Sound Check blog

21
October

Rap for cash in Battleground freestyle contest

Pedro

Got skillz? If you rap, deejay, beatbox, breakdance, paint graffiti or perform some hip hop-related art you could cash in at Battleground, a new monthly talent competition.

Starting Nov. 7, Battleground will go down the first Saturday of every month from 8 p.m. to midnight at Raw Vibes, a new art and performance space in St. Petersburg. Emcees can compete for $100 in a monthly freestyle rap contest. Beginning in December, deejays, dancers and other performers can compete for a separate $100 prize.

Battleground is organized by husband and wife duo Pedro "El Poeta" Jarquin, above, and Sarah Weatherbee. Jarquin, a longtime staple in Tampa Bay's spoken word scene, will host the showcase. Weatherbee, a glass artist, will design a microphone-shaped trophy for the first rapper to win three battles in a row. The emcee will keep the trophy until someone dethrones him or her.

To enter the freestyle contest, contact Jarquin or Weatherbee.

-- Dalia Colon, tbt*

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