Jake the Ripper is a behemoth in the Welsh Urban Scene. From a veteran battle rapper, an incredible artist and an amazing animator and videographer. Jake can do it all. He has hard hitting tracks like his latest release Ali Shuffle, to somewhat contrasting pieces beautifully written to showcase his wide range in talents such as his spoken word pieces.
However, we caught up with Jake The Ripper to speak about his battle rap endeavours. Here's how it went:
Who was your first ever rap battle against and how did it go?
When I was about 16 my details were given to a 'Shaydee' Shane Ford (PRIDEZ). He was setting up a Welsh League called Epic Bars - City Battles. It was an outdoor pre-written format and I was supposed to battle Jamey P. Jamey didn't make it, so I remember being offered a freestyle battle. This is something I REALLY did NOT want to do. A few of the boys boldly told Shane I'd battle any man here.
It sounded good in theory but I was literally on the verge of chucking up mom's spaghetti. It turned out to be a battle with 'El Capo'. Although nervous, I was fortunate that he began to make himself a relatively easy target for me. He was easily agitated and a talkative personality that made ammunition easier and punchlines more available. I was still rapping about spaceships and conspiracy theories so he really helped me stay on topic with his shenanigans. The whole thing went well and some of my biggest fears had been removed early doors. It genuinely gave me a buzz like none other and I was keen to go again.
What’s your favourite battle you have been involved in?
That's tough. Big J in Cardiff is up there. Probably Dekay. It's a time capsule, it defines a time in the scene and a type of battle that would never happen in 2021. I'm also an enormous fan of Dekay as a battler and artist, at the time she was a hot name in Don't Flop, just coming off a battle with Uno Lavos. So It genuinely felt surreal as fuck being stood in front of her.
How long does it take you to write a rap battle verse?
All depends how motivated I am for the person and the time frame given. The better they are, the quicker I tend to write strangely, probably out of fear.
Short answer though. It could take anywhere between a week and a month. Remembering it tends to be the harder part.
Have you ever choked during a rap battle?
Yeah. A few times. I'd say only once has it been a complete right off.
Tongue Twister killed me. Possibly the only time I've been bodied, but yeah, fucked up big time in that battle.
Is there anyone you’ve battled you really disliked?
Honestly no. Back in the day there was heat between Odie and I when Epic Bars put us up for a title shot. We were both hungry, keen and Epic Bars was in its peak. So there was a bit of trash talk but no hatred or real dislike.
Who is the hardest opponent you have faced in a rap battle?
Could be Odie. Gasp with a hometown Glaswegian advantage was a bitch as well.
What is the funniest thing someone has said to you in a rap battle?
Big J came up with the weirdest scenario about me not washing my hand after taking a piss basically. Might not sound funny, but you honestly have to be Big J.
What is the funniest thing you have said to someone in a rap battle?
Honestly I wouldn't know man. Not because I'm such a funny guy, but things I find funny isn't always what a crowd has found funny in my experience. If I had to really think about something that made me chuckle when writing, it was simply the line; 'You watch This Morning in the Afternoon'. I didn't have a rhyme for it at the time but the sentence alone just brightened my day.
Who would you like to battle in 2021?
Nobody in particular. I wish I could be more enthused and give a good answer but that's the truth.
What advice would you give to young battle rappers?
Enjoy it. It's a niche within Hip Hop and that element should not be forgotten. It's sad when a good portion of battle rappers have never rapped on a beat.
Also, never be hurt by what someone says, remember it's what you signed up for. The better you both perform the more re-watchable the battle tends to be so embrace a good insult and try not to look phased.
Check out Jake The Ripper V Big J at Don't Flop Extra
Jake The Ripper V T-Rev in a Compliments Battle.
This one is amazing.
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