Batalla began in 2005 in Puerto Rico but has expanded to countries like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. After a brief hiatus between 2009 and 2012, the competition returned with a bigger production and an even bigger fanbase, hosting finals across the Spanish-speaking world. The winners earn a spot at the world final, where the best freestyle battle rapper is crowned.
It's an understatement to call Batalla a cultural phenomenon. It has amassed a large social media following and helped launch the careers of competitors such as Tiago PZK and Trueno.
One person hoping to win it all this year is Miami's Nico B, a battle rapper who has made it to the U.S. semifinals and finals in 2022 and 2023. While he hasn't come away as a champion, he has earned the respect of fans and has become one of Batalla's favorites.
"Compared to the first edition, there has been a lot of growth, especially on the number of emcees that are on the scene in general, also in the logistics and quality of the tournaments in all aspects," he tells New Times over email.
Batalla has helped call attention to the freestyle scene, causing the art form to explode. It's impressive to watch, with competitors coming up with bars on the fly. Nico's approach is to let his mind be free, focusing on what his rival is saying to formulate rebuttals quickly.
During a recent battle between Reverse and Nico B, the pair spat eight-bar verses at each other while using objects in a box as inspiration for the disses.
Still, even when the blows come strong, Nico B doesn't break a sweat.
"I haven't had any problems with any emcee because of a rhyme in specific," he says. "Everything is in an artistic context, or at least, that's the way I see it. There is some toxicity but not that much in Miami, at least."
"People underestimate freestylers as artists, but a lot of the people who compete have a really good musical catalogue," says Nico B.
Photo by Karlo Ramos/Red Bull Content Pool
Also, adding to the complexity of the Red Bull Batalla events is that you may or may not have a home-court advantage, with battles taking place in several countries. It's a challenge that Nico views positively.
"I think it has helped a lot in preparing emcees and freestylers to be on more professional stages in the early stages of their careers, which doesn't happen that much in other countries as their scenes are older than ours, so I would say that and give us a spotlight on the international scene," he explains.
Some past Batalla winners include battle rappers and freestylers like Azcino, Skone, Chuty, and Rapter. Still, you don't have to win the competition to come out on top. Trueno lost the final in Argentina, and he's arguably the biggest name to come out of the series.
"There is a lot of talent right now on the scene which can explode. Some people underestimate freestylers as artists, but a lot of the people who compete have a really good musical catalogue; they just need the exposure," Nico adds.
As a Miami native, Nico has been exposed to not only the Latin rap scene but, of course, American hip-hop. He counts Lil Wayne as his biggest influence, crediting him as the artist who got him into rap and made him a fan of the genre and culture.
"There is a good mix between Hispanic and American rappers while also being a place where there is a lot of diversity of cultures," he says of the Magic City.
Saturday's event marks Nico's third appearance in a row at the U.S. finals. Will this finally be the time he walks away with the crown?
"I really always believed in myself, but this year, I had a different feeling, and I really think I can make it real," he says. "I've been preparing myself for this moment, and I won't lose this opportunity."
Red Bull Batalla National Final. 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 12, at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Hialeah; redbull.com. Tickets cost $15 to $30 via eventbrite.com.
