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RAP BATTLES, BEEFS, AND ANSWER RECORDS: A BRIEF HISTORY
RAP BEEF, DISS SONGS AND ANSWER RECORDS
Since Roxanne Shante released 1984’s “Roxanne’s Revenge,” rap’s first diss record there has been a mislabeling of diss records and battles. A rap battle has historically featured MC’s squaring off face to face with the crowd determining the victor. Those battles have been more of a display of skill, with the Mc's actually getting along before and after battle.
Diss/answer records in the early 80s served many times as a method in which an artist could secure a record deal, and gain the attention of the record buying public. Roxanne Shante, Sparky Dee, Salt N Pepa (then Super Nature), The Symbolic 3, and a host of others got their start on records by answering UTFO and Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick.
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J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
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