Battle: a lengthy and difficult conflict or struggle

One would use this term in reference to war, and associate it with negativity. So who on earth would possibly go out of their way to engage in such an activity? What kind of person would actively search for such a thing?

From hip-hop's inception there has always been a strong competitive element. Not competition like rock and pop stars engage in; not record sales or television popularity- but pride and bragging rights. Using ones lyrical prowess to subdue an opponent has been a fundamental part of the genre.

From Kool Moe Dee vs LL Cool J, to Tupac's onslaught on "Hit Em' Up", to more recent street battles which can be seen on the internet, fans have always been drawn to these contests. These rappers are like Roman Gladiators- each going blow for blow attempting to gain the blood thirsty spectators respect and awe. Just like the ancients wanted to see blood, guts, and death, those listening to rap battles want to hear people get insulted and see careers ended. Fans wait in anticipation for the next big line to hit their eardrums, and they wonder how the other battler will react.

 Whether a rapper is freestyling or using remembered lyrics, battling is no easy feat. Several factors play an important role on performance, and these include but are not limited to the following: confidence, race, lyrics, flow, delivery, punchlines, attire/look, and voice. Some factors are controllable by the rapper, and others are left to fate.

Battling is a great skill which should be revered and admired. Constant practice needs to be done to hone one's s ability, and numerous pitfalls are almost inevitable. Artists put their reputations and careers on the line all for a few minutes of entertainment.

But these are not regular artists- these are not your favourite acts that you hear singing about love on the radio. These are a different breed of artist- they yearn for verbal confrontation; they are eager to dismantle and embarrass and opponent; they cannot wait until the next time they get in front of a crowd to hear them "ooh" and "aah" because of metaphorical sentences that they have conjured up.

Respect the battler!