100 BARS MAGAZINE 011 JUL/AUG 2014 | Page 43

Sean Kirtland: How long have you been spitting and when did you first compete in battle? C Low: I’ve been writing music for about 11 years and I first jumped in the ring about a year ago against Monster in the Number One Contender battle league. Sean: Who inspired you to battle rap? What artists inspired you to rhyme? Do you make music? C Low: My boys push me to perfect my craft every day. As far as favorite rapper, I’d probably say 50 Cent. My favorite lyricist? I would have to go with Eminem. I make music; I just put it on hold to put my stamp in battle rap. Sean: How is the competition where you live? What is the music scene like there? C Low: The competition is wild. I could count seven battle rappers from South Jersey right now that are capable of being Top 5 anywhere. As far as music, that lane is filled up too. I feel the street anthems are missing in music these days and we have the emcees to fix that. Sean: There are a lot of emcees jumping into battle rap; what would set you apart from everyone else out there? c low rising star Sean: What are the most important qualities a battle emcee should have? C Low: I mean, this is cliché, but I’m an unorthodox puncher; a lot different than any other battle rapper. I’m a threat in every category in battle rap. C Low: The most important quality in battle rap would probably be respect. You get what you give and respect is needed on any platform, in my opinion. Sean: How do you feel about New Jersey battle rap? Who is the best in your city? What is New Jersey’s place in hip-hop? Sean: Who is the best in battle rap and what league do you like the most? C Low: In my city, I honestly couldn’t say. There are a lot of killers, but I could say I’m up there; at least Top 5. We are low on the ranks, that’s why I’m here going hard for Jersey today. C Low: The best to me? I would say Tay Roc. And my favorite league? Maybe Go-rilla Warfare. For lesser known leagues, I mess with NOC and No Hold Bars. I can’t forget Bars Over BS, Frontline and The Gauntlet. Sean: What was the worst battle you’ve ever seen and what was the best battle? Sean: What platform would you like to compete on if you had the choice? Who would you battle? C Low: (C Low laughs) The worst battle ever, I will probably say “Swave Sevah vs. O Solo”. My favorite is probably the rematch of Tay Roc and Charlie Clips or “Hitman vs. John John Da Don”. C Low: I would want to battle John John, Hitman, Arsonal, Charlie Clips — and maybe Born — on Go-rilla Warfare. Sean: Do you think you could beat a Top Tier emcee? If so, who would it be? C Low: I think I could beat anyone, honestly. “Top Tier” just means they are recognized under the lights. You can’t tell me Goodz is actually better than Born, or Big T is actually better than Johnny Alcatraz. Sean: How do you write and prepare for battles? What’s your favorite part about battling? C Low: I’ll write when I’m in the mood. I don’t force my pen. When I’m not, I rehearse about four days before every battle. My favorite part might be the first reaction you get on a hard bar. It’s a good feeling. Sean: There are a lot of reaches and light lyrics being spit. How do you 43