It was a stormy night in Miami on Saturday (October 12), but the atmosphere in the factory town was sultry as the 2024 Red Bull Batala U.S. National Finals got underway. This prestigious annual event has grown into a cultural phenomenon, bringing together 16 of the country’s most wicked and clever wordsmiths – all from diverse Latin American backgrounds – to compete for the best lyrical showdown.
Currently, this year’s national championship has entered the final round, with Freites from Venezuela and Venezuelan-Dominican rapper AdonysX winning the trophy. As the crowd thickens and the atmosphere becomes tense, each lyricist turns up the intensity, spitting out bars that echo in the electrified air. The audience is riveted by every sharp line and pointed retort, witnessing an epic culture clash that transcends words.
Ultimately, AdonysX was crowned the best Spanish-language freestyler in the country. Famous competitors also appeared on the stage, including last year’s national finals runner-up Zazowan, Miami’s Colombian star Nico B, experienced Mexican rapper Jordi, New York City regional champion AdonYS (different from the national champion AdonysX), etc.
“The atmosphere of a fight can vary; it can be full of energy or more [subdued]but regardless, the competition is still fierce,” AdonysX said a few weeks after winning the regional event in his native New York. “Every moment, energy can [fluctuate]But in general, the environment demands a lot from you.
Ian Wetteren/Red Bull Content Pool
Another highlight of the night was the performance of Akapellah, one of the best Spanish-language rappers of all time, who also sat on the judging panel for the event along with Reverse, Dilema and Snow QLQ .
“The pioneer of it all was Red Bull Batalla. It was the springboard for many people, myself included. spanish advertising billboardThis year, I served as a judge for the U.S. National Finals. “I believe 80% of the greatest artists in Latin hip-hop and Spanish-language music, we all came out of the battle, we all grew up watching Red Bull Batallas. That’s our influence, that’s what got us into the music industry Bridge of the world.
The stateside event, originally known as the Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos, was established in 2019, but the entire series was created in 2005 following the success of the blockbuster film starring Eminem, 8 miles. Currently in its 17th edition, the event will be held on November 30 in Madrid, Spain.
“We all grew up watching those fights. It’s unbelievable to me that when I was a kid and today I’m a judge, the first time I tried to compete I was Underage. I didn’t have a passport and they let me compete in regional competitions in my city, but just for fun.
Daniel Zuliani/Red Bull Content Pool
For the past three years, the Red Bull Batalla U.S. Championship Trophy has been claimed by residents of the state, with notable victories by Oner and last year’s winner, Reverse, who became dual U.S. Champions following their win – as did Puerto Rico MC, Yartzi, who won in 2019 and 2020.
“Red Bull Batalla debuts in the United States for the first time, which is a historic event. It is the last location to be added to the battle cycle. Bringing the United States into the fold provides opportunities for all immigrants and all Latinos in the United States, This really means a lot. spanish advertising billboard. “Every year more talent, more personalities and more hosts are added. Every year the competition gets tougher to retain the title.
Outside of the realm of improvisational music, Yaz now uses his highly regarded 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 reggaeton superstars such as Anuel AA, Wisin y Yandel, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Lunay, Tainy and others.
As the finalists from all countries in the Americas and Spain turn their attention to the global stage, Akapellah also reminds us: “Freestyle has developed its own important identity and differs from traditional hip-hop, which is a delicate topic. There are There are some very talented artists who would benefit greatly from a wider vocabulary to enrich their rhythms,” he noted, citing further literature.
AdonYS echoed the wider benefits of attending Red Bull Batalla, stressing that its role is more than just providing a stage. “It gives you so many connections, countless opportunities and doors that open up the wider world of music and the industry,” he said. “The idea is to continue to do whatever we can to help those who are coming up. The idea is that we all work together to keep freestyle growing.
“As the saying goes, and not to sound cliché, but it really gives you wings because it exposes your talents to the world in a way that you might not be able to achieve on your own,” Yates said, reflecting on the platform’s transformative power. “As an independent artist, it helps push you and attract global attention. Competing as a rapper from Puerto Rico also brought attention to my fellow reggaeton artists, and many relationships were built through this accomplishment.
