By Sarah Brown, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The third step of Batalha do Real showcases the skills and quick-thinking of eight young and talented MCs as they dispute for the traditional and highly-regarded title of Caricoa Rap. The performance will take place at Arena Carioca Fernando Torres in Madureira Park on Friday, October 7th between 6PM and 10PM.
The competitors are all aged between seventeen and 23 years old. In this third step, Big Black (JPA), Gaspar (Ilha do Governador), Iguin (Caxias), Jhonny (São Gonçalo), Natalhão (Ramos), Pelé (São Gonçalo), Samantha Zen (Niterói) and Xamã (Campo Grande) will battle it out on stage. The competiton is a traditonal one-on-one knockout round, with each MC having two rounds of 45 seconds to tease and outwit the other MC in a test of mental agilty and sharp reactions.
In addition to the lyrical battles between the eight MCs , there will also be several shows from acclaimed rappers. Pedro Ratão, known for his strong verses, soft melodies and political criticism in his words, will perform on Friday followed by rapper Luccas Carlos, one of the members of the quartet Lost Pyramid.
Batalha do Real is a production of the Municipal Department of Culture development program and is in its thirteenth year. The performance incorporates elements of hip hop and street art, as well as using decorations made with recycled and sustainable material signed by artists Felipe Bardy and Fabio Ema.
The battle on Friday is the third step out of five total steps. The first and second battles took place in Méier and Jacarepaguá. The fourth stage will take place on October, 30th in Penha and the grand finale will be at Arcos de Lapa on November, 20th, the traditional venue for the final of the Batalha do Real.
What: Batalha do Real
When: Friday, October 7th – 6PM – 10PM
Where: Arena Carioca Fernando Torres in Madureira Park
Entrance: R$10 – R$20