It's a blustery night in Miami on Saturday (October 12), but the atmosphere inside Factory Town was sultry as the 2024 Red Bull Batalla USA National Final went down. This celebrated annual event has grown into a cultural phenomenon, bringing together 16 of the sickest, smartest improvisational electro-artists in the country – all hailing from diverse Latin American backgrounds – to compete for the best lyrical face.
Now in its final round to determine this year's national winner, it was up to Freites, originally from Venezuela, and Venezuelan-Dominican rapper AdonysX to take home the trophy. With the crowd thickening and the atmosphere electric, each lyricist turned up the volume, spitting bars that reverberated through the charged air. Viewers, gripped by every piercing line and snappy response, witnessed an epic culture clash that went beyond words.
In the end, AdonysX claimed the title of the best Spanish-speaking freestyler in the country. The stage also featured prominent competitors including last year's National Finals runner-up Zazowan, Miami's Colombian sensation Nico B, seasoned Mexican rapper Jordi, New York regional champion AdonYS (different from national winner AdonysX) and more
“The atmosphere of a battle can vary. can be charged with energy or more [subdued]but in any case, it remains intense,” says AdonysX, speaking a few weeks after winning the regional event in his hometown of New York. “At any moment, energy can [fluctuate]but in general, the environment demands a lot from you.”
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The night was also highlighted by an appearance from Akapellah, one of the best Spanish rappers of all time, who also took a seat at the judges table for the event alongside Reverse, Dilema and Snow QLQ.
“The pioneer that started it all was Red Bull Batalla. It was a launching pad for many, including myself,” says Akapellah Billboard Españolwho this year took on the role of judge for the US National Final. “I think 80% of the biggest artists in Latin hip-hop and Hispanic music, we all come from fighting, we all grew up watching Red Bull Batallas. It was our influence, it was our bridge to jump into the world of the music industry.”
Originally known as Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos, the state competition was founded in 2019, although the entire franchise was created in 2005, after the success of the blockbuster starring Eminem. 8 Mile. It is now approaching its 17th installment, which will take place in Madrid, Spain on November 30. Each year, the international competition takes place in a different Spanish-speaking country.
“We all grew up watching these fights. For me, it's incredible that today I'm a judge because when I was a kid, the first time I tried to do it competitively I was underage. I didn't have a passport and they let me participate in the regional competition in my city at the time, but just for fun,” says the Venezuelan rap titan, who says he won but failed to advance to the next level. due to visa restrictions.
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For the past three years, the US Red Bull Batalla Championship trophy has been contested by statesiders with notable wins by Oner and last year's champion Reverse, who, after winning, became a two-time US champion — as Puerto Rican MC, Yartzi, who won in 2019 and 2020.
“The first time there was a Red Bull Batalla in the US, it was something historic. It was the last location added to the battle circuit. And the inclusion of the United States, giving opportunity to all immigrants and all Latinos in the United States, was really important,” says Yearji. Billboard Español. “Every year more talent, more personalities and more MCs are added. Every year the competition gets tougher to keep this title.”
Outside of the freestyle scene, Yearji today uses his much-vaunted lyrical skills to compose for some of the biggest names in Latin music. He has collaborated with producers such as Jorge Miliano, DJ Blass and Major Lazer as well as reggaetón superstars such as Anuel AA, Wisin y Yandel, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Lunay, Tainy and more.
As the national finalists from America and Spain all turn their focus to the world stage, Akapellah also offers a reminder: “Freestyle has developed its own significant identity and has diverged somewhat from traditional hip-hop, which is a delicate matter. There are incredibly talented artists who would benefit enormously from a wider vocabulary to enrich their rhymes,” he says, referring to ingesting more literature.
Echoing the wider benefits of participating in Red Bull Batalla, AdonYS emphasizes its role beyond simply providing a stage. “It gives you a lot of connections, countless opportunities and doors that can open to a wider world of music and the industry,” he says. “The idea is to continue to help the kids that come in any way we can. The idea is to all come together so that freestyle can continue to grow.”
“As the saying goes, and not to sound cliche, but it really gives you wings because it exposes your talent to the world in a way that you might not be able to do on your own,” says Yartzi, reflecting on the platform's transformative power. “As an independent artist, it helps push you and captures the global spotlight. Participating as a Puerto Rican rapper also caught the attention of reggaeton artists, my compatriots, leading to many relationships created through this achievement.”
