when fashion meets bars
The staunch rule in battle rap has
been “bars over everything”, but
after carefully examining numerous
battle rap artists within the last few
months, I feel there is a new adage
that should be shared and that is:
“Dress for success.”
Have you ever been distracted while
watching a battle because one of
the opponents thought it was clever
to put together the most tasteless
ensemble? Granted, every battle
rap artist may not have a team of
individuals who support and give
credible advice, but you would think
common sense would lead one to at
least get a haircut or better quality
of hair/weave. Let us not forget that
these battles are being watched by
thousands of viewers from all over
the world.
There is a simple proverb that states,
“You only get one chance to make
a first impression.” Well news flash
to all my battle rappers that are
reading, sometimes the most recent
video footage is the only opportunity
you have to make a great impression
on a potential fan. Nevertheless,
fans are fickle — here today, gone
tomorrow — but fans aren’t the only
ones who watch. It is a known fact
that some of our favorite hip-hop
celebrities watch and attend these
battles — and for this reason alone
— one should focus on his or
her appearance. Image
is everything.
Legendary
Rap Artist
LL Cool J
is recognized for sporting the classic
Kangol hat. Years later, James Todd
Smith had millions of people hiking
one pant leg up; this all coincides
with creating a brand and image.
What is your brand? What does
it stand for? Are you marketable?
Ms. Miami has been working
diligently to develop her brand.
Most of us remember this gem
from some of the earlier Queen of
the Ring: Sparring Session series,
“It’s Ms. Miami. Chicks take shots,
but they miss Miami.”
Her wit and clever phrasing has
thousands of fans all over social
media retweeting and mimicking
her slogan. Ms. Miami was
once known mostly for her
performance, aggression and
wiit, but lately, Miami has
proven that the total package
is everything, displaying
more bar-heavy and
thought-provoking lyrics.
Miami is confident and
has demonstrated that she
has the lyrical abilities
and bars to hang with
the big dogs. It’s no secret
that Ms.Miami was
equipped enough to
make a classic in the
Quiet Room battle
with Official.
Miami is set to
battle bar-heavy rapper
Jai Smoove in a few weeks
and is fresh off of a body
versus Lady E, on the Queen
of the Ring: Classics or
Caskets card.
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