100 BARS MAGAZINE 007 Mar/Apr 2014 | Page 10

POLITICS & BATTLE RAP QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE by SHANEA AMI In female battle rap, we all strive to be considered the best. But in reality are we fighting for a spot that has more than enough room for more than one? In my opinion , yes there is more than enough room but us as women we’re not prepared to share the limelight. Naturally every girl is afraid of being replaced. It’s not that we don’t want to see others make it, no that’s not the case at all but if you were at the top of your game would you want to share your prize with someone else? Some femcees work too hard to maintain their name in the business. It’s harder for a woman to keep her position more so than a man because the slightest thing whether it be style, performance, and/or bars that can change a person’s outlook. While no matter what a man does his fans remain loyal. Yes it is unfair but those are the laws of battle rap. I used to be confused on why everybody just won’t shut up and battle each other no matter what tier you are just off the strength of it being a competition. But now I understand why certain top chicks won’t battle up and coming girls. It’s not an ego thing or them being scared , we are now in the age of battle rap where chicks are cheating their way up. It would be very damaging losing your spot to a chick that didn’t write her bars. So I understand why they won’t take a up and comer without studying them first. So now when I think of whether there is enough room for all of us to shine. I always say yeah, but be careful on who that light shines on because once your in the light you can’t hide your shadow. Battle Rap Astrology ARIES “Woooosaaaah” It’s Aries season and everybody wants to “pop off ” in one way or another. Hopefully you’re getting into something; otherwise — something’s definitely getting into you. Now is a g ood time to do a battle; it’s your most aggressive you. This won’t happen again until the madness of summer time, when the Sun is either in — or getting close to — Leo. Sorry Aries, I know you love to shine, but I couldn’t start the Zodiac off without mentioning Leos. After all, they are “top tier”; we’ll get back to them later. Hold your head and keep your cool, because the heat is turning up. You don’t want to lose good company. Aries, you must take it easy when helping others that you don’t overstep your boundaries. You’re in charge. ~Cheron Hall 10