In 2023, Lexx Luthor has emerged as one of the best and most underappreciated league owners, and his brainchild, his league, and the platform, iBattle, stands out as a shining example of a well-crafted battle rap ecosystem. Lexx has implemented an ideal model that not only cultivates but also creates an economy from its niche audience and dedicated core supporters. With a remarkable frequency of events, sometimes hosting two or three in a single month, iBattle has built a farm of organic, original, creative, and witty talent. ibattle also operates with its own internal ranking systems to keep a competitive balance. Additionally, iBattle’s high-power advanced app, (featuring background play) showcases a forward-thinking approach to delivering content. Despite this, they still generously share some of their battles on YouTube, reaching a broader audience.
Lexx Luthor’s commitment to elevating upcoming talents is evident in his consistent efforts to pair them with top tier names, effectively pushing their profiles and expanding their reach. The league’s PPV streams maintain a consistently high production level, providing viewers with a professional and engaging experience. Notably, the commentary team, composed of Jersey’s own, The Dutches and Chris, has delivered some of the best commentary throughout various events of this huge battle rap New York weekend. They added depth and insight to each of the battles. Perhaps most commendable is iBattle’s continuous success, with Cvlture 6 standing out as the best event of an entire weekend of battles. The organization was impeccable, running in a timely fashion, and every member of the iBattle talent roster, from up-and-comers to heavy hitters, rose to the occasion. Lexx Luthor and the entire iBattle staff deserve substantial credit and praise for their dedication to the art form and their undeniable success for yet again another year of 30+ events in a calendar year.
Quiet as kept, the best event of the weekend.
#1 Los Premee's Breakout Performance
Los Premee has been under the radar for a bit of time, until this past weekend. He catapulted into the limelight with a breakout performance in a one-round battle against the revered Bar God. Los Premee’s lyrical prowess and impeccable writing left the audience in amazement, as he delivered some of the most memorable punchlines of not only the event but the entire weekend of battles in the heart of New York. His delivery was flawless, and the impact of his words resonated with the crowd, earning him a thunderous response. His 808 bar broke the room & the internet. What solidified his performance was the approval and cosign he received from none other than his opponent, Danny Myers. With this pivotal moment, Los Premee’s trajectory in the battle rap is now on the horizon, marking the birth of a new potential star whose talent and skill had finally come into the spotlight.
Granted, this can be completely received as hyperbole from a 1 round performance, and I am willing to accept that maybe I am amid towards the hype, but the depth of his material was just that good! Los Premee has set a new floor for himself. If they weren’t watching before, they will now, and it’s up to him to take it to the next level.
Los Premee is getting crazy with the bar god ‼️‼️🔥 🤯
— Let’s Talk Battle Rap (@LTBRpodcast) December 10, 2023
A star is born tonight ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/a8DBF1tryY
#2 A.Ward & Oppa Deliver As The Main Event
The highly anticipated main event at iBattle Cvlture 6 featured A.Ward facing off against the formidable Oppa, creating a battle that lived up to all the pre-event hype. It marked the third consecutive year that A.Ward concluded his battle rap calendar with a match on iBattle, showcasing his commitment to the platform. Despite having his home league, A.Ward found himself consistently drawn to iBattle, and each time he stepped onto their stage, he delivered a performance that showcased his skill and versatility, and 100% effort he consistently gives to the culture. His ability to connect with the audience and engage with the diverse roster of talented individuals on the iBattle platform has solidified his status as a reliable and crowd-pleasing battler. You are going to get an A.Ward to put full effort into his performance on any level of battle rap, he is always worth the price of admission.
Oppa’s second year in the battle rap scene has been nothing short of dynamic, featuring a roster of performances against both established names like Rum Nitty and A.Ward, as well as dominant victories such as his triumph over Deth the Kid. Holding the coveted headband title of the league and maintaining an undefeated record, Oppa has climbed to the top, ranking #1 in iBattle. His sophomore year has been a testament to his growth as both a writer and performer, showcasing an impressive leap in his skills. Oppa’s journey in battle rap is undoubtedly one filled with triumphs, and with each battle, he continues to solidify his place among the rising stars in the competitive landscape.
A.Ward going crazy in his first round vs Oppa on iBattle. 🔥🔥 🎥 pic.twitter.com/gojAxbLcY2
— Let’s Talk Battle Rap (@LTBRpodcast) December 10, 2023
Oppa with so much passion in his 3rd round vs A.Ward 🔥🔥😤 pic.twitter.com/KaIBczV97q
— Let’s Talk Battle Rap (@LTBRpodcast) December 10, 2023
#3 Tay Roc Goes Ballistic On Febou
In an unexpected but highly electrifying move, Tay Roc took the stage at iBattle for a one-round battle against Febou, one of the league’s prominent figures. Known for his explosive delivery and relentless aggression, Roc went above and beyond, delivering a performance that surpassed all expectations. What was supposed to be a one-round affair turned into a near-unlimited display of haymakers and room shakers, showcasing Roc’s dedication to the craft and love for the battle rap. His round, equivalent to the length of a standard three-round battle, was a masterclass in entertainment, seamlessly blending humor, aggression, and energy. Roc’s AMG mode, featuring a 32+ bar segment of relentless multis, chain punching, jokes, and haymakers, not only captivated the audience but also solidified his status as the MVP of the night.
Tay Roc gave you a performance you can find that he gives to the big stage in this ibattle room. Tay Roc’s decision to grace the iBattle stage demonstrated his commitment to the culture, proving that he could bring his A-game to any platform, against any opponent. The fact that he gave 1000% effort to an opponent on a smaller scale speaks volumes about Roc’s respect for the art form and his desire to contribute to the growth of the battle rap. It might seem like something minor but this level of production in a battle with Febou is a small detail that further cements his legacy as one of the most impactful & consistent battlers we have ever seen.
Gotta give Febou some love here too, because he certainly wrote his heart out in this battle and left everything on the floor at the chance to get a victory over Tay Roc. And he should not be satisfied with the level of production he gave to Roc, but just as honored as the level of performance he received. Roc took him 110% seriously and put him on a highlight reel that will live forever.
Tay Roc in his AMG Mode at ibattle. 😤😤🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TubvjACZ9A
— Let’s Talk Battle Rap (@LTBRpodcast) December 10, 2023
#4 We See A Vintage Level JC Performance
In a standout performance at iBattle, JC faced off against Deth the Kid for a one-round battle, delivering what can only be described as one of the best rounds of the entire event. JC’s performance was nothing short of awesome, reminiscent of his vintage self that fans have come to admire over the years. His writing showcased a level of depth and complexity that set him apart, as he seamlessly weaved intricate wordplay, clever metaphors, and razor-sharp punchlines throughout his round.
JC’s command of the stage was equally impressive, as he navigated the performance with precision, capturing the audience’s attention with every carefully crafted bar. This battle was a testament to JC’s enduring skill while maintaining the essence of what makes him one of the most respected pens in the battle rap.
JC Going crazy at ibattle ‼️‼️🔥🔥
— Let’s Talk Battle Rap (@LTBRpodcast) December 10, 2023
The pen is lethal 🖊️ pic.twitter.com/9QohMi7trD
#5 CJA Got His Shot & He Took It, Close Range
In a highly anticipated match for the iBattle stage, CJA finally got his chance to face off against none other than the Reigning Champion Of The Year, Rum Nitty in a rescheduled three-round battle.
Fueled by the opportunity to battle his idol, CJA seized the moment and delivered a performance that left an indelible mark on the event. Despite rapping much longer rounds than Nitty, CJA knew he had to make the most of this rare chance to share the stage with his inspiration, and he did so with explosive precision.
His third round, in particular, stood out as a shining example of his ability to rise to the occasion. Filled with intricate wordplay, relentless energy, and impactful punchlines, CJA’s performance in the spotlight showed his readiness for the biggest battle of his career. This battle not only showcased CJA’s passion for the craft but also solidified his force on the ibattle roster as he stood toe-to-toe with one of the best in the game and shined in the brightest spot of the event.