Lose Yourself - Eminem

Freestyling is a lost hip-hop art form. Battle rap has lost that zing it once had.

Until Now.

Earlier this summer, Red Bull and Eminem teamed up for a nationwide quest in search of the best freestyle rapper out there.  The contest kicked off in early June in the Big Apple, New York City, since then, the competition has made stops in the Bay Area, Philly, Orlando, Atlanta, Greensboro (yes, North Carolina) and Houston.

Now the finalists from each city will be ending their journey for battle rap honors at the legendary St. Andrew's Hall in Downtown Detroit on August 26th. There, the Red Bull EmSee champion will be crowned.

It's more than just another rap battle, Slaughterhouse (comprised of Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden) will be performing and Marvwon and Dre the Beatnik will be the hosts for the evening.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and the event is 18+. Tickets will be sold at the door but no word on if they're going to be available in advance (I'll keep you guys posted).

*EDIT: Tickets are on $8 and on sale NOW at  Livenation.com.

The only thing that hasn't been set in stone is who the judges of the event will be and the rumor mill is buzzing with names like Mr. Porter, Alchemist and even Eminem has been thrown out there. Guess we won't know for sure until it all goes down next week at St. Andrew's.

*Edit: It's been confirmed that Eminem will indeed be at St. Andrew's this night. The better question is, will you?

Peep the video below of Mr. Slim Shady talking about the comepetition, hope you all are ready.



Also check out the previous battles in New York and San Fran:

What a Feeling - Ro Spit

Friday night at St. Andrew's (#word to Bizarre) Ro Spit and Monica Blaire along with one big band took the stage for the Renaissance State of Mind Experience. Here's my recap along with footage from the show and literally a one second clip looped five times of Ro Spit jitting, lol. It was fun, should've been there.

Renaissance State of Mind - Ro Spit & Monica Blaire

Of all the performances I've been to (ask Cliff and Mos it's not nearly enough) none has yet to top seeing Ro Spit and Monica Blaire perform "Renaissance State of Mind" with a live band at Ro's release party back in December.

If you haven't seen them together, well you may just miss your chance July 2, 2010 (NEXT Friday), Ro Spit and Monica Blaire present the "Renaissance State of Mind Experience" (which I won tickets to, #holla). It's a family friendly affair happening at the legendary St. Andrew's Hall in Downtown Detroit. The event celebrates the release of Ro's "A Different Arrangement" and Monica's "Circus of the Mind" projects.

Experience is definitely the best word to describe this event, it's more so like a Detroit hip-hop block party or family reunion. There will be food, music, possible spades game (emphasis on possible) and just a good afternoon of fun.

In reference to what I said earlier, word around town is that this will be the last time Ro and Monica will be performing "Renaissance State of Mind" live (I know my heart is breaking). They will be combining both of their bands and I'm sure the performance is going to be epic (maybe even historic?).

Tickets are on sale at Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique for $10 and $25 for V.I.P. package (which includes a meet-and-greet, early entry and balcony access). Or if you don't have the time to make it to the shop, you can get your tickets at the door for a solid $15.

Immediately following the Experience is the Third Anniversary party for Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique. Tickets are only $5 with your stub from the Ro and Monica show. It's going to be in The Shelter and is being hosted by Ron Dance and sounds will be provided by DJ Graffiti.

It amazes me that Rick and Ro have only owned BR for three years and have turned it into a solid Michigan hip-hop staple. The infamous Chef logo is recognized everywhere and has been seen on some of everybody both local and not (like Chris Brown).

This day is sure to be a great one and what better way to kick off the Independence Day weekend than with good music, good food and a lot of fun.
totally facebook jacked that photo, BTW.