it's not clear if real words are even being used. Sounds awesome on tape but ineffective when judges need to understand what you're getting at. (Note: Tech is the first face-melting verse on the song below)
02) Nas
Why It Should Happen: A fellow New York emcee would be an interesting hook match for Mook, a Harlem native. Jay Z has gotten far enough away from the underground as his multiple business ventures grow and prosper, but his former nemesis Nas still raps angry. Jay and Nas never exactly engaged in battle raps but they did carry the best succession of diss tracks that we've heard so we know the Queens emcee could cook something up.
Why It Won't Happen: We really have no good reason why this shouldn't happen. Book it guys.
01) Eminem
Why It Should Happen: Battle rap is where Eminem was born and raised. 8 Mile might not be an entirely true story, but it's based on one. Plus, Mook has set Eminem perfectly for this battle. Hell, the battle rapper even acknowledged that Eminem might be above his level of qualifications. "The way he so dope...his rhymes and the way he set his s--t up. I never think of no s--t like that. I would like to do something with a n---a that would challenge me to do s--t." Is he trying to make Eminem feel overly comfortable? Maybe. But it's not like the Detroit emcee is going to lose any status if he gets edged by Mook.
Why It Won't Happen: Mook went on to point out that such a battle would only take place because "he would have to do that s--t because he wanted to." Eminem's not afraid of taking up the offer but he may be busy with things that, you know, are making him rich. Like touring. We can only hope however.
