WAV Media Premieres New Rap Competition Series ‘Versus’
If I were to rank Hip Hop based shows that really showed what it means to hit on all cylinders as a competitive platform to challenge and elevate the skills of some artists who could just be the next heads to rep the culture in the mainstream, WAV Media’s Versus would be in my top 3. It’s a crazy competition that takes rappers out of their element, adds some twists and brings them out the other side a much more experienced artist with more to offer…even if they aren’t collecting the 10K Grand prize which includes a single deal with WAV Media distributed by Sony digital imprint Orchard.
Here’s the offiicial word
INNOVATIVE DIGITAL PLATFORM WAV PREMIERES NEW RAP COMPETITION SERIES VERSUS FEATURING ELEVEN UP-AND-COMING YOUNG ARTISTS BATTLING FOR THE CROWN, CASH PRIZE AND WAV RECORDS DEAL
WAV, a live-streaming music discovery platform, continues its fall premieres by releasing its highly anticipated rap competition series, Versus, hosted by music and cultural influencer Kenny Burns. The series showcases eleven up-and-coming rappers going head to head in challenges involving both freestyle and preparation, rivalry and teamwork. The spirit of competition drives these artists to be the best at what they do with the added pressure of industry gatekeepers, established artists and producers that include Murs, Trinidad James, Curren$y, Casey Veggies, Dumbfoundead, Dizaster, Nocando, Sonny Digital and Scoop Deville, who serve as mentors and guest judges giving harsh criticism and praise where it’s due.
Versus Sonny Digital Scoop DeVille (Photo: Wav Media)
The unique element of the series is, unlike other competition shows, who stays and who is eliminated is chosen by the contestants themselves and who gives the weakest delivery on stage each week. The show can be described as battle rap meetsSurvivor, but unlike anything the hip hop scene has witnessed before. The competition culminates with a live-stream episode of the two finalists performing their original songs, produced by Sonny Digital and Scoop Deville, with the viewers voting and the winner taking a cash prize along with a record deal from WAV Records (WAV Media’s in-house label that is growing momentum in both the hip hop and electronic genres).
All episodes will be streamed only on the WAV app available for download here. The episodes roll out as follows every #WAVWednesday: today episodes 1-3 are live on the app to watch now, Wednesday, 11/1, episodes 4-5 will be on the app, Wednesday, 11/8, episodes 6-7 will be on the app, and then in mid-November there will be a live-stream finale where the two still standing will battle it out for the crown. Below please find a short bio on each contestant competing in the series.
The Hype Magazine got to attend the premiere of Versus at their facility in the Los Angeles area, to scene was electric as we awaited the beginning of the presentation for a crowd of media, influencers and to boot, the contestants were seeing the project on screen for the first time as well. Creatively shot and produced, I think Versus could have long-lasting and international effect as we see an emergence of the “Grime” scene coming out of the UK. “Grime” is similar to our battle rappers, they get wicked lyrical.
The most enjoyable in watching the presentation and listening to explanations of the thought process behind it is how the contestants seemed to enjoy not just their parts. Their demeanor was that of a group who knew they’d been part of something great for the culture and that aura transmuted itself to the rest of us creating an amazing experience in Hip Hop. Overall, Versus is a 4/5 for me and I look forward immensely to the next season! ~ JD
We’ve picked a few clips from Episode #3 for you to get acquainted with Versus…Enjoy!
Meet the Contestants:
Versus contestants (Photo: Wav Media)
SAHTYRE
Sahtyre found his footing at open mics like Project Blowed and Grind Time battles. Since then, he’s graduated from being local to making appearances on Last Call with Carson Daly and collaborations with artists like Danny Brown. Recently he put out his most personal album, Cassidy Howell, which landed on iTunes’ top hip hop charts.
CAM GNARLY
San Bernardino’s Cam Gnarly has named Biggie and Dipset as influences but his sing song flow captures more of a hippy vibe. Whether it’s through heartfelt dedication or zanier subject matter, it’s all about spreading positivity. Exceptionally versatile, Cam Gnarly is one to watch, trippy visuals and all.
BEN GREAT
Ben Great is an eclectic artist hailing from Cincinnati. He’s produced for artists like Lil Uzi Vert and members of Odd Future. But he’s looking to stand out as an artist in his own right with his melodic sound. Previously, he released “Don’t Trap on Me” with fellow up and comer Lil Xan garnering over half a million views.
ASAD ILL
This young artist isn’t about the self-pity and has honed his craft partaking in cyphers at Leimert Park and through an exploration of his own spirituality/consciousness. Recently, he put out a project independently and is quickly reaching beyond his immediate surroundings and garnering a legion of fans through popular outlets like Team Backpack.
BEBE O’HARE
Bebe O’ Hare is a Chicago native whose style is reminiscent of 90s mixtapes. It’s no wonder, she’s sprinkled countless bars on other people’s instrumentals, showing off her lyricism and sharp musicality. She’s already collaborated with artists like Chevy Woods and Wiz Khalifa but like her namesake, she’s ready to take off on her own.
WAJU
Waju is an LA native whose positive demeanor and eclectic production choices is the embodiment of the word ‘vibes’. He’s already being lauded for his sounds and visuals on disparate outlets like Earmilk and OkayAfrica, a testament to his musicality and reach.
KHALID BROOKS
San Fernando Valley’s Khalid Brooks is not confused about where his strengths lie. He cites being influenced by that California g-funk and he’s out to make bangers for the club. But if you search the few clips that exist on Youtube, you can see as much versatility in his flows as well as his outfits.
There’s a reason why Noa James has songs about Majin Buu (from Dragonball Z) and Bone Crusher. The emcee has a massive frame and an equally large personality to go with it. He approaches his songs with the vocal tone of a playground bully and the empowering sensitivity of that kid who stuck up for the victims.
VERBS
Verbs was crowned by LA Weekly as a torch carrier and ambassador for underground culture for the showcases he hosts, but if you asked him, he’d probably shrug and chuckle. Such is the demeanor and style of the emcee on and off the mic. But the skill level is no joke as he’s able to rhyme about literally anything and captivate your attention in the process.
KAVIE
Kavie’s rap name is a nod to the finer things in life (caviar) but growing up in Boyle Heights is anything but. It’s that juxtaposition that exemplifies his style, a cool and calm delivery that carries the rugged content of life in a rough neighborhood.
EMONEY
Bay Area’s Emoney is a clear student of the cypher and battle format. He’s got punchlines for days and goes at the mic like a savage. But what separates him from most spitter types is the shameless transparency and he brings to his storytelling and dedication he puts in his craft. It’s refreshing during a time when nobody wants to be labeled a rapper. Emoney is currently one of the cast of “Are You The One?” Season 7 on MTV.
Bonus – Contestant Emoney gets handed the freestyle topic of “Black Lives Matter” from judges Murs and Trinidad James…it’s too special not to share! ~ JD
About WAV
WAV is a music platform that provides a 360-degree support system for emerging artists in hip-hop and electronic dance music, leveraging the WAV app to help artists showcase their music in unique and interactive ways.
As an incubator for rising talent, WAV provides artists a variety of tools to help produce their best music, as well as strategic marketing support to reach new audiences. The ultimate potential of the artist journey is to sign a deal with WAV Records and have their music distributed via WAV’s partner, Sony Music’s The Ochard. WAV also collaborates with chart-topping and award-winning artists such as Migos, Krewella, 21 Savage, Loco Dice, Post Malone, and KJ Sawka (of Pendulum and Destroid), as well as industry tastemakers like The FADER, OWSLA, HipHopDx and Dirtybird.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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