At the time rap appeared in Russia, art historians attributed it to a subculture. For a long time he remained an unrecognized expert. That is, Russian rap was outside the real art. However, today almost everyone recognized that this is a separate direction in art, which has firmly taken its place. And, as in other areas of culture, competitions are often held among rappers. This kind of event is called "battle", it is a kind of competition for the title of best.
The history of the appearance of rapper battles
Naturally, both rap and battles in this art form have roots among the African American population. Initially, an oral game called dozens appeared here. Its rules were alternate performance and ridicule of the opponent.
However, at the initial stage, dozens still looked a little like a modern battle. This action was more like a hassle, in which the rule of rhythmic pattern and some use of rhymes apply. Participants did not limit themselves in choosing "jokes." Particularly revered were attacks on the side of parents, beloved girl, sexual orientation of the opponent. All these "jokes" had no foundation, they were pure fiction and slander.
Modern battle
This rapper competition, in theory, should be fundamentally different from the ancient dozens game. However, some fans of this art consider it the main advantage of the ability to use mat, rude and abusive words in the tracks, and praise anti-social behavior. Therefore, often battles are an exercise in using and composing “below the belt” jokes. On "cheers" verbal competitions are perceived such as "whose genitals are longer and more capable?" Moreover, the grotesque is used in a verbal battle: in relation to oneself - an over-exaggeration of “positive” signs, and underestimations and contemptuous and derogatory comparisons are carried towards the opponent.
However, today many participants do not accept attacks on sexual orientation and insults against loved ones and relatives as a rule. They believe that the rep battle should be based only on the creativity of rivals, on their personal qualities, which are known to everyone.
Therefore, there are times when offended participants meet a rude opponent outside the walls of the club where the rep battle was held, and arrange for him “debriefing”. Often here, with their fists, truth seekers defend their honor and dignity of the humiliated verbally beloved and relatives.
New trend in modern Russian rap-battle
However, it is still worth admitting that Russian rap is taking a different path than the African American "ancestor" paved for himself. Before some competitions, bans on:
- the use of obscene language;
- disclosure of facts contrary to reality;
- mockery of the appearance, health and nationality of the participants.
Therefore, speaking about what a battle in Russia is, it’s worth clarifying: ideally, this is a mockery of the opponent’s creative flaws, a parody of the opponent’s performance and his tracks. Transitions to the personal qualities of a competitor are allowed, such as intelligence, character, talent and performance.
