(AllHipHop News) One of the most memorable parts of Hip Hop culture from 2014 will most likely be the fact that battle rap exploded beyond YouTube. From the Eminem sponsored “Total Slaughter” TV show and event to the BET Hip Hop Awards featuring battlers performing on the main stage during the show, the lyrical competition is slowly creeping its way into the mainstream.
[ALSO READ: Joell Ortiz Says He May Battle In Total Slaughter 2]
Billionaire Alkiviades “Alki” David of the Greek Leventis family is looking to push battle rap even further into pop culture. The self-confessed fan of Hip Hop and former break dancer sees battle rap as a valuable art form. David’s first move into the industry will be the upcoming “Ether” showcase for his FilmOn.TV internet television site.
“This is definitely the beginning of a UFC-style league for battle rap,” David told the Phoenix New Times. “It’s an intellectual sport and real social commentary.”
The main event for “Ether” is the much talked about match-up between Cassidy and Dizaster. The event will also present a “hologram experience” that will include special guests. David has prior history involving virtual performances. He played a role in the creation of the Tupac Shakur hologram at the Coachella Festival in 2012.
“The format has to be something the mainstream can understand,” said David. “I think what’s going to happen is the poetry of the spoken word will be elevated more and more, because eventually saying ‘f****t’ and ‘n***a’ are going to have to be replaced by something more competitive… There’s only so far you can go.”
“Ether” is scheduled to stream live on December 6th.
[ALSO READ: Cassidy Says Battle Against Dizaster Is About The Money, Not The Opponent (VIDEO)]
Watch the “Cassidy vs Dizaster” trailer below.
