By Joy Priest

“Rap Battle: Why We Love Hip-Hop Series,” sponsored by the Student Activities Board, will take place Monday in the Cats Den from 7 p.m. The third and final event of the spring series will showcase the skills of UK students.

Freestyle rap battling originated around the 80s as a form of rap competition in which artists would perform previously written verses a cappella. During the 90s, “freestyling” transformed into its current form, which involves delivering verses in a battle “off the top of the head.” This form was popularized through hip-hop artists like Eminem in his motion picture “8 Mile.”

“Freestyle battling or freestyling is the essence of making a song or compilation with little or no planning based on content,” Warren Edwards said. Edwards, also known as DJ WarrenPEACE, will be one of the judges for the competition and will be playing the beats for participants to rap to.

“We wanted to conclude with a rap battle,” Jasmine Whitlow, director of multicultural affairs for SAB, said. “Last year in our very first “Why We Love Hip-Hop” event we incorporated a rap battle. A lot of students turned out and a lot of students could rap.”

As of right now, around only five students are signed up to participate in the battle, according to program chair Jasmine Pulce.

“The rap battle is a way for UK students to get involved in the series,” Pulce said. “I hope students come out to participate because the prizes are really good.”

The first place prize for the rap battle is a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones worth $200, and the second place prize is a pair of Beat by Dr. Dre Solo Headphones worth $150.

“We didn’t have a sign-up last year and a lot of people showed up,” Whitlow said “so I anticipate more (students) will come out on Monday to participate. We will also have performers who didn’t want to battle, but who still wanted to showcase their talents.”

Whitlow describes the battle as “similar to Freestyle Friday but not as structured,” referring to competition every Friday on the popular BET show “106 & Park.”

“We’ll have judges determine each round and the final round will be based off of judge input and crowd reaction,” Whitlow said. “We have a couple female rappers this time around, so I’m excited for that.”

To participate, a person must be a UK student. They would need to send an email to the director of multicultural affairs for SAB at [email protected]. However, students may still be able to participate by signing up at the event on Monday.

“I expect a lot of people to come out, enjoy the show and have a good time,” Pulce said. “It’s on a Monday night, you’re not doing anything else. It’s in the Cats Den free popcorn and free game play.”