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WORLD RAP CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007

$50,000 Hip Hop Tag Team Web Series Goes Global. Established last year, the WRC is a global 2-on-2 Rap Battle League broadcast exclusively online on www.jumpoff.tv.

300 rappers across 8 divisions, participate in more than 500 battles (60 hours) over a 5 month season for a chance to win a place in the $50,000 Play-Offs in Las Vegas.

This unique tag team format takes place before a select industry crowd at secret warehouse and rooftop locations across 8 city divisions; New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, Houston, Toronto (Canada), London(UK) and Melbourne(Australia).

2006's competition drew an online audience of over 200,000, with fans commenting, sharing and voting on every battle, rapper and punchline. With more divisions, the introduction of statistics for every rapper and a Fantasy League for the fans, this seasons audience is estimated to reach over 1 million.

SOHH.com, the world leading Hip Hop website, is this year's official online partner, and will be broadcasting the battles on sohh.com. "The World Rap Championships web series is a perfect fit for SOHH, marrying the raw essence of hip hop with the digital revolution in online broadcasting" said Felicia Palmer, SOHH's CEO & Founder.

Differing from other MC Battle formats, the WRC features a diverse line-up of rappers from different ethnicity's, backgrounds and cultures, who mix both freestyle and written techniques, relying on team chemistry rather than individualism.
"Rap battles are one of Hip Hops most exciting elements, yet mainstream shows like Wild n Out, Yo Mama and The White Rapper Show have done nothing to contribute to the evolution of MC'ing. Genuine hip hop fans don't want gimmicks, they want whats real, so via the internet we can bypass the major networks and broadcast directly to a global audience." said Harold Anthony, Format Co- Producer.

"The WRC is probably the most innovative thing to happen in Hip Hop in the last 10yrs, demonstrating that Hip Hop is more than just music and that lyricism is a craft in its own right" said TheSaurus, one half of last years winning team and winner of last year's MVR Award(Most Valuable Rapper).

Battling is deep rooted in Hip Hop culture, from its inception in the early 70's through to its commercialization today in films like Eminems 8 Mile. Promising to revolutionize the world of Hip Hop, the international MC battle format successfully demonstrates that Rap is the next Extreme Sport.

MCs interested in taking part should check the Division Qualifier dates: http://www.jumpoff.tv/wrc2007.php?c=qualifiers

Also check out the WRC 07 Trailer on the below YouTube skin...
Words Jamie Topham