Battle Rap's Favorite Word
Have you ever considered that you could be a part of the narratives in battle rap? It’s not just the emcees and the big names, but anyone, including you, can contribute simply by sharing their predictions on a battle.
Not all narratives are negative, despite the connotation of how the word is used in the culture. Whether you are as detailed, methodical, investigative, speculative, sticking to your preference, using a track record, bias, or simply just guessing, you are contributing to some narrative in this world.
So, in our attempts to have some fun and paint the picture of the narrative Canvas to the best of our abilities, let’s look at the track record, storyline, stakes, style analysis, and projections of each battle on TBL’s Apollo mega weekend.
With 20 battles, It’s a palooza of a weekend! We may even see more surprises arise over the weekend; who knows? TBL is a power player in the market. Coming off of the best event of 2024 in Mass 6 (in conjunction with KOTD), TBL is ready to make a statement and hang this weekend in the rafters as an all-time battle rap event as they bring to us Apollo weekend in Conjunction with TMM.
Rum Nitty vs Daylyt
The pinnacle of writing. Coming after the instant classic of Lux vs. Nitty, Nitty vs. Daylyt couldn’t have happened at a better time, in a better place (s/o Houston), and the potential is limitless. Daylyt returns to battle rap, with the usual mysterious question surrounding him whether we’re getting a run-of-the-mill Daylyt or the walking nuke that battled Tay Roc. With these last two showings being vs. King Los and King Bau (disgraceful this even exists), it shows the range Lyt has quality-wise, whether coming off a return or not. He has mentioned being prepared to battle Rum for years and having written raps already, and with an opponent as dangerous as Nitty, there’s no reason not to expect Day to be in top form and do his part to make this another potential instant classic for both their catalogs and the culture as a whole.
Nitty finds himself in another top-of-the-mountain, attention-snatching matchup, which, after years of having a hard time landing battles of that level, is becoming more of a regular commodity. In the last 4 years, Nitty will have battled Hollow Da Don, Loaded Lux, Daylyt, and Illmac. When talking about the best ever with the pen, these 3 are frequent flyers in the conversation, as is Nitty himself. In a career that has been mostly defined by being the greatest puncher ever, Nitty is more of an all-around pen now than ever before, and battles like this one vs. Lyt give him a chance to make a statement like that cemented and undeniable. While many see this as “The Pen vs. The Puncher,” the real outlook may be The Unstoppable Force vs. The Immovable Object. Something must give; if it doesn’t, we’re looking at another all-timer.
illmac vs Real Sikh
For all the names Real Sikh has stood in front of so far in his career, Illmac may be the legacy battle for him. In terms of stylistic similarities, how long-awaited their battle has been, and their competitiveness when speaking on this battle, it’s a perfect storm to create a career-defining situation for Sikhs.
Illmac has left more to be desired in recent memory with his performances against Geechi Gotti and Charron. Still, with how serious and fierce Illmac was in a similar situation against a rising battler when he faced A. Ward in 2019, one has to wonder if we might see a return to that level of form from the legend in this battle. Easily one of the most fascinating battles of the weekend.
Hollow Da Don vs Jaz The Rapper
The Day 2 headliner delivers a historic intergender clash between two all-time greats. Yes, Jaz the Rapper isn’t just considered one of the best female battlers—she’s earned her place among the greatest battlers ever, period. Hollow Da Don, a seasoned main eventer for over a decade, steps into his first intergender battle against an opponent who’s reportedly been scouting him for years. He is under the impression the majority of Jaz’s male opponents have never brought pressure on her or given her their full-throttle effort, and he plans to take it there with her.
While Jaz has faced several male opponents with mixed results, some elite showings, and some performances that have been criticized, she’s known for rising to the occasion and often delivering the standout performance of the event. In just the last 3 years, she’s battled Geechi Gotti, Charlie Clips, Nu Jerzey Twork, Rum Nitty, Bigg K, Tay Roc, and now adding Hollow Da Don to that list, you can make a Mt Rushmore Chain with the opponents on her resume in just the last few years. It wouldn’t surprise me if, in the near future, we see her vs Murda Mook.
With the Apollo card being one of the most stacked weekends in recent memory, having the title of Performance of the Weekend is a legendary accolade. Jaz aims to steal the show once again; she’s made it her goal to walk away with Performance of the Night. Hollow, equally strategic, and calculated makes this a high-stakes chess match between two of battle rap’s sharpest minds.
Worthy of note, this will be the first event since Kings vs Queens 3 (2022) since all 3 of the Bardashians will be on the same card.
Nu Jerzey Twork vs A.Ward
This long-awaited match between A.Ward and Nu Jerzey Twork carries years of build-up, rooted in deep yet competitive rivalry, near-misses, and mutual respect. Initially set to be A.Ward’s URL debut back in 2020 before Twork’s car accident, the battle has finally materialized on TBL’s stage—and the timing couldn’t be more impactful, both of them coming off yet another top ranking year in COTY, both at the top of their game in being some of the best active battlers in the world. Twork has always carried a particular interest in facing members of the Four Horsemen, especially given his religious background, with his mother being a pastor, often expressing that his spiritual insight goes deeper than most, even those who formally study it.
Twork heads into this battle with a compelling case to be the front-runner for Champion of the Year in 2025, already stacking impressive performances against Kyd Slade, T-Rex, and a battle of the night with Vixxen, and after A.Ward has 2 more battles in April vs Real Deal & Mackk Myron. The last four winners of the COTY Award had A.Ward on their resume during those runs, so the trend continues. Despite concerns about his heavy schedule and a recent choke against Vixxen, he’s made it clear that Ward has been the priority on his calendar for weeks, as he stated Ward was his biggest focus. He had to finish for him before Viixen. Their styles share explosive similarities but differ vastly in substance, format, and content, but what makes this so interesting is that both of them, while being elite at their own skill set, can adopt any of their opposite attributes to their benefit and turn it into a weapon, Twork may be the overall better performer with more vocal projection, aggression and energy, outside of that, there isn’t a box that neither of them can’t check off.
This is another milestone moment for Ward, another feather in the cap. Being the co-main on such a major card underscores his accomplishments outside of traditional league systems. He continues to control his own narrative, earning top-tier opponents and elevating cards with his presence. He consistently shows that leagues can build cards and PPV events around A.Ward’s brand. The stakes are massive. Both battlers are out to prove they can overcome their counterpart’s strengths, and if both show up at their best, this could easily be one of the best battles of the year, which is in play, but an overwhelming amount of the culture feels that A.Ward at 100% doesn’t stand up to Twork at 100%. But more often than not, you will always find A.Ward being consistently closer to his 100% form than Twork. So all of this makes it out to a point where neither of these battlers wants to lose to each other. You can expect someone to be looking to walk away from this battle as a clear winner for all intensive and competitive reasons!
Jey The Nitewing vs ill Will
Two guys are at intriguing places in their careers, and two of the most unique battlers in the game are crossing paths. Jey has always had unlimited potential, but his biggest obstacle has always been himself and his love for the game. But some of his recent work against Madflex, Real Deal, and Sheed Happens is potentially showing a man who’s motivated within the craft again and is a focused Jey, which is automatically one of the more dangerous rappers in the world.
Ill Will is an established all-time great, but it’s safe to say that recently, we might not have seen the same level of greatness that had Will as a perpetual COTY contender. With this being such a big weekend, one of the biggest battle rap has ever seen, one has to wonder how Will shows up here.
The best version of this battle has a battle-of-the-year ceiling; it all depends on how much these guys want it.
Marv Won vs Arsonal
In a battle of the old guard, two legends in our culture that have never stood across from each other add to their illustrious resumes. Marv Won vs Arsonal is a matter of 2 of the game’s oldest greats finally matching up. There is a starch contrast in style, with Marv being a bit more elegant, smooth, and yet intricate with his delivery, while Arsonal, of course, has a very straightforward, blunt disrespect that makes up the base for his style.
Even 20+ years in, Marv has given some recent career highs, hashtag #NotWashedYet, and dropped a crazy diss track leading into the promo of the battle. I can’t recall the last time you saw Marv this ecstatic and hyped for a battle, which is a sign of good things to come. And Arsonal has been as active as ever. Both are still proving they got it and a battle that shows which vet has adapted best to an era far from the one they started in.
O'fficial vs Cheyraq
In one of the two female vs. female battles of the card, Official vs. Cheyraq is a good stylistic matchup with a slight grudge to it. Official comes into the battle, as she comes into most of her battles, a legend, and heavy favorite going into the matchup. Coming off a COTY Top 20 2024, Official looks to continue that momentum and give shots to some of the best newer talent in female battle rap. For Cheyraq, she bears almost all the pressure in the battle. After 2024 had one perfect showing vs. Yoshi and then a litany of inconsistencies otherwise, this is a big opportunity for Cheyraq to show out vs. an undeniable legend and follow up a recent great battle with Shooney with an even more valuable battle that can silence any doubters.
Worthy of note, this will be the first event since Kings vs Queens 3 (2022) since all 3 of the Bardashians will be on the same card.
Chilla Jones vs Aye Verb
With a matchup that was initially supposed to happen back in 2016, there is no shortage of history between Chilla and Verb, however, in 2025, they find themselves in much different circumstances. In 2016, Chilla Jones was still deciding what direction to take his career next and turned down a battle vs. Verb on a card Hitman planned to set up to seek further big opportunities off URL. Now he comes in as an owner of TBL and battling on + throwing one of the biggest cards our sport has seen. He’s a cemented legend and stepping into the field of league owner the way an NBA HOFers goes from player to GM, far removed from the days of chasing opportunity and instead creating it.
In 2016, Verb was one of the most notable battlers in the world and was still near his prime as one of the need-to-have plates in battle rap. Now, he has looked like a shell of himself, literally and figuratively, relying on more outside-the-ring antics as his in-ring quality and winning rate has dipped. However, with strictly timed rounds and still showing his elite rapping ability in battles against A.Ward and Ill Will to give flashes of vintage Verb, the stage is set for Verb to maybe come back with a powerful showing after getting sat down for over a year from battling.
Geechi Gotti vs 40 BARRS
It is no secret that one of the main factors defining this battle will be if either MC shows up prepared. Both legends have faced recent scrutiny for either choking multiple rounds (40) or showing up freestyling through their rounds (Geechi). While Geechi has still given far more blockbuster showings in between than 40, both are guilty of crimes against preparation. With one being maybe the best pen in female battle rap history, with historically a good track record against the men, and the other being a GOAT candidate in Geechi Gotti, there is no reason this can’t be a good and competitive battle. However, the pinnacle of this battle can be reached solely by how serious each battler is about smoking the other. A clean showing from 40 and an aggressive, effortful, and disrespectful showing from Geechi can make this fireworks. This battle has a high ceiling and a low floor for that reason.
JC vs Madflex
This is a true pen-lover’s dream—your favorite writer’s favorite writers going head-to-head. JC vs. Madflex promises to be a masterclass in layered lyricism, intricate setups, and elite-level penmanship. Both emcees have reputations for bending language and decoding the matrix with their pens, making this a battle that simply can’t be judged off a single watch. Madflex, often underrated, has a deep catalog of quality performances and remains a serious threat in pen-heavy matchups.
JC, regarded as one of the greatest writers in battle rap history, brings depth and creativity to almost every show. This battle isn’t about flash or performance—it’s about craft, content, and complexity. Expect a cerebral piece of content that will be studied and appreciated long after it’s over, and will age like wine.
Charlie Clips vs Mike P
Mike P steps into a major opportunity as he faces Charlie Clips—his first top-tier opponent in years. With Mike openly stating that 2025 will be his final year actively battling, we can expect him to give maximum effort in what may be one of his last showings. He’s looking to make the most of each appearance and add a significant name to his resume. On the other side, Clips remains unpredictable—capable of delivering a polished, powerful round and then suddenly, in that exact same performance, switching to freestyle-heavy antics mid-battle. While his improvisation is entertaining, it can sometimes make the competitive balance feel awkward. With Clips battling frequently as of late, his level of preparation will be a key factor.
Yunus vs Pass
In anticipated clash of generations, Yunus—recently ranked among the top 20 battle rappers of the year—makes his debut on TBL stage against Oakland’s own legend, Pass. Both emcees are known for their elite rapping ability, making an interesting match where the styles can complement each other but the content and performance will be the difference maer. At its core, this battle embodies the classic theme of “old school vs. new school, need to learn tho.” where one side looks to prove their legacy, and the other is here to show that the future has arrived and they are craving their own.
Danny Myers vs Quest MCody
It’s the Bar God versus a God Emcee. After years of tension and mutual call-outs, Danny Myers and Quest MCody are finally stepping into the ring. The lead-up to this battle has been filled with nothing but competitive commitment from both. With diss tracks, multiple face-offs & exchanges via Twitter., filled with diss tracks and face-offs (Yes more than onw). A major highlight I’ve noticed that stands out whenever these two are having dialogue, is Quest dissecting Danny’s logic with surgical precision. It’s clear Quest has studied Danny closely, preparing for this moment with a calculated approach.
Meanwhile, Danny, never one to duck smoke, will bring his signature relentless energy and punch-heavy intensity, its why he is heralded as the favorite, rightfully so. Danny’s high-octane style against Quest’s thoughtful, strategic angles. Has enough of a back story of two battlers that have been in the culture for 20+ years with a lot to get off their chest.
Ms Hustle vs Real Deal
Just one week removed from her standout main event performance against Hitman Holla on Bags and Bodies—a battle that featured a career-highlight first round—Ms. Hustle returns to face the ever-consistent Real Deal. Known for his strategy, rapping pockets, and veteran poise, Real Deal is stepping into a tough stretch with back-to-back battles against Hustle and Twork in April. While Hustle isn’t known for high-volume battling or quick turnarounds—her last time battling twice in one week resulted in a shaky second showing when she battled Chess & Shank Prezzy a week apart—questions about her giving back-to-back clean showings on short prep could remain a question.
Still, this matchup is nothing short of a style clash: Hustle’s dynamic performer vs. Real Deal’s calculated angler, and this is also Real Deal’s first intergender opponent; it opens the doors for his creativity, but will it be enough for the avalanche Hustle brings, when she’s clicking and stomping while she works the room?
Kapo Bravado vs Snake Eyez
Battle Of The Most Vocal. Both battlers are known for their relentless promotion and trash talk, and they meet up as one of the openers for the weekend. Snake & Kapo have brought endless energy to each other on their virtual face-off via Twitter Spaces and on the timeline. They even had a face-off on PSA Reloaded. Kapo looks to continue climbing the ladder of a rising star, with an opportunity to win against one of the only other battlers with as much to say as him
Snake goes into the battle, and after years of still looking to establish his respect as a top-level battler, and fresh off a strong performance against Rum Nitty, he will try to show levels vs. someone he views as inferior competition, halting the rise of a promising prospect. This battle does have money-on-the-floor implications, so the ultimate bragging rights will be available.
Loso vs J2
J2 is out for redemption, aiming to even the score with the Horsemen after his previous loss to A. Ward. J2 is Coming into 2025 with momentum from a solid win streak; he’s looking to capitalize on that energy. Loso, while still delivering high-level material, has occasionally struggled with consistency in his performances due to his busy schedule. This battle comes down to whether J2’s hunger and focus can overcome Loso’s experience and polished pen—or if Loso will tighten the reigns and bring a sharp performance.
Casey Jay vs Jay Love
Casey Jay returns for her first home battle in years and her second appearance in 2025 since coming back from hiatus, stepping in against one of the LTBR’s Most improved battlers of 2024 and rising talent in women’s battle rap—Jay Love. While Jay Love has flown under the radar, her punch-heavy style makes her a dangerous opponent, and her pen, delivery, and confidence have excelled over the last year.
Stylistically, both emcees are set to bring a bar-heavy battle. But for Jay Love, this is the most significant opportunity of her career—a chance to prove herself under the brightest lights and biggest stage she’s been on and against a certified top-tier talent. Casey, in turn, is giving a hungry contender a shot, but she has historically proven to stop rising talents in their tracks, and at home will only make this even tougher.
Worthy of note, this will be the first event since Kings vs Queens 3 (2022) since all 3 of the Bardashians will be on the same card.
Chef Trez vs Lu Castro
Chef Trez has been the most consistent battle rapper in the world over the last two years. Two straight finishes in the top four for COTY are proof of the level he’s been operating at, and he’s starting 2025 off strong again. At this point, it’s never a question of whether Trez will show up; it’s whether he’s going to steal the show and wind up with the performance of the night.
Lu Castro had a shaky couple of years after a breakout 2021 campaign. But with his recent performance against Chess and Loso, Lu is experiencing a return to form. He’s facing the toughest competition of his resurgence, so how will Lu deliver standing across from such an elite guy in Chef Trez?
Ace Amin vs Hansel
Hansel enters this battle with major momentum in 2025, coming off two judged wins and a standout one-rounder against Real Deal. With his sights set on cracking the Top 20 battle rappers list this year, he’s quickly proving himself as one of the scene’s fastest-rising stars. Across from him is Ace Amin, a seasoned competitor who had a strong 2023 year but hit a rough patch toward the end, particularly in his battle against Shotgun Suge. He hasn’t looked like the version of himself from 2023, but now looking to regain his stride, Ace is taking a measured approach to rebuild his momentum one battle at a time. Though their styles contrast—Hansel’s clean aggression versus Ace’s layered intricacy—both emcees share a hunger to ascend. As the event opener, this clash is all about setting the tone and showing who wants it more.
Sheed Happens vs Xcel
What some may frame as a pen vs. performance matchup only tells part of the story—because Sheed Happens has a pen of his own. Stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Emerson Kennedy, Sheed was hand-picked by Xcel, who’s long been respected for his dense writing. While there’s a clear contrast between energy and delivery—Sheed being more dynamic and animated—Xcel’s pen is never questioned. He’s acknowledged the need to adjust how he presents his material without changing the essence of his writing.
Meanwhile, Sheed comes into this battle off major momentum, fresh from a battle of the year Contender with Jey the Nitewing. It would be interesting to see if Xcel can leave his comfort zone to try something new while Sheed looks to stay in form.
