Thursday, April 26, 2007

UrbanSouth.us reviews Monday Nite Fights

By John the Baptist of Urban South

Competition has been a corner stone of hip hop since its conception in the borrows of New York. DJ’s battled other DJ’s for control of the crowd, Break-dancing crews battled other crews for titles and bragging rights, and Graf artists tagged up everything in sight in competition with rival artists to prove superiority. When the natural evolution of the MC occurred through DJ’s commanding control of those same crowds with a microphone, it was only natural that this sense of competition would follow into this aspect of hip hop culture.

Although The South and Texas in particular is not looked upon as a Mecca of lyricists or those qualities that the East Coast would consider true MC’s, other parts of the country create breeding grounds for battle rappers through freestyle battles. Some purists believe a MC can't even call them self MC’s if you can not rock a decent freestyle. However Houston's rise to fame started with mixtapes lodged with freestyles after freestyles, showing a pendant for 'off the dome' verses letting the country if not the world that Texas too could throw its hat into the ring and show that we too were living full and well inside this world of hip hop.

Texas has never really been a region known for battle rappers or the competitions but if you look hard enough you can and will find what you are looking for here in Dallas, TX. If you head up to the Caribbean Bar and Grill on a Monday night and you got a guts to either compete or just be a spectator in this blood sport of words, you can get what you want. I myself have spent a few occasions at Monday Nite Fights at the Caribbean Bar and Grill (6038 Forest Ln) to enjoy the laid back and pleasant atmosphere they have to offer. It’s an out of the way spot so unless you know where it is you might not be able to find it. It’s right behind the large Cinemark Theatre off 635 and Webb Chapel Rd. The cover is only $5 bucks and if you show up before 10 pm you can get in free though it is a bit boring before the festivities jump off. Paying the five bucks is worth it and you will be supporting a local hip hop event which is never a bad idea. Don't let me give you the wrong idea though cuz when DJ Phil gets to spinning the party is just beginning. DJ Phil plays a good mix of new jams and classic hits from the likes of BIG, Pac, and other greats. And if you want to get your drink on, you really can't ask for better prices. $2.50 beers and specials on martinis every week and it is a bar and grill so of course there is food available. I myself haven't indulged yet but the word is the food is good. Now the event is hosted by none other than 97.9's own Headkrack the Gat. Unless you NEVER listen to the radio you should know Headkrack. He's been an integral part of 97.9 for years and now plays a crucial role on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, as well as an accomplished MC in his own right. He is also a solo artist and a member of the Boondox Crew. The crowd is a very diverse assembly of people, both by race and by types of people (back-backers, thugs, etc etc). He keeps it moving with ease so there is never too much time being wasted keeping the MC’s in check. With various sponsors like Sony, BMG and (selfish plug here) Baptist Originals, he has free giveaways for those in attendance including tickets, CD’s, shirts and other freebies.

As for the battles themselves the contestants range from the amateur to very skilled mic technicians. Past winners and standouts include Tax, Paypa Sak Brown, Playdough, Exzile, Kris Misfit, Fever and C Pone, just to name a few. The actual battles can be lame from time to time, due to untested and premature MC’s, but more often than not the battles are incredibly good. I am often surprised at the amount of talent that finds itself to the Caribbean Bar and Grill on a Monday nights. MC’s that come on stage with pre-written verses are usually ousted by more seasoned MC’s and don't usually return, or at least not with another written verse. The humor and wit slung on the stage between battles is done well and the laughs are abundant. I've seen a number of freestyle battles and must say that if you want to participate here you better bring your 'A' game because the guys that come and keep coming aren’t playing around and they will clown your ass. Bring your cleanest gear! No 'holy' shoes, nappy hair, and use some lotion if you want to avoid some easy but effective points of your competition working against you.

All in all the Monday Nite Fights is a great way to spend the beginning of the work week. Most nights the fights are over by 1:00 AM so you will not be out too late for work in the morning. Headkrack also offers opportunities for Hip Hop acts to come and rock the stage and showcase your skills the standard way. So no matter your skill or level of participation, there is a great time to be had at the Monday Nite Fights. In closing I will leave you with a quote from Headkrack himself on where he sees the future of Monday Nite Fights going. "Hopefully in the future we can take Monday Nite Fights globally, like where as we not only have MCs from Dallas battling but MCs from all across the country, know what I'm saying flying out here to come here to take place in this prestigious event, Its been five years strong and it says a lot bout the support of the people, so I'm definitely happy about doing this." You can find more info about Monday Nite Fights at their websites: www.mondaynitefights.com & www.myspace.com/monday_nite_fights

TexasGigs content partner - Urban South Entertainment

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