In a recent episode of Math Hoffa’s “My Expert Opinion” show, Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli sat down with Math and his crew for an engaging discussion. The episode began with light-hearted banter, acknowledging the New York Knicks’ playoff success and cracking jokes about Ja Rule, before delving into more serious topics, including Kweli’s issues with battle rapper Aye Verb.
During the first part of the interview, Talib Kweli admitted that he didn’t know who Aye Verb was until seeing him on Math Hoffa’s show. When Math asked Kweli about his current stance on Aye Verb after their long interaction on X (formerly Twitter), Kweli stated, “I don’t have a relationship with him, I don’t have his contact info. Before he had my name in his mouth, I didn’t know anything about him.” Despite this, Kweli acknowledged Aye Verb’s success in battle rap and commented on the optics of Verb’s previous appearance on “My Expert Opinion.”
Math Hoffa responded to Aye Verb’s criticisms of his platform, saying, “You shouldn’t spit on a blessing and right now, I feel like that’s what he’s doing.” Kweli praised Hoffa for his handling of the situation, comparing it to how Joe Budden managed similar issues on The Joe Budden Podcast.
In the second part of the interview, Talib Kweli addressed being kicked off social media in the past and responded to additional claims by Aye Verb. He referenced an incident where he made a negative post about Donald Trump, which was criticized by one of Aye Verb’s friends. The friend commented, “the left and right wings are on the same bird,” criticizing Kweli’s political views. Kweli maintained his stance, calling Trump a white supremacist and explaining how the issues played out on social media. He also described Aye Verb as seeing himself as the “Kevin Samuels of the battle rap world,” criticizing his hypermasculine approach and derogatory comments towards women.
Millennial rap star 21 Savage has put himself under the microscope after his comments about Nas’ relevancy in the rap game.
Styles P recently appeared on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion and commented on Savage’s opinion of Nas, saying, “You can’t hate the young fellas for being stupid. If they sayin’ illogical sh*t, that’s our fault. Those that came before ’em, now we gotta pull back and see, where did we f*ck up.”
Styles continued, “I like 21 Savage! I don’t love him, I like him a lot lot. Don’t love him, I like him a lot, lot, lot. The sh*t he say tickles me pink and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe this n*gga said that. It’s dope.’ I f*cks with him.”
He goes further into his analysis of 21’s skills and his opinion of one of the greatest rappers of all time. “My n*gga, you not a lyricist. F*ck all that,” he said. “Drake’s supposed to tell this n*gga, ‘N*gga, chill. That’s Nasir. That’s Nasir Jones.’
Millennial rap star 21 Savage has put himself under the microscope after his comments about Nas’ relevancy in the rap game.
Styles P recently appeared on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion and commented on Savage’s opinion of Nas, saying, “You can’t hate the young fellas for being stupid. If they sayin’ illogical sh*t, that’s our fault. Those that came before ’em, now we gotta pull back and see, where did we f*ck up.”
Styles continued, “I like 21 Savage! I don’t love him, I like him a lot lot. Don’t love him, I like him a lot, lot, lot. The sh*t he say tickles me pink and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe this n*gga said that. It’s dope.’ I f*cks with him.”
He goes further into his analysis of 21’s skills and his opinion of one of the greatest rappers of all time. “My n*gga, you not a lyricist. F*ck all that,” he said. “Drake’s supposed to tell this n*gga, ‘N*gga, chill. That’s Nasir. That’s Nasir Jones.’
Millennial rap star 21 Savage has put himself under the microscope after his comments about Nas’ relevancy in the rap game.
Styles P recently appeared on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion and commented on Savage’s opinion of Nas, saying, “You can’t hate the young fellas for being stupid. If they sayin’ illogical sh*t, that’s our fault. Those that came before ’em, now we gotta pull back and see, where did we f*ck up.”
Styles continued, “I like 21 Savage! I don’t love him, I like him a lot lot. Don’t love him, I like him a lot, lot, lot. The sh*t he say tickles me pink and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe this n*gga said that. It’s dope.’ I f*cks with him.”
He goes further into his analysis of 21’s skills and his opinion of one of the greatest rappers of all time. “My n*gga, you not a lyricist. F*ck all that,” he said. “Drake’s supposed to tell this n*gga, ‘N*gga, chill. That’s Nasir. That’s Nasir Jones.’
Millennial rap star 21 Savage has put himself under the microscope after his comments about Nas’ relevancy in the rap game.
Styles P recently appeared on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion and commented on Savage’s opinion of Nas, saying, “You can’t hate the young fellas for being stupid. If they sayin’ illogical sh*t, that’s our fault. Those that came before ’em, now we gotta pull back and see, where did we f*ck up.”
Styles continued, “I like 21 Savage! I don’t love him, I like him a lot lot. Don’t love him, I like him a lot, lot, lot. The sh*t he say tickles me pink and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe this n*gga said that. It’s dope.’ I f*cks with him.”
He goes further into his analysis of 21’s skills and his opinion of one of the greatest rappers of all time. “My n*gga, you not a lyricist. F*ck all that,” he said. “Drake’s supposed to tell this n*gga, ‘N*gga, chill. That’s Nasir. That’s Nasir Jones.’
Article written by IG: @battlerapsam – long running battle rap analyst for Underground Hip Hop Blog, The Lesson w/ DJ Sanchez (Australia) and The Source Magazine (online & print).
Battle rap edged towards a seemingly ever-increasing high watermark in 2020, with another year going strength to strength despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meaning almost all battle rap events were limited to small crowd settings in a more intimate, closed environment. With Boston’s now legendary king pen Chilla Jones and Viixen The Assassin both recently respectfully winning battler of the year awards as dished out by the ever-present CHAMPION brand lead by JAYBLAC, we take a look at the Top 10 Battle Rap Media outlets currently out there. The current Top 10 are;
Jayblac & CHAMPION (w/ Mark, Drie, Anwar & Reda)
Chris Unbias
Hip Hop Is Real
15MOFE w/ Uncle Rah
Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion w/ Ms. Fit and Knowledge tha God
AngryFan007 CAPS
Piperboy Williams
Vada Fly w/ ShowtimeSP
Black Compass Media
Battle Truth
Honorable Mentions: Jimz, Let’s Talk Battle Rap podcast, DME Detroit, Adept, New Era Podcast & ARP of RBE.
Jayblac & CHAMPION (w/ Mark, Drie, Anwar & Reda)
Almost goes without saying and currently the dominate, objective media voice in battle rap. Jayblac has been active for years as a blogger and has expanded his brand into the polished ESPN-like version of a battle rap show in CHAMPION. Blac himself is in an interesting position working heavily the dominate battle rap league in SMACK/URLTV on Caffeine while still able to cover to some significant degree the two other big leagues in King Of The Dot (KOTD) and Rare Breed Entertainment (RBE), as well as smaller leagues when deserved. His depth of knowledge and deep involvement in battle rap culture has him highly respected and able to interview a range of artists in a respected manner. His show CHAMPION is highly entertaining, although admittedly it did have some hiccups throughout 2020 with some of his panel members suffering a few minor incidents and over-favoring NWX at times. Jayblac also continues to develop his reaction channel and has a strong twitter presence, as well as making large media moves with URLTV.TV. Major URLTV battle face-offs need to be held by Blac throughout 2021.
2. Chris Unbias
Chris Unbias is back in battle rap after a few years’ hiatus following legal issues in which he was acquitted of. While his YouTube views and quantity of videos may not be as much as other highly respected battle rap media outlets, Chris Unbias breaks down battles and events like no one else and his interview with Norbes was the most wanted for the last year as one of his The Untold Truths. Welcome back Chris and the lane he has carved for himself in years gone by is still his – completely Unbiased.
3. Hip Hop Is Real (HHIR)
Just ever so slightly in front of 15 MOFE, Hip Hop Is Real has continued to have another very strong year. Knowledge The God and team have now amassed 149k YouTube subscribers with 108.8m total views (recently surpassing 15 MOFE) since 2014. Knowledge tha God continues to expand his personal brand on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion video podcast show and larger Instagram following too.
4. 15MOFE
Uncle Rah of 15 Minutes of Fame (15 MOFE) has another stellar year getting his classic street-based interviews with battlers before and after events like HHIR, although the platform does appear to be largely focusing on SMACK/URLTV events which is not necessarily a bad thing. With 163k YouTube subscribers and 106.2 million total views since launching in Feb. 2012, Uncle Rah has the number 1 subscribed to battle rap platform on YouTube. His regular segments of The Restore Order Podcast w/ Swave Sevah, Heavy Bags and Ike P, Queens Of Battle Rap, Lost In TranslationPodcast and Henny Sundays w/ D.I. The Hennyman also add depth to 15 MOFE.
5. Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion w/ Ms. Fit and Knowledge The God
HOFFA continues to keep his name strongly in the mix without a large SMACK/URLTV battle for a while now. Interesting and unique battles with Chubby Jag, Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan and Nicky Jam have been coupled with his regular upload schedule of his various shows including Read Between The Lines and Friday Night Fights battles and his broad appearances on other major hip hop platforms (most notably on multiple issues of Drink Champs w/ NORE and DJ EFN). Hoffa in the barbershop also hit the road in recent months and he adds in his unique perspective and someone who has been at the top of the game for well over a decade.
6. Angryfan007 CAPS
CAPS is back from his unfortunate car accident and once again leading the much-needed Angry Fan Movement (AFM). His objective voice and unfiltered opinion saves no one from a grilling and keeps his foot on the necks of all who deserves it in the battle rap culture. Going live on YouTube and a strong upload schedule of late has his neck and neck with Piperboy Williams for the current 6thspot. Outspoken and needed.
7. Piperboy Williams
LISTEN TO MEEE!!! Piperboy Williams has had another strong year in the battle rap blogging world, although he continues to effectively spread his brand into the wider hip-hop world and discussing financial issues broadly. Becoming much more than just a blogger, Piperboy has rode his Young Buck wave and understands how the YouTube algorithm works well.
8. Vada Fly w/ ShowtimeSP
Highly active with battle recaps, the duo have a great consistency and a very strong work ethic. Potentially will be able to push themselves further up the list over the next year if they keep up the same energy and upload schedule.
9. Black Compass Media
Tony Bro continues to lead his team including Polo, Posey, Midwest Drizz and Cola. Highly respected and a consistent YouTube upload schedule helps the objective platform continue to have a much deserved Top 10 placing. Strong audio podcasting reach as well.
10. Battle Truth 1UF
A somewhat divisive figure in battle rap media, Battle Truth continues to blog heavily and maintains his viewership. No one uploads, streams and puts out more content and he has successfully made his own lane for himself and Battle Truth is well and truly here to stay.
Stay tuned for all things battle rap. CHAMPION.
Article written by IG: @battlerapsam – long running battle rap analyst for Underground Hip Hop Blog, The Lesson w/ DJ Sanchez (Australia) and The Source Magazine (online & print).
Whatever it is, Joe Budden started the new year off with Math Hoffa, Ms. Fit and Knowledge tha God on their hit YouTube talk show, My Expert Opinion. And while on the show, he makes a stand for gender equity in a firm way.
Each episode, the lead host Math Hoffa introduces the squad and shouts out the venue where the show is filmed. A new show and a small business seems to be a perfect space for collaboration, particularly because of reach behind the talent associated with the show.
Hoffa, a noted battle rapper who has pioneered in leagues such as Fight Klub, URL, RBE, and KOTD, has accumulated according to metrics gathering site Versetracker almost 27M in views in his 44 battle history.
His co-host Ms. Fit, a female battle rapper from the Murda Ave crew has only battled 10 times in her 10-year career and brings to the table a little over 4M. Knowledge rounds out the social equity that could translate into real promotional dollars for a small business with 118K subscribers on YouTube, a strong website and even stronger social media following.
It also helps that they pull in celebrity guests like Method Man and this week’s Joe Budden to the show to talk their sh*t, always creating viral-worthy moments.
At the beginning of the show, Math introduces everyone stating that they are filming in Harlem Cutz and that space provides a $5 discount to those who mention the show. However, he notes that if you mention his female counterpart Ms. Fit, you can receive a $10 discount.
“I still don’t know why Son. I still don’t know why.” Math says.
Ms. Fit rebuttals, “Girl Power rules. Women rule!”
In a comedic retort, Math shakes his fist, “It’s not your show.” Everyone laughs as they know that no one is particularly serious… or upset. The show carries on.
However, Joe Budden after he is introduced addresses it again.
“We can start… We have to encourage Ms. Fit getting $10 off when they mention her name. The women are underpaid and undervalued. They need Black men’s support. So when we hear that, when we hear that we bump into the rare instance where they get a little more, we have to be like ‘yeah we got to champion that.”
Ms. Fit thanks him as the guys listen to the economic breakdown from someone who has sometimes been accused of not being sensitive to women’s needs. (Oh the complicated Virgo that he is!)
In fact, the brothers nod in agreement and say, “I did it!”
Joey is right. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women make up over half of the American workforce. And on the whole, women across the board earn more college and graduate degrees than men do. However, when The Institute does a real analysis of women’s and men’s earnings over 15 years the results are disappointing and truly affirm what the rapper and lead of The Joe Budden Podcast has said, women made just half (49 percent) of what men earned.
Check out their stark statistics around when and if gender-based pay equity can ever truly happen. The Institute reports:
IWPR tracks the gender wage gap over time in a series of fact sheets updated twice per year. According to our research, if change continues at the same slow pace as it has done for the past fifty years, it will take 40 years—or until 2059—for women to finally reach pay parity. For women of color, the rate of change is even slower: Hispanic women will have to wait until 2224 and Black women will wait until 2130 for equal pay.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research; Employment, Education & Economic Change; Pay Equity & Discrimination
As a Latinx woman, Ms. Fit most certainly falls into the category that is most discriminated against. However, the titan that she is pushes through with vigor. It is paying off. She will be battling against one of the top rappers at the biggest battle rap league in the English speaking world. She and her partner, Cortez (Murda Ave) will go against Geechi Gotti and Coffee Brown (Mafia) on the Royalty card, produced by Queen of The Ring and URL.
Check out Joe Budden and the rest of the My Expert Opinion on Episode 26:
