Mic Check, 1, 2... Emcee Battle at Metronome, Wed. Dec. 21

Tom Fuller. Words by Nick Kramer. Photo by James Lockridge

On December 21st the VT underground hip hop scene surfaces at Club Metronome. As part of Big Heavy World’s holiday showcase, there will be a classic-style rap battle. From midnight to 2am a host of emcees will take the stage to compete for the title of Mic Champion. Contenders will spit rhymes head-to-head in a double-elimination bracket. First place scores an on-air feature on the Radiator.

Local emcee and hip hop head Tom Fuller has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to put the comp together. In his eyes, the VT hip hop scene is strong, but a little quiet and a little disparate with, “a lot of people making their music on the down-low.” He hopes that events such as this holiday-season battle will help bring hip hop to the forefront of VT music and points to the popularity of last year’s King of VT battle series at Club Metronome as proof. Tom is convinced that VT’s appetite for homegrown hip hop is growing and that a VT sound is still being developed. Based on “a healthy mix of classic east coast, conscious rap, and club music,” VT hip hop artists are at work forging their own style.

Be on the look out for Tom's album drop the night of the comp and prep yourselves for a true hip hop takeover. Also, for any emcees still looking to throw their rhymes in the ring, entry for the battle bracket is still open. Just shoot Tom a note at vtbeatboxmc@gmail.com.