FlipTop Battle League
 | |
| Industry | Battle rap |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Alaric Riam Yuson |
| Headquarters | Cifra Bldg, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, Philippines |
Area served | Philippines |
| Website | www |
FlipTop Battle League is the first and largest running professional rap battle conference in the Philippines founded by Alaric Riam Yuson (known as Anygma) in 2010.[1][2] The league promotes Pinoy hip hop. FlipTop is heavily influenced by the original rap battle leagues in the West founded in 2008 – Grind Time Now (US), King of the Dot (Canada) and Don't Flop (UK), which inspired the creation of FlipTop and other battle leagues around the world.[3][4] The league also branched out into several divisions after its success.[5] The league was currently under management of a self-produced events and artist management company, FlipTop Kru Corp which was established also by Yuson.
Battle
In general, the contest consists of three rounds with a time limit for each contender set by the referee. Sometimes time limits are agreed on by the participants before the battle. For 1 on 1 and 2 on 2, time limits are generally 1 minute to 3 minutes (with 30 second increments) and 5 minutes respectively. Odd number of judges are selected to judge the battle to prevent draws. Early iteration of rules allowed judges to vote for overtime. In early years, majority of judges voted for overtime or if no definite winner emerged from judges' votes.
However recently, the judges are not allowed to vote for overtime, they should pick a winner. The first turn is determined by a coin toss or prearranged agreement between two emcees who will took the first turn before the battle start. Written or non-written lines are allowed. Both sides can also bring props for the event. Filipino language is the primary medium although other languages or dialects can be used. Choking in any rounds increase the chance of losing the battle. The winner is determined by the decision of the judges.
The criteria for judging are the usage of words, audience impact, delivery, and rapping style.[3][6]
There are different conferences in FlipTop such as the Filipino Conference, Bisaya Conference, and English Conference among others.
The league has an annual tournament called "Isabuhay". A series of matches consists of undercard, non-tournament matches and tournament matches running for a year where the finals occurred every month of December. The emcees appearances on the matches depends on their availability.
Format
FlipTop has three different battle formats which sometimes combined with Freestyle:
- Written - This format allows use of written lyrics along with freestyle and is now the standard format used in battles.
- Freestyle - At first the most common in all FlipTop tournaments, this format is now rarely done and has generally been replaced by the written format. Lyrics must be thought of during the battle.
- Old School - Is essentially the freestyle format but is accompanied with an instrumental, and is commonly used on tryouts.
There are also different variations of rap battle within the FlipTop tournament:
- Dos por Dos - Tag-team freestyle rap battle. It can be Emcee or Femcee, Freestyle or Written.
- Five on Five - Five-member team freestyle rap battle. It can be Emcee or Femcee, Freestyle or Written.
- Femcee Battle - All-female rap battle. It can be Freestyle or Written.
- Intergender Battle - Male vs. Female battle.
- Royal Rumble - A rap battle consists of more than two emcees randomly attack or bash each other.
- Secret Battle - Same as the other battles but with limited audience. Sometimes it surprisingly appeared in the day of the tournament unannounced.
- Won Minutes - Strictly one-minute per round format.
List of events
| Event Name | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Assault | February 6, 2010 | Quantum Cafe, Makati City |
| Second Sight | March 20, 2010 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Ahon | May 15, 2010 | Guerrilla Radio, Pasig City |
| Process of Illumination | June 25, 2010 | Freedom Bar, Anonas, Quezon City |
| Bwelta Balentong | July 17, 2010 | Freedom Bar, Anonas, Quezon City |
| Down N South | September 25, 2010 | Friday's Super Club, Las Pinas City |
| 2 on 2* | October 16, 2010 | Tanza, Cavite |
| Gapo de Gulat | October 29, 2010 | Music Jam, Olongapo City |
| Sabong Sumulong | November 12, 2010 | Texas Cockpit Arena, Marikina City |
| Tectonics | December 4, 2010 | Katips Bar and Grillery, Katipunan Extension, Quezon City |
| Grain Assault 2 | February 5, 2011 | Quantum Cafe, Bagtikan corner Kamagong St. Makati City |
| Ahon 2* | July 1–2, 2011 | Hades Bar, 99 Timog Avenue, Quezon City |
| FlipTop @ Dutdutan | August 27, 2011 | World Trade Center, Pasay City |
| Mindfields | September 23, 2011 | Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City |
| 082 Magnitude | September 24, 2011 | Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City |
| Zoning | October 22, 2011 | Quantum Cafe, Bagtikan Corner Kamagong, Makati City |
| Gapo de Gulat 2 | November 5, 2011 | Jax Comedy Bar, Magsaysay Drive, Olongapo City |
| Ahon 3 | December 10, 2011 | Katip's Bar, Katipunan Extension, Quezon City |
| Bara Ko Barako | December 17, 2011 | Naic Covered Court, Naic, Cavite |
| FlipTop @ Ilocos Norte | December 28, 2011 | Centennial Arena, Laoag, Ilocos Norte |
| Mindfields 2 | February 16, 2012 | Club Z, Sucat Parañaque |
| Grain Assault 3* | February 25, 2012 | Feron Bldg., Kamagong Corner Bagtigkan |
| Mindfields 3 | March 1, 2012 | Teno2 Bar, Timog Avenue, Quezon City |
| Hukuman* | March 17, 2012 | Orani Gym, Orani, Bataan |
| Mindfields 4 | March 30, 2012 | Teno2 Bar, Timog Avenue, Quezon City |
| Mindfields 5 | April 21, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields 6 | April 26, 2012 | Skarlet Jazz Kticher Bar, Timog Avenue, Quezon City |
| Zoning 2* | May 5,13, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields Mindanao | May 17–18, 2012 | Tagum City, Davao del Norte |
| Different Ways 2 | May 19, 2012 | GSP Gym, Davao City |
| Boom Bap Friday* | July 6, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Dagitay | July 28, 2012 | Hayahay Treehouse Bar & Grill, Flores Avenue, Piapi Beach, 6200 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental |
| Unibersikulo* | August 31, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Kataga | September 8, 2012 | Kamalig Bar, Rosario, Cavite |
| Aspakan | October 6, 2012 | Party Piknikan, Lazatin Blvd., Villa Victoria, San Fernando City, Pampanga |
| Ahon 4 | November 9–10, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields 7 | December 7, 2012 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Grain Assault 4* | February 8, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Pakusganay | March 2, 2013 | GSP Gym, Davao City |
| Tectonics 2 | April 27, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Zoning 3* | May 17, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Tournament Round 2* | July 19–20, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Tournament Semis* | September 27, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| 082 Magnitude Ikaduha | November 9, 2013 | Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City |
| Unibersikulo 2* | December 21, 2013 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Grain Assault 5 | February 7, 2014 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Ubec Mindfields | February 16, 2014 | Gorordo Street, Cebu City |
| Second Sight 2 | April 11, 2014 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Gubat | April 25, 2014 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Oromata | May 9, 2014 | Cagayan De Oro |
| Kataga 2 | June 28, 2014 | Imus, Cavite |
| Aspakan 2 | July 19, 2014 | Angeles, Pampanga |
| Zoning 4 | August 30, 2014 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Gubat 2 | October 18, 2014 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Mindfields x Rapollo | October 19, 2014 | C Cuperclub, Cebu City |
| Zoning 5 | November 8, 2014 | Club Z/Barbaric Bar, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Paranaque City |
| Ahon 5 | December 19–20, 2014 | San Juan Gym, San Juan City |
| Grain Assault 6 | February 7, 2015 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Second Sight 3 | March 13, 2015 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Bwelta Balentong 2 | May 30, 2015 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields Cebu | June 3, 2015 | Lahug, Cebu City |
| Gubat 3 | July 4, 2015 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Process of Illumination 2 | August 22, 2015 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Unibersikulo 3 | September 12, 2015 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Aspakan 3 | October 10, 2015 | Angeles, Pampanga |
| Process of Illumination 3 | October 23, 2015 | Dasmariñas, Cavite |
| 082 Magnitude 3 | November 27, 2015 | Davao City |
| Process of Illumination 4 | November 28, 2015 | Davao City |
| Ahon 6 | December 11–13, 2015 | San Juan Gym, San Juan City |
| Grain Assault 7 | February 6, 2016 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Kataga 3 | February 20, 2016 | Rosario, Cavite |
| Process of Illumination 5 | March 11, 2016 | Cebu City |
| Gubat 4 | March 12, 2016 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Second Sight 4 | May 7, 2016 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Aspakan 4 | June 11, 2016 | Mabalacat, Pampanga |
| Mindfields 8 | July 15, 2016 | Davao City |
| Pakusganay 2 | July 16, 2016 | Davao City |
| Bwelta Balentong 3 | September 17, 2016 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields x Rapollo 2 | September 23, 2016 | Bikeyard Cafe, Cebu City |
| Gubat 5 | September 24, 2016 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Mindfields 9 | October 24, 2016 | Mow's Matalino St., Quezon City |
| Unibersikulo 4 | October 29, 2016 | Quantum Cafe, Makati City |
| Ahon 7* | December 16–17, 2016 | San Juan Gym, San Juan City |
| Grain Assault 8** | February 10, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields 10 | February 18, 2017 | Mow's, Matalino Street, Quezon City, Metro Manila |
| Second Sight 5 | February 24, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Mindfields 11 | March 22, 2017 | Mow's Matalino St., Quezon City |
| Unibersikulo 5* | March 25, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Kabanata*^ | April 8, 2017 | Nueva Ecija Colleges Gymnasium, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija |
| Mindfields 12 | April 26, 2017 | Mow's Matalino St., Quezon City |
| Mindfields 13 | May 5, 2017 |
|
| Gubat 6* | May 6, 2017 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Mindfields 14 | May 12, 2017 | 082 Lokal, Davao City |
| Pakusganay 3* | May 13, 2017 | Davao City |
| Zoning 6* | June 16, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Bwelta Balentong 4* | August 25, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Zoning 7* | October 13, 2017 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Aspakan 5 | October 20, 2017 | Mabalacat, Pampanga |
| Ahon 8 | December 8–9, 2017 | Riverside Studios Manila, Valenzuela, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Second Sight 6 | March 16, 2018 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Zoning 8 | June 29, 2018 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Gubat 7 | July 14, 2018 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Pakusganay 4 | July 21, 2018 | Cap Auditorium, Poblacion District, Davao City |
| Process of Illumination 6 |
|
|
| Bwelta Balentong 5 | September 8, 2018 | B-Side, Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Unibersikulo 6 | October 20, 2018 | Quantum Cafe, Bagtikan corner Kamagong St. Makati City |
| Ahon 9 | December 14–15, 2018 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
| Won Minutes | March 22, 2019 | Arkipelago, Bagtikan St., Makati City |
| Pakusganay 5 | March 30, 2019 | Cap Auditorium, Poblacion District, Davao City |
| Gubat 8 | April 13, 2019 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Second Sight 7 | April 27, 2019 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
| Zoning 2019 | June 29, 2019 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
| Unibersikulo 7 | August 10, 2019 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
| Won Minutes | August 23, 2019 | Laysa's BBQ Grill, Bonifacio Street, Davao City |
| Pakusganay 6 | August 24, 2019 | Muzikhaven, Prime Square, Davao City |
| Won Minutes | September 27, 2019 | Azul Tuslob Buwa, Gororo Avenue, Cebu City |
| Gubat 9 | September 28, 2019 | Cap Center, Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City |
| Bwelta Balentong 6 | October 12, 2019 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
| Ahon 10 | December 13-14, 2019 | Tiu Theater, 2F Cinema Square, Chino Roces Avenue. Makati City |
^ Video upload was on-hold first due to technical problems
* With Dos por Dos matches
** House party celebration. No battle is held.
Noted battle emcees
| Emcee Name | Real Name | Hometown | Affiliations | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2khelle | Olongapo City, Zambales | Alpha Taktika, Gapo Rappers Society, A-syan Records | Comedy | |
| Abra | Raymond Abracosa | Pasig, Metro Manila | Artifice Records, Flipmusic, Hiphop22, Ivory Music & Video, Lyrically Deranged Poets | Multisyllabic Rhyme Schemes, Wordplays, Speedrap |
| Aklas | Philip Ching | Quezon City, Metro Manila | Batch 1, True Death, AKLAS Ltd., LUMA, Murder Death Kill, Uprising | Comedy, Aggressive, Offensive, Unorthodox |
| Aelekz | Cebu City | AMF Productions, Whutitdo, Rapollo | Serious Bars, Deep Bars | |
| Andy G | Andy Jamolin | Parañaque, Metro Manila | DC Clan, Double Cross, The Real South Pride Production | Comedy, Poetic, Freestyle |
| Apekz | Mark Anthony Cadiente | Valenzuela, Metro Manila | Hustlin', Hiphop22 | Comedy, Rebuttals, Poetic, Serious, Wordplay, Multisyllabic Rhyme |
| Apoc | Ralph Dela Fuente | Pasig, Metro Manila | Raw, Dukes, Bilog Writer's Block, Sabertooth Academy, Uprising | Serious Lyrics, Deep Bars |
| Asero | Olongapo City, Zambales | True Pinoy Playaz, G.R.S., A-Syan Recordz | ||
| Asser | Asser Ace Dilao | Cebu City, Cebu | NevaNevaNevaLand, 3GS, Outbox, Rapollo | Speed Rap, Aggressive, Multisyllabic Rhymes, Comedy |
| Badang | Darwin Ferianeza | Marikina, Metro Manila | All Star Productions, Tuesday Troop, Hahay Entertainment | Sexual Humor, Comedy, Freestyle, Speed Rap |
| Bassilyo | Lordivino Ignacio | Marikina, Metro Manila | Crazy as Pinoy, Crazy Family, Badboys, MCA Music, Probinsyano | Comedy, Singing, Serious Lyrics |
| Batas | Mark Rodriguez | Tahanan, Paranaque, Metro Manila | Wild Ones Tatttoo, Illustrado, Uprising, Barangay Tibay, Sultans of Snap, Tha TVC Black, Kampo Teroritmo,Xeno Devata Project | Serious Lyrics, Unorthodox, Wordplay, Aggressive, Hardcore |
| Batang Rebelde | Marvin Arias | Tanza, Cavite | Baredibu, Ulikbangon, Zone 457, Exodus, AKZ | Serious Lyrics, Comedy |
| Blackleaf | Kuiper Belt | Uprising, Lifeline Zenith | Serious Bars, Wordplays | |
| BLKD | Allen Enriquez | Naic, Cavite | Them Sent, The Pharm, Batch 1, 3LC, Uprising | Wordplay, Deep, Serious Lyrics. |
| Bogchick | Lemery, Batangas | NSC, Baliparo | Serious Bars, Aggressive, Part-Comedy | |
| Cameltoe | Paranaque, Metro Manila | AMPON | Sexual Humour, Comedy | |
| Cerberus | Mabalacat, Pampanga | Armaletra, Devoured, T.G.K | Aggressive | |
| Chaliz | Labangon, Cebu City | BPL Records, Raprakan Battle League, TeamChaliz | Serious, Aggressive | |
| Chris Ace | Christopher John Celis | Lapu-Lapu City | C.A.L., Calilahoo Crew, 032 Soldierz, Oponside, | Serious, Wordplays, Flow, Freestyle, Rebuttal, Comedy, Theatrics |
| Cool Kidd | Ian Enjambre | Davao City, Davao del Sur | K-Records, Karabineros | |
| CrazyMix | Romarico Superable | Quezon City, Metro Manila | Crazy Family, Blind Rhyme Productions | Speed Rap, Comedy |
| Cripli | Naga, Camarines Sur | Juan Dela Crew | Comedy, Freestyle | |
| Daddy Joe D | San Pedro, Laguna | Elegante / P3TRecords, RS Production, Bigkasang San Pedro | Comedy | |
| Damsa | Raymond Abrenica | San Pedro, Laguna | Via Records, MusicPharm, Black Cat Pro, Inked Hustlaz, S.N.S | Speed Rap, Flow |
| Dello
|
Wendell de Jesus Gatmaitan | Tondo, Manila | Skwaterhaws, Mongol Unit, Vertical Brew Music | Rebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle |
| Dhictah | Pasig City | Wild Ones Tattoo, Bomb Shelter, Yeah Yeah Boys, Dirt Bro, Titi | Serious Lyrics | |
| Dhuski | Paombong, Bulacan/ Malolos City | BF Pro, 3GS, Salbahe Music, Letmaku Entertainment | Serious Lyrics, Comedy | |
| Dilim | San Pedro, Laguna | Sundalo ni Sadam | Comedy, Serious | |
| Doc Pau | Tanay, Rizal | Alagad ng Musika, Tanay Hip-hop Underground | Aggressive | |
| Dopee | Raymond Escurzon | Davao City, Davao del Sur | Speech, Kalawakan Crew | Comedy |
| Elbiz | John Elvis Narisma | Quezon City, Metro Manila | The Green House | Comedy |
| EJ Power | Ejay Florentino | Balanga, Bataan | Danger Zone, Outbox, Troop A | Comedy, Freestyle, Rebuttals |
| Ejo | Ibajay, Aklan | Pothead Territory, Inajay Black Ninos, Lot 420 | Comedy, Wordplays | |
| El D'no | Olongapo, Zamabales | Alpha Taktikah, G.R.S. 047, G-Town, A-Syan Records | Comedy | |
| El Quiel | Novaliches, Quezon City/Valenzuela City | E-Unit, 187 Mobstaz | Freestyle, Comedy | |
| Fangs | Karl Rallos | Cebu City, Cebu | EvolClowns, Rapollo, AMF, Whutitdo, Selda Kwarto | Wordplay |
| Flict-G | Raymond Rivera | Mandaluyong, Metro Manila | Repablikan Syndicate, Shockra | Wordplay, Comedy, Speed Rap, Flow |
| Fongger | Cebu City, Cebu | 7Kings Production, Crazy Family, Shongkoi, 504 Records, Team Porkchop | Comedy | |
| Frooz | Patrick Buratilya | Binangonan, Rizal | Crazy Family Badboys, BlindRhyme Productions, Alyansa ng Tugmang Bulag, Puyat Records, The Greenhouse | Comedy, Freestyle, Flow, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Rebuttals, Speed Rap |
| Fukuda | Cagayan De Oro City | Mindanao Batch 2, Southdoggz, SLTG, Rap Batikos | Aggressive, Serious Bars | |
| Fuego | Roman Fugoso | Paco, Manila | Mack-Town, Taft-Love, Vito Crew | |
| Gap | Vito Cruz | Vito Crew, TL, LD, People's Future, Yo Momma, Stocked UP | ||
| Ghandi | Quezon City, | Kalayaan, Moment Squad | ||
| G-Clown | Kevin Dela Cruz | Tanay, Rizal | Lego Music, BTR Pro, KOK Clothing | Serious Lyrics, Aggressive |
| Goriong Talas | Gio De Leon | Quezon City, Metro Manila | Illustrado, Uprising, Batch 1, Accenture | Serious Lyrics, Wordplay |
| G-Spot | Davao City | Legis Dados, Half Moon Posse, Dice-M Ent. | Gangster Lyrics, Serious Bars | |
| Harlem | Harlem Ty | Pasig, Metro Manila | Team Watawat, Schizophrenia, Street Team, FlipMusic | Freestyle |
| Hazky | Antipolo City | RPN Records | Comedy, Deep, Theatrics | |
| Hearty | Irene Ciriaco | Bagumbong, Caloocan | Martial Camp Records, Tuesday Troop, Konektado, X-Deal Vigilantes, Rap Divas, Mob Music Entertainment | Hard Lines, Sexual Humor, Theatrics, Sexy Rap |
| Hizuka | Digos City | Supreme Blood, Rip Rhyjacck, Mindanao Batch 3 | Freestyle, Comedy, Slight Wordplays | |
| Icaruz | Michael Cania | Noveleta, Cavite | Themsent, El Grande Records | Comedy |
| Icebergg | Cebu City | 6000 Goonz, 825, Whut It do, V-Boyz, Teamgreen | Visayan Lyrics, Bilingual | |
| Ilaya | Cartel, Uprising | Poetic, Serious | ||
| Invictus | Patrick Bessara | Olongapo City, Zambales | 1kiao | Deep Bars, Flow, Hardcore, Aggressive |
| Jamal | Puerto Princesa, Palawan | Team Palawakan, 5'3 Records, Palawakan Rap Battle | Serious Lyrics, Deep Bars | |
| J-King | Julius Cenon | Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija | Word War, 3GS, Nueva Ecija TV48, CMPRO, Devil Rhyme | Rebuttals, Comedy, Serious |
| J-Skeelz | Roberto Boy Paos | Tondo, Manila | 187 Mobstaz | Comedy, Freestyle |
| Japormz | Olongapo, Zambales | Kosa Familia | Offensive, Comedy, Unorthodox | |
| JayTee | Tagbilaran, Bohol | Ghetto Rhymes, 5D Records | Dissing, Freestyle | |
| Jecoy | Lapu-Lapu City | C.A.L., Grupo Yamuh, 032 Soldierz, Rapollo, Sevenwordz Productions | Serious Bars, Freestyle, Comedy | |
| Jonas | Jonas Dichoso | Bulihan, Cavite | Breezy Music, Beats by Foe, Anak ng Madre, 3GS | Wordplay, Poetic, Comedy, Rebuttals, Flow |
| Josh G. | Joshua Gurango | Quezon City, Metro Manila | SNL Crew, Edub | Comedy |
| Juan Lazy | Christian Quiapon | Paranaque/Makati City | Southern Villains/ Meks Familia, FlipMusic, Schizophrenia, Juan Tamad | Comedy, Freestyle |
| K-Jah | Camarin, Caloocan, Metro Manila | Uprising | Poetic | |
| Kahir | Marco Silvano | Quezon City | Them Sent, Batch-1, 3LC | Poetic, Comedy |
| Kamandag | Byron Saavedra | Olongapo City, Zambales | Arma Letra, Barasuwail | Poetic, Aggressive, Freestyle, Wordplay |
| Khen Magat | King Marlon Magat | Pasay City, Metro Manila | Dongalo Wreckords, Serpientes, Delubyo Ng Pasay, AllStar Productions, Wowowin | Speed Rap, Freestyle |
| Kial | Marco Alkadama | Tondo / Bulacan | 187 Mobstaz, Blind Rhyme Productions | Poetic |
| Krack | Naic, Cavite | Cavite's Most Dangerous | Freestyle, Comedy | |
| Kregga | Cagayan De Oro City | BLK69, Gegay' Art, Uprising | Serious Lyrics, Deep Bars, Aggressive | |
| Kris Delano | Manila City | Shots Fired | Serious Lyrics, Personals | |
| Lanzeta | Lanz Jasper Picache | Olongapo City, Zambales | 1kiao | Serious, Aggressive, Hardcore |
| Left Eye Blind | Taytay, Rizal | Blind Rhyme, Armr-, 21st-Che | Serious | |
| Lhipkram | Philmark Dominguez | Las Piñas/Malabon city | Street2demic, Parañaque Rebels, 3GS | Wordplay, Rebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle |
| LilJohn† | Johnross Delos Santos | Parañaque, Metro Manila | Parañaque Rebels, All-Star Pro, 3GS | Rebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle, Theatrics |
| Lil Sisa | Jhayann Parreño | Imus, Cavite | Crazy Family | Aggressive, Comedy, Sexy Rap |
| Lirikal | Olongapo, Zambales | Suwail na Anak ng Gapo | Serious, Poetic, Comedy | |
| Loonie | Marlon Peroramas | Cebu City, Cebu | Hiphop22, Stick Figgas, Konektado, Barangay Tibay, Artifice, FMCC | Poetic, Wordplay, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Comedy, Theatrics |
| Mackata | Cebu City/Bacoor, Cavite | 032 Soldierz, 3GS, Wassazlife | Aggressive, Serious | |
| Makii | Mandaue City | 032 Souldierz, 3GS, Goat Squad, SC2013, Project Ground Zero | Comedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Wordplays | |
| Marshall Bonifacio | Iligan City/Cebu | dimokaya063, Rapollo, Outbox, Writer's Block | Serious Bars, Aggressive | |
| Martin | Iloilo City | DIYS Republic, SYK, WTI, D.A. | Comedy | |
| Maxford | Maxford Famitanco | Davao City | K. Records, Mindanao Illest | |
| M Zhayt | Christian Paolo Gabriola | Rosario, Pasig City, Metro Manila | 3GS, All Star, Rapskallion, Poema, Cursebox, 13 Kabalyero, Sunugan | Rebuttals, Freestyle, Serious |
| Melchrist | Sto. Tomas, Batangas/Iligan City | Mongol Unit, Aki Rhyme State | Freestyle | |
| Mhot | Thomas Lynmuel | Dasmariñas, Cavite | King G, Outbox, Area-1, Outright Production, Isabuhay Champion | Wordplay, Comedy |
| Mikidee | Michael David | Legazpi, Albay | Crazy Family, Oragon Unit, BLK MRKT, Bikolano Rappers Org. ,Magjalu Movement | Comedy |
| Mocks Wun | Jerome Payumo | San Fernando, Pampanga | URP, 045 Records, Diction United, Pisngi Lord | Comedy, Freestyle |
| Negatibo | Emmanuel Magantos | Baesa, Quezon City | Martial Camp, Tuesday Troop, Konektado, Super Pogi | Speed rap, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Wordplay |
| Nico | Nathaniel Nicole Nachor | Olongapo City | Arma Letra, Kamandag Lirikal, Tomahawk, LGBTQ+ | |
| Nikki | Jonathan Vibas | Digos, Davao del Sur | Supreme Blood, Heneral Luna, Digos Rap Project, PSB Records, Slickboats Prodz | Comedy, Bilingual Bars, Theatrics |
| Notorious | Billy Lizano | Anonas, Quezon City | Kampo Teroritmo, Proyekto Dos Tres, P2 Hood, King G | Serious |
| Omar Baliw | Omar B Manzano | Makati City | High Minds Clothing | Flow, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Serious |
| Onaks | James Kevin Asis | Cainta, Rizal | Yo Gang | Freestyle |
| Papew | Tanza, Cavite | Mongol Unit, C.A.S.H., Street Love Rhythm, Shottas | Comedy | |
| Pistolero | Christian Carlo Cañares | Tondo, Manila | Hush Musik, Jmekwar, Delubyong Anghel, 3GS, AllStar Production | Rebuttals, Freestyle |
| Poison13 | Marco Lacson | Mariveles, Bataan | Rhyming In Tandem, Beatpro, Home Made Studio, BCity Entertainment,3GS | Speed Rap, Serious Lyrics, Part-multisyllabic rhymes, Flow |
| Plazma | Paulo Callangan | Quezon City, Metro Manila | MDK, TCMF, Writer's Block, Sabretooth Academy, Uprising | Wordplay, Horrorcore, Aggressive |
| Pricetagg | Jomari Espiritu | San Fernando, La Union/Sta. Mesa, Manila | Rep The Hood Ent., Shots Fired, Black Rose Tattoo, Fake Gangsta, Kontrabida | Personals, Wordplays, Gangsta Rap, Gun Bars |
| Prosecutor Billy | Laguna/Olongapo City | Arma Letra, The Firing Squad, Locus Delicti, RPN Records | Aggressive, Hardcore, Horrorcore | |
| Raizen | Cebu City | C.A.L, 032 Souldiers, Yamuh, Rapollo, Oponside | Comedy, Freestyle | |
| Range | Boljoon, Cebu City | Seven Kings Production, 3GS, ThinkPostive Wear | Comedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Bilingual | |
| Ran | Tagum City | Rhyme Ballistics | Bilingual Bars, Comedy, Slight Wordplays, Multisyllabic Rhyme | |
| Rapido | Christian Raffy Guerrero | Rosario, Cavite | Elements, INC | Speed Rap, Offensive, Comedy |
| Rentao | Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija | Lot#3, OldSkul | Rebuttals, Aggressive, Unorthodox, Comedy | |
| Righteous One | Joshua Berenguer | Meycauayan, Bulacan | Brown Radio, FMCC, Souljahs | Serious, Freestyle |
| Rich Flo | Villasis, Pangasinan | Haftwayhouse, One Voice Productions, Rep The Hood, Debate Partida, Distriq 5 | Serious, Deep | |
| Rish | Olongapo, Zambales | Suwail na Anak ng Gapo, EastSide 727 | ||
| Romano | Romano Trinidad | Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija | Rappscab Music, 3GS, Cursebox Production, Mark Beats | Freestyle, Rebuttals, Aggressive |
| Rudic | Joshua Lingating | Quezon City, Metro Manila/Pagadian City | DC Clan, Mindanao's Illest, Simbagsik, Bangsamoro Artist, MTM Brand | Serious, Deep, Bilingual |
| Sak Maestro | Hansel Cabo | Davao City, Davao del Sur | Uprising, Cot Crew, The Takeover, K-Records | Serious, Bilingual, Wordplay |
| Sayadd | Ralph Lizano | Anonas, Quezon City, Metro Manila | Illustrado, Oyog International, Uprising | Serious, Hardcore, Aggressive |
| Sayantipiko | Balanga, Bataan | Bataan Hip-hop Movement, Abakadaz | Serious | |
| Sev | Pasig, Metro Manila | SMC | ||
| Shehyee | Christopher John Ongkiko | Mandaluyong, Metro Manila | BMG, Flipmusic, Flee Entertainment, Watawat, Game Streamer, DoTa boy, Dos Por Dos Champion | Comedy, Offensive, Rebuttals |
| Shernan | Shernan Roy Gaite | Muntinlupa, Metro Manila | Muntinlupas Most Wanted, 3GS, Senyor Mafias, AllStar Production, YouTube Vlogger | Comedy, Costumes, Freestyle, Rebuttals, Theatrics |
| Sibil | Pasig City/Laguna | 13Kabalyero, Repablikan, Poema, Marshall Brand Clothing | Serious | |
| Silencer | Ric Laurino | Parañaque, Metro Manila | Familia De Calibre, DC Clan Music, The Real South Pride Production | Comedy, Flow, Kiddie Rap |
| Silent Effect | Davao City | Lifelinez, Kalawakan Crew | Comedy | |
| Sinio | Joseph Martin Cagasan | Mabalacat, Pampanga | Pampanga's Finest, 45 Battalion, Real Jokes, Copy Right, Benta Tshirt, Benta Vape Juice | Comedy, Rebuttals, Offensive, Slight Wordplays |
| Sixth Threat | Fluvert Floy Cagampang | Davao City, Davao del Sur | 3Digitz, Fatal Sign Records | Multisyllabic Rhymes, Comedy |
| Skarm | Philip Pacheco | Pasig, Metro Manila | Ampon, Talksic Ways | |
| Smugglaz | Bryan Lao | Tondo, Manila | Hiphop22, 187 Mobstaz, Blind Rhyme Productions, Shockra, Vertical Brew Music, Former Drug Addict | Speed Rap, Comedy, Serious |
| Sur Henyo | Mark Castro | Baguio City | Familiarity Entertainment, PKC, Rep The Hood Entertainment, Mensaheros, Hukbong LiriKKKal | Serious, Deep, Freestyle, Comedy |
| Target | Renie Boy Palma | Las Pinas City, Metro Manila | Double Cross, DC Clan Music, The Real South Pride Production, TGP, Feeling Ryan Agoncillo | Wordplay, Freestyle |
| Tatz Maven | General Santos City | Uprising, Pangkat Magat,OSD, Troop One, Digmaan | Aggressive, Wordplay | |
| Thike | Jason Cruz | Antipolo, Rizal | RPN Records, Allstar Production, United Antipolo Empire | Freestyle |
| Third D | David Lubag III | Balanga, Bataan | Bataan Hiphop Movement, Abakadaz | |
| Tipsy D | Mark Kevin Andrade | Balanga, Bataan | Bataan Hiphop Movement, Abakadaz, Outbox, Brixxology, LGBTQ+, PlayBoy | Wordplay, Comedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Bilingual |
| Towpher | Christopher Oquendo | Naga, Camarines Sur | Juan Dela Crew, Crazy Family, NCHC, Barrio De Bara | Comedy, Freestyle |
| Tweng | Tagbilaran City, Bohol / Cagayan De Oro | Six3Hundred Crew, Palma Doggz, Bohol Bee Farm, Leadership Frienship Service Zeta Beta Chapter, Uprising, Mental Hospital | Gimmick, Comedy, Theatrics | |
| Wrathsol | Arayat, Pampanga | Armaletra | ||
| Zaito | Pedro Canon Jr. | Las Pinas City, Metro Manila / Cavite | Vigilante Family, South Radical Production, Uprising, Ang Probinsyano | Comedy, Poetic, Freestyle, Onomatopoeic Rhyme |
| Zero Hour | Davao City | Down Loud Crew, The Takeover | Bilingual Lyrics, Serious | |
| Zeus | Cebu City | B32 Shoulders, Blankko, The Chill Camp, Pasingot Boys, Rapollo, GV6A | Serious, Freestyle, Comedy |
Isabuhay Tournament Winners
| Year | Winner | Finalist | Semifinalists | Eliminated in round 2 | Eliminated in round 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Aklas | BLKD | Sinio
Flict-G |
Jade Wunn
Andy G Spade/Goriong Talas Rudic |
JLem
Ranieboy Batang Rebelde Flip Gin Sparo Asero Juan Lazy |
| 2014 | Batas | Melchrist | Rapido
Kris Delano |
Rudic
Hizuka Elbiz Prosecutor Billy |
Dopee
Nikki Spade Silent Effect Maxford Aklas Nico Notorious |
| 2015 | Romano | Shernan
Dello |
Sayadd
BLKD Pistolero Sak Maestro |
Andy G
Kregga Rapido Thike M Zhayt Shehyee Badang Fongger* | |
| 2016 | Loonie | Plazma | Tipsy D
Asser |
G-Clown
J-King M Zhayt Rapido |
Badang
Frooz Flict-G Pistolero KJap Smugglaz Aklas Romano* |
| 2017 | Mhot | Sur Henyo | Apekz
Fukuda |
Spade/Goriong Talas
Sayadd Batas Asser |
Plazma
Dhuski Badang Omar Baliw Batang Rebelde Hearty Sixth Threat Rudic |
| 2018 | Shehyee[7] | Pistolero | Fukuda
Abra |
J-King
Batas Plazma Invictus |
Lhipkram
Sayadd Maxford Jonas Aelekz Batang Rebelde Poison13 Marshall Bonifacio |
| 2019 | Sixth Threat[8] | Apekz | Poison13
G-Clown |
Lanzeta
BLKD Asser Lhipkram |
Rudic
Sayadd Dosage Marshall Bonifacio Hazky Jonas Goriong Talas J-Blaque |
*Did not show up and was automatically eliminated.
Dos Por Dos Winners
| Year | Winners | Finalists | Semifinalists | Eliminated in round 2 | Eliminated in round 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Shehyee/Smugglaz | Juan Lazy/Harlem | Loonie/Abra
Papew/Melchrist |
Frooz/Elbiz
Crazymix/Bassilyo Apoc/Dhictah Aklas/Sayadd |
Jaytee/Stielo
Flipzydot1/Supreme Tipsy D/Third D Spade/Reddblot Nico/Kamandag Rapido/Batang Rebelde Snob/Dopee Maxford/G-Spot |
| 2013 | Frooz/Elbiz | Crazymix/Bassilyo | Rapido/Icaruz
Tipsy D/Third D |
Abra/Apekz
Dopee/Snob Target/J-Skeelz G-Spot/Mac-T |
Yelshawn/Bogchick
Ice Rocks/Kris Delano Maxford/Malupet Fongger/WBeat Mocks Wun/Verse1 Righteous1/Negatibo Thike/G-Clown Papew/Melchrist |
| 2017 | Shernan/M Zhayt | Sinio/Tipsy D | Damsa/Flict-G
Romano/J-King |
Crazymix/Bassilyo
Dilim/Sibil Pricetagg/Kris Delano Maxford/Snob |
Mikidee/Wise Wunn
Cripli/Towpher Invictus/Lanzeta Jonas/Lhipkram Aelekz/Fangs Pistolero/Prince Rhyme Thike/Hazky Zaito/Andy-G |
Guest emcees
| Name | Personal Name | Hometown | Affiliations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bender† | Alex Buchanan | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Flight Distance |
| Charron | Corey Charron | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | |
| Loe Pesci | Raj Kumar | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | OG Hindu Kush, AGL |
| Mark Grist | Mark Grist | Peterborough, United Kingdom | Prince's Teaching Trust, The Roundhouse |
| Shazaam | Stockholm, Sweden | Ri-Fa Crew | |
| Tantrum | Jason Chung | Union City, California, USA | Asterisk, Tantrumonthemic |
| Twizzie | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Contraverse |
Impact and criticism
In its early days, FlipTop initially gained criticism for its use of strong language, mockery and bullying, prompting the city government of Makati to ban rap battles in the area.[9] As time passed, the events gained acceptance with the help of official FlipTop YouTube channel[10] gaining more than one million subscribers which they received Golden Play Button Award, and over two million likes on its Facebook fanpage.[11][12] Some emcees in the league recently are more focused on line delivery, hyping the audience in the battle, and gimmicks rather than dissing to attack the opponent; also the emcees improved their penmanship.[13] After it gained success and reputation via social media,[14] many amateur and other rap battles arose such as Sunugan, Word War, Bolero Rap Battles, Bahay Katay, Flipshop, Flipcap etc. Due to its freestyle and rhymed content, some academics considered it as modern-day "balagtasan" although some rap artists discourage the idea. Some educators considered FlipTop as 21st century Philippine literature[15][16][17][18] It caught media attention in that some emcees involved in FlipTop have gained commercial success like Abra,[19] Dello, Loonie, Smugglaz, Shehyee, and others. Also some of the lines spoke by the emcees in the battle became popular phrases used in the Philippines.[1][20]
Controversy
Sinio vs. Shehyee
Due to the nature of the league and its mechanics, bashing or shaming emcees' relatives is inevitable during the battle. However, in an undercard match between Sinio and Shehyee during the Ahon 7 event on December 16, 2016, Shehyee threw disrespectful lines against Sinio's wife, Bie Sarmiento, during the battle that made Sinio rebut hard by dissing the girlfriend of Shehyee, internet sensation Ann Mateo, that lead Sinio to victory. Their match was uploaded on FlipTop's YouTube channel on February 2, 2017 and went viral with over five million views within four days. Some parts of the clip were also uploaded and shared on Facebook. Sinio's harsh words on Ann Mateo received mixed reactions and it became a hot topic in social media. There was controversy when Ann Mateo's mother saw the video and threatened Sinio with a lawsuit. Because of the situation, many netizens bashed Shehyee for being unprofessional, he was also blamed for not explaining to his girlfriend's mother the mechanics of league. Sinio felt that Shehyee was not to blame and that he understood Ann Mateo's mother's point-of-view. Shehyee tried to help Sinio in addressing the issue with Ann Mateo's mother. Ann Mateo did not share her reaction about the topic.[21][22][23]
Pistolero vs. Luxuria
When their battle was uploaded to FlipTop Youtube Channel. The viewers noticed Luxuria caught reading her written lyrics on her smartphone instead of memorizing it in the middle of the battle which raised concerns that their battle was unfair and considered as cheating.
References
- ^ a b "Rhyme and lots of reason at FlipTop". philstar.com.
- ^ Adre, Trixia. "Uncovering Battle Rap with FlipTop's Anygma". Red Bull Music. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ a b ""Nico Mag-Ingay!": An Exploratory Study on Fliptop Battle". prezi.com. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
- ^ "Rhyme and lots of reason at FlipTop". Retrieved 2016-09-25.
- ^ "billboard.ph - billboard Resources and Information". ww1.billboard.ph.
{{cite web}}: no-break space character in|title=at position 13 (help) - ^ "News5 Everywhere - 'FLIPTOP RAP BATTLES,' PAANO PINAGHAHANDAAN?". News5 Everywhere. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
- ^ "SHEHYEE Crowned As FlipTop Battle League's 'Isabuhay 2018' Champion!". myx.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
- ^ "Davaoeño Rapper SIXTH THREAT Beats APEKZ To Become FlipTop's 'Isabuhay 2019' Champ!". myx.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
- ^ "FlipTop Rap Events Banned In Makati". Manila Link. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ "Rap battles, comedy, and the Philippines' YouTube video makers". Rappler. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
- ^ "Fliptop: the modern 'balagtasan'". Inquirer Lifestyle. October 11, 2012.
- ^ "Pinoy style 'flip top' a new trend in hiphop music". Retrieved 2016-08-22.
- ^ "8 Maling Akala Tungkol Sa FlipTop". Retrieved 2018-11-06.
- ^ "Will Flip-Hop Save OPM?". Inquirer Lifestyle. May 3, 2014.
- ^ "Is FlipTop the modern-day Balagtasan?". GMA News Online.
- ^ "Get to know your modern-day Balagtasan stars". filipinotimes.ae. Archived from the original on 2016-01-30. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
- ^ "Balagtasismo Versus Fliptop Mismo?". pinoyweekly.org. Retrieved 2016-09-25.
- ^ Solitario, J. Mikhail. "Versus Verses: FlipTop as Counterculture". University of the Philippines. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
- ^ "Banaterong makata – The Benildean". The Benildean. 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
- ^ "juice.ph". www.juice.ph.
- ^ Abanilla, Clarizel. "Ann Mateo's mom wants to sue Fliptop's Sinio over offensive rap battle lines". entertainment.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
- ^ "Fliptop star Sinio might get into legal trouble because of offensive lines in rap battle". Manila. 2017-02-07. Retrieved 2017-02-09.
- ^ News, Rhys Buccat, ABS-CBN. "Model's mom plans to sue FlipTop star over rap battle". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2017-02-09.
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External links
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