We Spoke To The Manchester Rappers Who Clashed Kendrick Lamar

We spoke to two MCs about how m.a.a.d it was to verbally spar with the hip-hop icon.

Last week, we brought you the video of Kendrick Lamar challenging some Manchester emcees to a freestyle. We were so impressed with their mic control that we had to find out some more about what it was like to go face-to-face with one of the biggest artists in the world right now. The two lyricists involved were Blakk Ice and Martin Visceral, who we caught up with to talk about Kendrick's surprise appearance and how m.a.a.d it was to verbally spar with the hip-hop icon.

What was it like when you saw Kendrick walk through? Were you expecting it?

Blakk Ice: There's no way to describe how I felt when I saw him walk through. Like, only the lord knows how I was feeling. I just remember turning to my brother, Tobija, and we both started screaming! I just couldn't believe someone as important as Kendrick Lamar would end up so close to where I live. When we first arrived, I had no clue who it was and didn't really think anything of it until I seen the the Reebok poster with Kendrick on it promoting the brand. I got so excited about it being him that I got to a point where I was hoping it wasn't him so I wouldn't be let down, but something in me knew exactly who it was. That Friday changed my life forever.

Martin Visceral: I was there as a facilitator, so I had been running workshops and helping to keep the event moving all day. I was in no way intimidated by Kendrick's presence, and as much as I respect him for his music, I was more concerned with making sure the younger artists had a good time.

Were you intimidated when you went face to face with him?

Blakk Ice: When it came to the cypher, going face-to-face with him had me pumping stupid amounts of adrenaline around my body because it was my only 30 seconds to show him what I got and prove why I have what it takes. I couldn't help but think Kendrick has probably seen and heard a lot of people so I had to make sure he was listening to what I had to say. I feel that rapping with Kendrick and bringing energies together gave me a chance to understand and appreciate him as an artist a whole lot more. I sustained eye contact because I know that's the only way he's gonna seriously pay attention. When Tobija jumped on the mic, he had the chance to get up close and speak to Kendrick. I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say it gave us the chance to bring Kendrick into our world and show him how we do it in the UK.

Martin Visceral: He came into the cypher proclaiming, "I'll whoop anyone's ass", which I saw a provocation, almost daring someone to try it. There was a pause, and I thought I should probably drop a little freestyle to help encourage the young MCs to wanna grab the mic, so I started with "Kendrick, you wouldn't whoop my ass!" But then I brought the focus back to the young people, bigged them up, bigged up Kendrick, and kept the vibe positive.

Did you rate his freestyling?

Blakk Ice: When Kendrick was on the mic, he just jumped straight in off the top showcasing his lyrical abilities. Seeing him live in the flesh brought me closer to understanding the art of hip-hop. He rocked the crowd and brought everyone in the space into the same bubble. The vibe he came with was from another universe as he just started spinning bars from no where. It definitely left us in awe.

Martin Visceral: I rated Kendrick's freestyling. I thought he was pretty good. If he ever wanted to battle for real, then I'm down. I had my professional hat on that day, but I'm also battle rapper and I'll take on any challenger! Of course, it's all in the spirit of hip-hop and friendly competition.

Are you part of a rap crew?

Blakk Ice: I'm not part of a crew or collective but I do 90% of my work with my close friend I've know since day one, Tobija. He was the one who was with me during the event and we even performed one of our songs together in the cypher. We use nothing more than a basic home set up which isn't the best, but we make do with what we have and learn to make the most of it.

Martin Visceral:  I'm part of a comedy/hip-hop collective called Freestyle Fictionary; search for us on Facebook for upcoming events. It was actually my first time at the Wonder Inn too (where the event took place), but it's a great space and they seem really dedicated to arts and wellbeing, so it's a venue I'd definitely like to work with again in future.

Have you got any releases or new stuff dropping soon?

Blakk Ice: At the moment, we're working on a 13-track EP which is going to produced and record by ourselves. It's all going to be 110% organic. We chose to do this because we feel it's the best way to show people how big are love and passion for music is and to show what skills we've picked up along the way since dropping our last mixtape, Word-smith Lyrasis. Being a hip-hop head, the idea for Word-smith Lyrasis was to go with that raw, 90s-sounding hip-hop which was all about the raw delivery, rhyme schemes, hard-hitting beats and intellectual lyricism. 

Martin Visceral: I'm also in a group called Potent, and there's some free music at www.concentratedrecords.com.

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