Miami, FL

Inside Miami’s Heated Showdown at Red Bull Batalla USA National Final

Published

1 month ago

October 13, 2024

Inside Miami’s Heated Showdown at Red Bull Batalla USA National Final

It’s a stormy night in Miami on Saturday (Oct. 12), but the atmosphere inside Factory Town was sweltering as the Red Bull Batalla USA National Final 2024 touched down. This celebrated annual event has grown to be a cultural phenomenon, bringing together 16 of the illest, most clever improvisational wordsmiths in the country — all hailing from different Latin American backgrounds — to compete for the best lyrical face-off.

Now in its final round to determine this year’s national winner, it was up to Freites, originally from Venezuela, and Venezuelan-Dominican rapper AdonysX to take the trophy. With the crowd growing thicker, and the atmosphere turning electric, each lyricist ratcheted up the intensity, spitting bars that echoed through the charged air. The spectators, gripped by each piercing line and sharp retort, were witnesses to an epic cultural clash that transcended just words.

Ultimately, AdonysX claimed the title of the best Spanish-language freestyler in the nation. The stage also featured prominent competitors including last year’s National Final runner-up, Zazowan, Miami’s Colombian sensation Nico B, seasoned Mexican rapper Jordi, New York City’s regional champion AdonYS (distinct from the national winner AdonysX), and more

“The atmosphere of a battle can vary; it might be charged with energy or more [subdued], but either way, it remains intense,” says AdonysX, speaking a few weeks after winning the regional event in his native New York. “At every moment, the energy can [fluctuate], but overall, the environment demands a lot from you.”

Ian Witlen/Red Bull Content Pool

The evening was also highlighted by a performance from Akapellah, one of the best Spanish-language rappers of all time, who additionally took a seat at the judges’ table for the event alongside Reverse, Dilema, and Snow QLQ.

“The pioneer that started it all was Red Bull Batalla. It has been a launching pad for many, including myself,” Akapellah tells Billboard Español, who assumed the role of judge this year for the USA National Final. “I believe that 80% of the biggest artists in Latin hip-hop and Spanish-speaking music, we all come from battling, we all grew up watching Red Bull Batallas. It was our influence, it was our bridge to jump into the world of the music industry.”

Originally known as Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos, the stateside competition was established in 2019, though the entire franchise was created in 2005, following the success of the Eminem-starring blockbuster, 8 Mile. It’s now approaching its 17th installment, which will take place in Madrid, Spain on November 30. Every year, the international competition takes place in a different Spanish-speaking country.

“We all grew up watching those battles. For me, it’s incredible that today I am a judge after when I was a kid, the first time I tried to do it compete I was underage. I didn’t have a passport and they let me participate in the regional competition in my city at that time, but just for fun,” says the Venezuelan rap titan, who mentions he won but wasn’t able to advance to the next level due to visa constraints.

Akapellah — Daniel Zuliani/Red Bull Content Pool

Over the past three years, the Red Bull Batalla U.S. championship trophy has been claimed by residents of the state with notable wins from Oner and last year’s champion Reverse, who, after his victory, became a U.S. double champion — like Puerto Rican MC, Yartzi, who won in 2019 and 2020.

“The first time there was a Red Bull Batalla in the USA, it was something historic. It was the last location to be added to the battle circuit. And the inclusion of the United States, giving the opportunity to all immigrants and all Latinos in the United States, was really significant,” Yartzi tells Billboard Español. “Every year more talents, more personalities, and more MCs are added. Each year the competition becomes more intense in terms of retaining that title.”

Outside of the freestyle scene, Yartzi today leverages his highly touted lyrical skills to compose for some of the biggest names in Latin music. He’s collaborated with producers such as Jorge Miliano, DJ Blass and Major Lazer as well as reggaetón superstars like Anuel AA, Wisin y Yandel, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Lunay, Tainy and more.

As all national finalists from the Americas and Spain turn their focus to the global stage, Akapellah also offers a reminder: “Freestyle has developed its own siginficant identity and somewhat diverged from traditional hip-hop, which is a delicate topic. There are incredibly talented artists who would benefit immensely from a broader vocabulary to enrich their rhymes,” he offers, citing the ingestion of more literature.

Echoing the broader benefits of participating in Red Bull Batalla, AdonYS emphasizing its role beyond merely providing a stage. “It gives you a lot of connections, countless opportunities and doors that can open to a wider world of music and the industry,” he says. “The idea is to continue helping the guys that are coming up in any way we can. The idea is that we all come up together so freestyle continues to grow.”

“As the saying goes, and not to sound cliché, but it truly gives you wings because it exposes your talent to the world in a way you might not achieve on your own,” says Yartzi, reflecting on the transformative power of the platform. “As an independent artist, it helps to propel you and captures the global spotlight. Participating as a rapper from Puerto Rico also drew attention from reggaeton artists, my compatriots, leading to many relationships formed through this achievement.”

Source link

Related Topics:AdonysX Featured freestyle latin rap battle Red Bull

Click to comment

Miami, FL

Despite so many early turnovers, Michigan basketball rolls over Miami (Ohio), 94-67

Published

5 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Press Room

Despite so many early turnovers, Michigan basketball rolls over Miami (Ohio), 94-67

Slowly but surely, Michigan basketball’s identity appears to be taking shape, both for better and worse.

The good news: The Wolverines remain efficient shooting the ball. Michigan generated a number of clean looks as it made 58.3% of its attempts from the floor (35 of 60), including 48.3% (14-for-29) on 3-pointers, and all but four of its points came in the paint, beyond the arc or at the free throw line.

The bad news: The Wolverines’ general sloppiness doesn’t, at this point, seem like a one-off occurrence. U-M once again had double-digit turnovers less than 15 minutes in, turned it over a dozen times by the break and finished with 18.

That may matter some day but it didn’t against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, as Dusty May’s Wolverines ran away with a 94-67 win.

Though the game finished as a double-digit affair, it was far from it for some time. The Wolverines trailed by three with less than five minutes left in the first half before they made their final five shots — two dunks, two layups and a 3-pointer — before the intermission, as part of a closing 17-6 spurt.

Out of the break, the Wolverines poured it on. In the first two minutes, Roddy Gayle Jr. found Nimari Burnett for a transition basket, followed by, on the next possession, Burnett finding Gayle on the run for a corner 3; U-M started on an 8-0 run to go up by 16.

Four Wolverines scored in double figures, led by Burnett with 18, Tre Donaldson with 16, L.J. Cason with 11 and Gayle with 10, while Danny Wolf just missed a double double, with nine points and nine rebounds.

The Wolverines are back in action on Thursday at home against Tarleton State.

Hockey-style change creates spark

Michigan’s start was about as sloppy as can be.

After Vlad Goldin missed an opening layup, U-M allowed an offensive rebound and 3-pointer before Wolf then committed a turnover on the other end. After yet another Wolf turnover, Goldin and Burnett had back-to-back turnovers. Each led to runouts and layups, as Miami took a quick 7-5 lead.

May, upset by the sloppy start, opted for a hockey-style line change, pulling all five starters at once. U-M responded with a Will Tschetter turnover on its first possession, the team’s fifth in less than four minutes.

Every time Michigan looked like it was going to start pulling away, such as after its 7-0 run after Cason hit a layup and pair of free throws and Sam Walters hit a transition 3, the RedHawks responded and remained within a possession.

U-M led 15-9 and held Miami to a 4-for-14 start from the floor (1-for-6 from 3) shortly before the RedHawks got hot. Michigan’s lead got up to 20-14 before Miami hit seven of its next nine attempts from the floor, which included making five of seven 3s.

Kam Craft and Eian Elmer hit back-to-back long balls before a Craft bucket gave the Redhawks the lead, and then a Walters handoff to Wolf was stripped to make it 27-24. But U-M closed the half with five straight field goals and ended the first 20 minutes shooting 59.3% (16-for-27) from the floor and 42.9% (6-for-14) on 3s.

Pick up where they left off

While Michigan opened the second with eight points, its defense tightened and forced Miami to miss its first eight shots of the half.

When Travis Steele’s group scored its first second-half point — hitting one of three free throws 4:09 into the frame — it did little to slow U-M’s momentum, with Donaldson adding a pair of transition layups. The Redhawks finally broke through from the floor with a Peter Suder three-point play and 3-pointer sandwiched around a Cason 3, but it was too much Michigan.

In all, Michigan went on a 43-18 run in 13:29 of action after falling behind by three in the first half.

Michigan dominated the boards 44-23, boosting the rout. Likewise, U-M won the second-chance points battle (11-8), was tops in fastbreak points (18-11), had more bench points (33-24) and even tied on points off turnovers (14-all) despite committing five more turnovers than the RedHawks.

Source link

Miami, FL

Northern Illinois vs. Miami (Ohio) Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 13

Published

12 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Press Room

Northern Illinois vs. Miami (Ohio) Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 13

Northern Illinois wasn’t able to follow up on its upset of Notre Dame early in the season, falling behind in the MAC conference race, but has a chance to play spoiler in the league.

The Huskies will take on Miami (Ohio) in Tuesday night MACtion with the RedHawks looking to make a bid at a second straight league title. However, NIU has been elite on the defensive side of the ball all season and winners of two in a row. Can the Huskies snap Miami’s five-game winning streak and soil its hopes of a repeat?

Here’s how to bet the marquee matchup of the Week 13 opening slate.

Spread

Moneyline

Total: 41.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Northern Illinois

Telly Johnson Jr.: With Antario Brown out last week, Johnson was the leadback for the Huskies in the team’s win against Arkon. Brown is not on the depth chart this week, so it appears he won’t go, meaning Johnson will likely be called on to lead the run-first Huskies offense against Miami’s stingy defense.

Miami (Ohio)

Brett Gabbert: The senior quarterback continues to show out as MAC play continues, tallying 15 passing touchdowns with only one interception in league games. Since the loss to Toledo, the RedHawks have won all but one game by double digits and are starting to look like the MAC Champion from a year ago.

This game is likely going to be dictated by both team’s defense, among the best in the MAC.

Both units are top 40 nationally in EPA/Play, but there are some stylistic differences that make for an advantageous matchup for the road underdog.

NIU is focused on keeping the ball on the ground with its stable of running backs in addition to quarterback Ethan Hampton. While the RedHawks have an elite defense, it’s far better against the pass than the run, ranking outside the top half of the country in EPA/Rush this season. The defensive line isn’t getting a similar push to last season, outside the top 90 in defensive line yards, and may struggle to keep Northern Illinois out of favorable down and distances.

Meanwhile, Miami does lean on its passing game. Despite the emergence of running back Keyon Mozee, who is averaging nearly seven yards per carry, the RedHawks throw at a top-40 rate nationally.

However, the Huskies defense is elite against the pass, top 20 in the country in EPA/Pass, and among the best down-to-down defenses, ranking top 25 in success rate.

NIU has lost three MAC games by a total of 12 points, one of which in overtime and the other on a last season field goal, which stunted its ability to contend for a MAC title, but not from having betting value.

I’ll take the underdog to throw some chaos into the title race.

PICK: Northern Illinois ML +116

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets on betstamp @rw33

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Source link

Miami, FL

Dolphins take care of business against the Raiders – The Splash Zone 11/18/24

Published

20 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Press Room

Dolphins take care of business against the Raiders – The Splash Zone 11/18/24

For the first time this season, the Miami Dolphins have a two game win streak after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders yesterday afternoon. The Dolphins offense was methodical as they did not have to punt at all yesterday. Tight end Jonnu Smith has become a weapon over the past few weeks as he went for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 receptions. It could have been a bit cleaner on defense, but the Dolphins will take a win any way they can get it right now. Next weekend, the Dolphins will host the New England Patriots for an AFC East showdown.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Big Day for the Offense Sparks Victory Against Raiders
The Miami Dolphins scored on all but one of their possessions in their victory against the Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders at Dolphins

Miami Dolphins prove they can handle major shakeup teams have thrown at them in 2024
The Dolphins’ offense was a machine on Sunday against the Raiders

Dolphins Offense

Miami Dolphins morphing into ball control, long-drive offense. And it’s working. | Schad – Yahoo Sports
The Miami Dolphins have a new identity. At least for 2024. It’s all about ball control and sustained scoring drives. Tua Tagovailoa is playing well.

Dolphins Quarterbacks

‘Best in the World’ – Highest of Praise for Tua Tagovailoa After Dolphins’ Win Over Raiders
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is completing nearly every pass he throws, and he was as good as ever in Sunday’s win over the Raiders.

Dolphins Running Backs

De’Von Achane, with or without Guardian Cap, certainly looks like Dolphins’ No. 1 running back – Yahoo Sports
Second-year Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane carried the bulk of the backfield load vs. the Raiders with 17 carries for 73 yards and a score.

Dolphins Tight Ends

Miami Dolphins’ TE Jonnu Smith making defenses pay for focusing on Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle – Yahoo Sports
Jonnu Smith has 39 catches for 448 yards and three TDs this season. And his two scores Sunday against the Raiders were as different as they could be.

Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Previewing Raiders/Dolphins week 11 matchup – Miami Dolphins News 11/16/24 – The Phinsider
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

LV Raiders @ Miami Dolphins Predictions and Players You Would Steal – The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins fans share their predictions for tomorrow’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders and players they would steal.

Dolphins’ WR Tyreek Hill plans to play through wrist injury, will wait to have surgery – The Phinsider
Save us, Tyrek Hill! You’re our only hope!

NFL Winners Picks Week 11 2024: Schedule, odds, predictions for Sunday games – The Phinsider
The NFL schedule is on to Week 11 and includes an additional nationally televised game. Who will win each game on Sunday? Our contributors take a look at the schedule and make their picks.

Miami Dolphins Week 11 preview vs Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, Scott Turner, Christian Wilkins – The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon. To get a closer look at the Raiders, we turn to Silver and Black Pride.

Miami Dolphins elevate long snapper Tucker Addington, tackle Jackson Carman for Week 11 – The Phinsider
This will be Jackson Carman’s second start for the Miami Dolphins.

SB Nation Reacts Miami Dolphins fan confidence poll Week 11: Fans starting to trust team again – The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins beat the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football to end Week 10. As Week 11 begins, the fan confidence in the Dolphins has jumped.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Miami Dolphins Open Live Thread & Game Info – The Phinsider
Join us live to follow and discuss this afternoon’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and your Miami Dolphins.

What are the odds for Week 12 Patriots vs Dolphins? FanDuel sportsbook opening line – The Phinsider
Can the Miami Dolphins sweep the New England Patriots this year? The oddsmakers seem to think so.

Raiders vs. Dolphins reactions: Stock up, stock down from Miami’s win in Week 11 – The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins came away with an emphatic win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Who saw their stock rise or fall during the game?

Source link