All eyes are on Miami this Saturday, where the top MCs will go head-to-head in the Red Bull Batalla, in hopes of advancing in the worldwide competition and proving themselves to be the very best. The city, however, is no stranger to the competition — the US Final took place in Miami last year.
Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has risen to become the world’s biggest international freestyle battle competition that unites Spanish speakers across the globe, providing young rappers a platform to hone and showcase their skills.
The upcoming competition comes on the heels of regional qualifiers in Los Angeles and Houston, where Saturday’s winners will earn their way to compete in the National Final in Dallas this November. The World Final in Bogotá, Colombia will follow on December 2.
Miami’s event will see some some familiar faces, including last year’s World Champion, Link_One, as well as MC Freites, Zeu, Crown and Micky Ricon. Those participating in the qualifier will take turns on the mic for a 1v1, bracket-style competition.
The panel of judges will include local hip hop heavyweights MC Snow, Chester and Sara Socas. Racso White Lion and Sonja La Makina will be co-hosting the festivities with DJ Cesar behind the wheels of steel. The LA-based Secret Walls crew will be in attendance, painting live during the battles and unveiling a piece of art at the very end.
The Red Bull Batalla Regional Qualifier will take place on Saturday, August 26 at Skatebird Miami in 533 NE 83rd St, El Portal, FL 33138. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the battles begin at 8 p.m.
For tickets and full details about Red Bull Batalla, visit their website by clicking here.