New York is the battle rap mecca. Period. Other regions might rise in the wake of fall-offs or dormancy but the “NY freestyle,” pre-written acapella rhymes, was born there. So it’s only natural that with the sea change from freestyle competitions to honed pre-fabricated/opponent specific verse, NY would come back to the spotlight. Home to several leagues and five boroughs worth of hungry spitters, the Apple currently houses both glitzy stadium rap and decidedly more intimate rap exhibitions. Grindtime East Coast, or GTEC, is the epitome of the latter, and this Saturday, January 28th, they’re throwing what is sure to be one of the dopest, most heated events this year.
Following the success of the September “Follow the Leader” event, “GTEC Volume 1″ features live PPV streaming of the night’s clashes via Uvidy.com, including the heavy main events on the card.
Fresh off a bodybag in his solo return performance at KOTD’s “Flatline,” St. Catherine’s own bearded wonder Jack Shitt makes his first trip to take on Rapmusic and Grindtime Upstate NY’s Dirt. Can Jack hold it down as well as his countrymen have in NY in the past, or will Dirt give one of the year’s comeback performances?
And you best believe that beef’s on the menu, too. A year and a half after being dissed and following numerous stray shots and callouts, can Brooklyn’s PH defeat San Jose, California’s Dirtbag Dan, or will the San Jo native have some tricks up his beard? Plus, don’t forget about one of the most momentous battles ever, HEAD ICE vs Swave Sevah, to determine who is the king of Harlem. Considering how legendary Harlem MCs are in battle rap history, this battle alone is worth the $20 streaming price. They’re both imposing presences, with one being methodical and insightful and the other commanding and unorthodox.
Interested in history? Check the event vlogs and links below for more details, greasy talk, and info on the stream, including where and how to purchase.
Official Grindtime Home Page
GTEC Volume 1 Event Page on Facebook
PPV Stream Page on Uvidy
Event Info Page on Uvidy
