they haven’t been able to make a
larger impact. But we’re humble
and we know we still have a lot
of work to do.
Cherin: You mentioned that you
haven’t made much of a return on
your investment. So what do you
see RBE doing within the next
few years? Do you see yourself as
a legitimate business or is this a
hobby for RBE right now?
ARP: We are a legal business at
this point. As far as finances, I
think it’s a big misconception of
how much money is available in
battle rap and how much money
people make. I think even
Organik — who has arguably
the largest platform in battle rap
culture — clearly stated himself
that on some of his largest cards
he was happy breaking even or
making $1500. Fifteen hundred
dollars; and you see how large
their events are. For a platform
of that size and that magnitude,
that amount of subscribers, and
followers, supporters and fans
and people who come out to
their events — for them to not
to be making big money, I think
that shows you that it’s a big
misconception how much money
these platform or league owners
are making. To even be thinking
about money, that’s not on our
agenda or else we would’ve
been long gone by now. We
would’ve did our first event and
we would’ve seen that, “wow, we
didn’t make a dime; we actually
lost money” and we would’ve
run for the hills after that. But
we love this s**t. So, that’s what
its about first and foremost and I
22
suggest anybody that comes into
the culture has that mentality
first, because the moment that
you put money first, it’s a whole
notha’ ball game, and you’ll f**k
yourself up.
what else they’re gonna do to be
innovative within the culture.
Give them a chance.
Cheron: What do you think about
Total Slaughter, UW and the fact
that a lot of league owners feel
that they’ve invested so much
into the culture, but feel left out
because someone else is making
money? Do you feel there is a
responsibility for them to be
acknowledged by the culture?
RBE: Shoutout to 100 Bars
Magazine for taking the time to
f**k with us. Look out for that
July 5, 2014 “Lift His Soul”.
It’s a monster card, pound-forpound, matchup-for-matchup.
Y’all make sure you subscribe to
the Youtube channel ‘cause once
again, we just don’t do battles.
I’m the only owner that’s a
respected blogger, so y’all make
sure to tune into the channel for
all types of exclusive footage and
exclusive videos.
ARP: I think we get caught up in
all that s**t. The problem is, that
nobody owns battle rap. The
people who started battle rap
are not even in the culture; talk
to Kool Moe Dee and Bizzy B.
My opinion is that a lot of those
people are salty because they feel
that it’s a business loss to them.
You have people that feel like
they used to have 100 percent
of the market share, and now
they feel like they have maybe
80, 70 or 60. People don’t want
to share when there’s business
involved and when it’s all about
money. So somebody like me,
I’m glad that Total Slaughter is
here, because I put the culture
first. I love this s**t first. Total
Slaughter being here means I get
to see s**t that no other platform
will be able to afford; I can’t
wait to see “Hollow Da Don
vs. Joe Budden”. I hope Total
Slaughter keeps bringing us
huge matchups that we wouldn’t
be able to get from RBE, or UW,
or URL or KOTD. Who knows
Cheron: Anything else you’d like
to add or address?