​The Fierce, Flourishing World of Battle Rap

"On the eastern edge of Bedford-Stuyvesant — a Brooklyn neighborhood synonymous with hip-hop excellence — a tiny wellness center is tucked between a Pentecostal church and a real estate office. Inside its sterile, 800 or so square feet, there’s a wall of mirrors, stock photos of people performing various exercises and fluorescent lighting that makes the plastic plants in the corner look even more fake. On certain nights, one could be excused for thinking this is a waiting room and not what it actually is: a battleground. Here, in this unassuming room, the Trap NY — one of several battle rap leagues based in New York City — hosts most of its events. ...”

From left: Bosevich4, Chris Dubbs and Bizzness at the Trap NY in January.

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