FlipTop Battle League


FlipTop Rap Battle League is the first and largest running professional rap battle conference in the Philippines founded by Alaric Riam Yuson in 2010. The league promotes Pinoy hip hop. FlipTop is heavily influenced by the original rap battle leagues in the West founded in 2008 – Grind Time Now, King of the Dot and Don't Flop, which inspired the creation of FlipTop and other battle leagues around the world. The league also branched out into several divisions after its success. The league is currently under management of a self-produced events and artist management company, FlipTop Kru Corp which was established also by Yuson.

Battle

In general, the contest consists of three rounds with a time limit for each contender set by the referee. Sometimes time limits are agreed on by the participants before the battle. For 1 on 1 and 2 on 2, time limits are generally 1 minute to 3 minutes and 5 minutes respectively. Odd number of judges are selected to judge the battle to prevent draws. Early iteration of rules allowed judges to vote for overtime. In early years, majority of judges voted for overtime or if no definite winner emerged from judges' votes.
However recently, the judges are not allowed to vote for overtime, they should pick a winner. The first turn is determined by a coin toss or prearranged agreement between two emcees who will took the first turn before the battle start. Written or non-written lines are allowed. Both sides can also bring props for the event. Filipino language is the primary medium although other languages or dialects can be used. Choking in any rounds increase the chance of losing the battle. The winner is determined by the decision of the judges.
The criteria for judging are the usage of words, content, performance, audience impact, delivery, and rapping style depending on judge's perspective.
There are different conferences in FlipTop such as the Filipino Conference, Bisaya Conference, and English Conference among others.
The league has an annual tournament called "Isabuhay". A series of matches consists of undercard, non-tournament matches and tournament matches running for a year where the finals occurred every month of December. The emcees appearances on the matches depends on their availability.

Format

FlipTop has three different battle formats which sometimes combined with Freestyle:
There are also different variations of rap battle within the FlipTop tournament:

Noted battle emcees

Emcee NameReal NameHometownAffiliationsSignature Style
2khelleTupac LabraOlongapo City, ZambalesAlpha Taktika, Gapo Rappers Society, A-syan RecordsComedy
AbraRaymond AbracosaPasig, Metro ManilaArtifice Records, Flipmusic, Hiphop22, Ivory Music & Video, Lyrically Deranged PoetsMultisyllabic Rhyme Schemes, Wordplays, Speedrap
AklasPhilip ChingIloilo City/BulacanBatch 1, True Death, AKLAS Ltd., LUMA, Murder Death Kill,Avant-garde, Aggressive, Offensive, Unorthodox
AelekzCebu CityAMF Productions, Whutitdo, RapolloSerious Bars, Deep Bars
Andy GAndy JamolinParañaque, Metro ManilaDC Clan, Double Cross, The Real South Pride ProductionComedy, Poetic, Freestyle
ApekzMark Anthony CadienteValenzuela, Metro ManilaHustlin', Hiphop22Comedy, Rebuttals, Poetic, Serious, Wordplay, Multisyllabic Rhyme
ApocRalph Dela FuentePasig, Metro ManilaRaw, Dukes, Bilog Writer's Block, Sabertooth Academy, UprisingSerious Lyrics, Deep Bars
AseroOlongapo City, ZambalesTrue Pinoy Playaz, G.R.S., A-Syan Recordz
AsserAsser Ace DilaoCebu City, CebuNevaNevaNevaLand, 3GS, Outbox, RapolloSpeed Rap, Aggressive, Multisyllabic Rhymes, Comedy
BadangDarwin FerianezaMarikina, Metro ManilaAll Star Productions, Tuesday Troop, Hahay EntertainmentSexual Humor, Comedy, Freestyle, Speed Rap
BassilyoLordivino IgnacioMarikina, Metro ManilaCrazy as Pinoy, Crazy Family, Badboys, MCA Music, ProbinsyanoComedy, Singing, Serious Lyrics
BatasMark RodriguezTahanan, Parañaque, Metro ManilaWild Ones Tatttoo, Illustrado, Uprising, Barangay Tibay, Sultans of Snap, Tha TVC Black, Kampo Teroritmo,Xeno Devata ProjectSerious Lyrics, Unorthodox, Wordplay, Aggressive, Hardcore
Batang RebeldeMarvin AriasTanza, CaviteBaredibu, Ulikbangon, Zone 457, Exodus, AKZSerious Lyrics, Comedy
BlackleafKuiper BeltUprising, Lifeline ZenithSerious Bars, Wordplays
BLKDAllen EnriquezNaic, CaviteUprising, KolateralWordplay, Deep, Serious Lyrics.
BogchiLemery, BatangasNSC, BaliparoSerious Bars, Aggressive, Part-Comedy
CameltoeParañaque, Metro ManilaAMPONSexual Humour, Comedy
CerberusMabalacat, PampangaArmaletra, Devoured, T.G.KAggressive
ChalizLabangon, Cebu CityBPL Records, Raprakan Battle League, TeamChalizSerious, Aggressive
Chris AceChristopher John CelisLapu-Lapu CityC.A.L., Calilahoo Crew, 032 Soldierz, Oponside,Serious, Wordplays, Flow, Freestyle, Rebuttal, Comedy, Theatrics
Cool KiddIan EnjambreDavao City, Davao del SurK-Records, Karabineros
CrazyMixRomarico SuperableQuezon City, Metro ManilaCrazy Family, Blind Rhyme ProductionsSpeed Rap, Comedy
CripliArbheal MancillaNaga, Camarines SurJuan Dela CrewComedy, Freestyle
Daddy Joe DSan Pedro, LagunaElegante / P3TRecords, RS Production, Bigkasang San PedroComedy
DamsaRaymond AbrenicaSan Pedro, LagunaVia Records, MusicPharm, Black Cat Pro, Inked Hustlaz, S.N.SSpeed Rap, Flow
Dello

Wendell GatmaitanTondo, ManilaSkwaterhaws, Mongol Unit, Vertical Brew MusicRebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle
DhictahPasig CityWild Ones Tattoo, Bomb Shelter, Yeah Yeah Boys, Dirt Bro, TitiSerious Lyrics
DhuskiPaombong, Bulacan/Malolos CityBF Pro, 3GS, Salbahe Music, Letmaku EntertainmentSerious Lyrics, Comedy
DilimSan Pedro, LagunaSundalo ni SadamComedy, Serious
Doc PauTanay, RizalAlagad ng Musika, Tanay Hip-hop UndergroundAggressive
DopeeRaymond EscurzonDavao City, Davao del SurSpeech, Kalawakan CrewComedy
ElbizJohn Elvis NarismaQuezon City, Metro ManilaThe Green HouseComedy
EJ PowerEjay FlorentinoBalanga, BataanDanger Zone, Outbox, Troop AComedy, Freestyle, Rebuttals
EjoIbajay, AklanPothead Territory, Inajay Black Ninos, Lot 420Comedy, Wordplays
El D'noOlongapo, ZambalesAlpha Taktikah, G.R.S. 047, G-Town, A-Syan RecordsComedy
El QuielNovaliches, Quezon City/Valenzuela CityE-Unit, 187 MobstazFreestyle, Comedy
FangsKarl RallosCebu City, CebuEvolClowns, Rapollo, AMF, Whutitdo, Selda KwartoWordplay
Flict-GRaymond RiveraMandaluyong, Metro ManilaRepablikan Syndicate, ShockraWordplay, Comedy, Speed Rap, Flow
FonggerCebu City, Cebu7Kings Production, Crazy Family, Shongkoi, 504 Records, Team PorkchopComedy
FroozPatrick BuratilyaBinangonan, RizalCrazy Family Badboys, BlindRhyme Productions, Alyansa ng Tugmang Bulag, Puyat Records, The GreenhouseComedy, Freestyle, Flow, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Rebuttals, Speed Rap
FukudaFordlinks AbrisCagayan de Oro CityMindanao Batch 2, Southdoggz, SLTG, Rap BatikosAggressive, Serious Bars
FuegoRoman FugosoPaco, ManilaMack-Town, Taft-Love, Vito Crew
GapVito CruzVito Crew, TL, LD, People's Future, Yo Momma, Stocked UP
GhandiQuezon CityKalayaan, Moment Squad
G-ClownKevin Dela CruzTanay, RizalLego Music, BTR Pro, KOK ClothingSerious Lyrics, Aggressive, Wordplay
Goriong TalasGio De LeonQuezon City, Metro ManilaIllustrado, Uprising, Batch 1, AccentureSerious Lyrics, Wordplay
G-SpotDavao CityLegis Dados, Half Moon Posse, Dice-M Ent.Gangster Lyrics, Serious Bars
HarlemHarlem TyPasig, Metro ManilaTeam Watawat, Schizophrenia, Street Team, FlipMusicFreestyle
HazkyAntipolo CityRPN RecordsComedy, Deep, Theatrics
HeartyIrene CiriacoBagumbong, CaloocanMartial Camp Records, Tuesday Troop, Konektado, X-Deal Vigilantes, Rap Divas, Mob Music EntertainmentHard Lines, Sexual Humor, Theatrics, Sexy Rap
HizukaDigos CitySupreme Blood, Rip Rhyjacck, Mindanao Batch 3Freestyle, Comedy, Slight Wordplays
IcaruzMichael CaniaNoveleta, CaviteThemsent, El Grande RecordsComedy
IceberggCebu City6000 Goonz, 825, Whut It do, V-Boyz, TeamgreenVisayan Lyrics, Bilingual
IlayaCartel, UprisingPoetic, Serious
InvictusPatrick BessaraOlongapo City, Zambales1kiaoDeep Bars, Flow, Hardcore, Aggressive
JamalPuerto Princesa, PalawanTeam Palawakan, 5'3 Records, Palawakan Rap BattleSerious Lyrics, Deep Bars
J-KingJulius CenonCabanatuan City, Nueva EcijaWord War, 3GS, Nueva Ecija TV48, CMPRO, Devil RhymeRebuttals, Comedy, Serious
J-SkeelzRoberto Boy PaosTondo, Manila187 MobstazComedy, Freestyle
JapormzOlongapo, ZambalesKosa FamiliaOffensive, Comedy, Unorthodox
JayTeeTagbilaran, BoholGhetto Rhymes, 5D RecordsDissing, Freestyle
JecoyLapu-Lapu CityC.A.L., Grupo Yamuh, 032 Soldierz, Rapollo, Sevenwordz ProductionsSerious Bars, Freestyle, Comedy
JonasJonas DichosoBulihan, CaviteBreezy Music, Beats by Foe, Anak ng Madre, 3GSWordplay, Poetic, Comedy, Rebuttals, Flow
Josh G.Joshua GurangoQuezon City, Metro ManilaSNL Crew, EdubComedy
Juan LazyChristian QuiaponParañaque/Makati CitySouthern Villains/ Meks Familia, FlipMusic, Schizophrenia, Juan TamadComedy, Freestyle
K-JahCamarin, Caloocan, Metro ManilaUprisingPoetic
KahirMarco SilvanoQuezon CityThem Sent, Batch-1, 3LCPoetic, Comedy
KamandagByron SaavedraOlongapo City, ZambalesArma Letra, BarasuwailPoetic, Aggressive, Freestyle, Wordplay
Khen MagatKing Marlon MagatPasay City, Metro ManilaDongalo Wreckords, Serpientes, Delubyo Ng Pasay, AllStar Productions, WowowinSpeed Rap, Freestyle
KialMarco AlkadamaTondo / Bulacan187 Mobstaz, Blind Rhyme ProductionsPoetic
KrackNaic, CaviteCavite's Most DangerousFreestyle, Comedy
KreggaJboi VasalloCagayan de Oro CityBLK69, Gegay' Art, UprisingSerious Lyrics, Deep Bars, Aggressive
Kris DelanoManila CityShots FiredSerious Lyrics, Personals
LanzetaLanz Jasper PicacheOlongapo City, Zambales1kiaoSerious, Aggressive, Hardcore, Wordplay
Left Eye BlindTaytay, RizalBlind Rhyme, Armr-, 21st-CheSerious
LhipkramPhilmark DominguezLas Piñas/Malabon cityStreet2demic, Parañaque Rebels, 3GSWordplay, Rebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle
LilJohnJohnross Delos SantosParañaque, Metro ManilaParañaque Rebels, All-Star Pro, 3GSRebuttals, Comedy, Freestyle, Theatrics
Lil SisaJhayann ParreñoImus, CaviteCrazy FamilyAggressive, Comedy, Sexy Rap
LirikalOlongapo, ZambalesSuwail na Anak ng GapoSerious, Poetic, Comedy
LoonieMarlon PeroramasCebu City, CebuHiphop22, Stick Figgas, Konektado, Barangay Tibay, Artifice, FMCCPoetic, Wordplay, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Comedy, Theatrics
MackataDarren TotingCebu City/Bacoor, Cavite032 Soldierz, 3GS, WassazlifeAggressive, Serious
MakiiMandaue City032 Souldierz, 3GS, Goat Squad, SC2013, Project Ground ZeroComedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Wordplays
Marshall BonifacioJoel Israel MabayoIligan City/Cebudimokaya063, Rapollo, Outbox, Writer's BlockSerious Bars, Aggressive
MartinIloilo CityDIYS Republic, SYK, WTI, D.A.Comedy
MaxfordMaxford FamitancoDavao CityK. Records, Mindanao Illest
M ZhaytChristian Paolo GabriolaRosario, Pasig City, Metro Manila3GS, All Star, Rapskallion, Poema, Cursebox, 13 Kabalyero, SunuganRebuttals, Freestyle, Serious
MelchristSanto Tomas, Batangas/Iligan CityMongol Unit, Aki Rhyme StateFreestyle
MhotThomas LynmuelDasmariñas, CaviteKing G, Outbox, Area-1, Outright Production, Isabuhay ChampionWordplay, Comedy
MikideeMichael DavidLegazpi, AlbayCrazy Family, Oragon Unit, BLK MRKT, Bikolano Rappers Org.,Magjalu MovementComedy
Mocks WunJerome PayumoSan Fernando, PampangaURP, 045 Records, Diction United, Pisngi LordComedy, Freestyle
NegatiboEmmanuel MagantosBaesa, Quezon CityMartial Camp, Tuesday Troop, Konektado, Super PogiSpeed rap, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Wordplay
NicoNathaniel Nicole NachorOlongapo CityArma Letra, Kamandag Lirikal, Tomahawk, LGBTQ+
NikkiJonathan VibasDigos, Davao del SurSupreme Blood, Heneral Luna, Digos Rap Project, PSB Records, Slickboats ProdzComedy, Bilingual Bars, Theatrics
NotoriousBilly LizanoAnonas, Quezon CityKampo Teroritmo, Proyekto Dos Tres, P2 Hood, King GSerious
Omar BaliwOmar ManzanoMakati CityHigh Minds ClothingFlow, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Serious
OnaksJames Kevin AsisCainta, RizalYo GangFreestyle
PapewTanza, CaviteMongol Unit, C.A.S.H., Street Love Rhythm, ShottasComedy
PistoleroChristian Carlo CañaresTondo, ManilaHush Musik, Jmekwar, Delubyong Anghel, 3GS, AllStar ProductionRebuttals, Freestyle, Comedy
Poison13Marco LacsonMariveles, BataanRhyming In Tandem, Beatpro, Home Made Studio, BCity Entertainment,3GSSpeed Rap, Serious Lyrics, Part-multisyllabic rhymes, Flow
PlazmaPaulo CallanganQuezon City, Metro ManilaMDK, TCMF, Writer's Block, Sabretooth Academy, UprisingWordplay, Horrorcore, Aggressive
PricetaggJomari EspirituSan Fernando, La Union/Santa Mesa, ManilaRep The Hood Ent., Shots Fired, Black Rose Tattoo, Fake Gangsta, KontrabidaPersonals, Wordplays, Gangsta Rap, Gun Bars
Prosecutor BillyLaguna/Olongapo CityArma Letra, The Firing Squad, Locus Delicti, RPN RecordsAggressive, Hardcore, Horrorcore
RaizenCebu CityC.A.L, 032 Souldiers, Yamuh, Rapollo, OponsideComedy, Freestyle
RangeBoljoon, Cebu CitySeven Kings Production, 3GS, ThinkPostive WearComedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Bilingual
RanTagum CityRhyme BallisticsBilingual Bars, Comedy, Slight Wordplays, Multisyllabic Rhyme
RapidoChristian Raffy GuerreroRosario, CaviteElements, INCSpeed Rap, Offensive, Comedy
RentaoCabanatuan City, Nueva EcijaLot#3, OldSkulRebuttals, Aggressive, Unorthodox, Comedy
Righteous OneJoshua BerenguerMeycauayan, BulacanBrown Radio, FMCC, SouljahsSerious, Freestyle
Rich FloVillasis, PangasinanHaftwayhouse, One Voice Productions, Rep The Hood, Debate Partida, Distriq 5Serious, Deep
RishOlongapo, ZambalesSuwail na Anak ng Gapo, EastSide 727
RomanoRomano TrinidadCabanatuan City, Nueva EcijaRappscab Music, 3GS, Cursebox Production, Mark BeatsFreestyle, Rebuttals, Aggressive
RudicJoshua LingatingQuezon City, Metro Manila/Pagadian CityDC Clan, Mindanao's Illest, Simbagsik, Bangsamoro Artist, MTM BrandSerious, Deep, Bilingual
Sak MaestroHansel CaboDavao City, Davao del SurUprising, Cot Crew, The Takeover, K-RecordsSerious, Bilingual, Wordplay
SayaddRalph LizanoAnonas, Quezon City, Metro ManilaIllustrado, Oyog International, UprisingSerious, Hardcore, Aggressive
SayantipikoAgapito EinsteinBalanga, BataanBataan Hip-hop Movement, AbakadazSerious
SevPasig, Metro ManilaSMC
ShehyeeChristopher John OngkikoMandaluyong, Metro ManilaBMG, Flipmusic, Flee Entertainment, Watawat, Game Streamer, DoTa boy, Dos Por Dos ChampionComedy, Offensive, Rebuttals
ShernanShernan Roy GaiteMuntinlupa, Metro ManilaMuntinlupas Most Wanted, 3GS, Senyor Mafias, AllStar Production, YouTube VloggerComedy, Costumes, Freestyle, Rebuttals, Theatrics
SibilCarlo FulleroPasig City/Laguna13Kabalyero, Repablikan, Poema, Marshall Brand ClothingSerious
SilencerRic LaurinoParañaque, Metro ManilaFamilia De Calibre, DC Clan Music, The Real South Pride ProductionComedy, Flow, Kiddie Rap
Silent EffectDavao CityLifelinez, Kalawakan CrewComedy
SinioJoseph Martin CagasanMabalacat, PampangaPampanga's Finest, 45 Battalion, Real Jokes, Copy Right, Benta Tshirt, Benta Vape JuiceComedy, Rebuttals, Offensive, Slight Wordplays
Sixth ThreatFluvert Floy CagampangDavao City, Davao del Sur3Digitz, Fatal Sign RecordsMultisyllabic Rhymes, Comedy, Serious Bars
SkarmPhilip PachecoPasig, Metro ManilaAmpon, Talksic Ways
SmugglazBryan LaoTondo, ManilaHiphop22, 187 Mobstaz, Blind Rhyme Productions, Shockra, Vertical Brew Music, Former Drug AddictSpeed Rap, Comedy, Serious
Sur HenyoMark MerinoBaguio CityFamiliarity Entertainment, PKC, Rep The Hood Entertainment, Mensaheros, Hukbong LiriKKKalSerious, Deep, Freestyle, Comedy
TargetRenie Boy PalmaLas Piñas City, Metro ManilaDouble Cross, DC Clan Music, The Real South Pride Production,Wordplay, Freestyle
Tatz MavenJalil MacalangcomGeneral Santos CityUprising, Pangkat Magat,OSD, Troop One, DigmaanAggressive, Wordplay
ThikeJason CruzAntipolo, RizalRPN Records, Allstar Production, United Antipolo EmpireFreestyle
Third DDavid Lubag IIIBalanga, BataanBataan Hiphop Movement, Abakadaz
Tipsy DMark Kevin AndradeBalanga, BataanBataan Hiphop Movement, Abakadaz, Outbox, Brixxology, LGBTQ+, PlayBoyWordplay, Comedy, Multisyllabic Rhyme, Bilingual
TowpherChristopher OquendoNaga, Camarines SurJuan Dela Crew, Crazy Family, NCHC, Barrio De BaraComedy, Freestyle
TwengTagbilaran City, Bohol/Cagayan de OroSix3Hundred Crew, Palma Doggz, Bohol Bee Farm, Leadership Frienship Service Zeta Beta Chapter, Uprising, Mental HospitalGimmick, Comedy, Theatrics
WrathsolArayat, PampangaArmaletra
ZaitoPedro Canon Jr.Las Piñas City, Metro Manila / CaviteVigilante Family, South Radical Production, Uprising, Ang ProbinsyanoComedy, Poetic, Freestyle, Onomatopoeic Rhyme
Zero HourGor AyasibDavao CityDown Loud Crew, The TakeoverBilingual Lyrics, Serious
ZeusCebu CityB32 Shoulders, Blankko, The Chill Camp, Pasingot Boys, Rapollo, GV6ASerious, Freestyle, Comedy

Isabuhay Tournament Winners

Dos Por Dos Winners

Guest emcees

NamePersonal NameHometownAffiliations
BenderAlex BuchananOttawa, Ontario, CanadaFlight Distance
CharronCorey CharronOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Loe PesciRaj KumarMontreal, Quebec, CanadaOG Hindu Kush, AGL
Mark GristMark GristPeterborough, United KingdomPrince's Teaching Trust, The Roundhouse
Dirtbag DanDaniel MartinezSan Jose, California, USA-
ShazaamStockholm, SwedenRi-Fa Crew
TantrumJason ChungUnion City, California, USAAsterisk, Tantrumonthemic
TwizzieCalgary, Alberta, CanadaContraverse

Impact and criticism

In its early days, FlipTop initially gained criticism for its use of strong language, mockery and bullying, prompting the city government of Makati to ban rap battles in the area. As time passed, the events gained acceptance with the help of official FlipTop YouTube channel gaining more than one million subscribers for which they received the Golden Play Button Award, and over two million likes on its Facebook fanpage. Some emcees in the league recently are more focused on line delivery, hyping the audience in the battle, and gimmicks rather than dissing to attack the opponent; also the emcees improved their penmanship. After it gained success and reputation via social media, many amateur and other rap battles arose such as Sunugan, Word War, Bolero Rap Battles, Bahay Katay, Flipshop, Flipcap etc. Due to its freestyle and rhymed content, some academics considered it as modern-day "balagtasan" although some rap artists discourage the idea. Some educators considered FlipTop as 21st century Philippine literature It caught media attention in that some emcees involved in FlipTop have gained commercial success like Abra, Dello, Loonie, Smugglaz, Shehyee, and others. Also some of the lines spoke by the emcees in the battle became popular phrases used in the Philippines.

Controversy

Sinio vs. Shehyee

Due to the nature of the league and its mechanics, bashing or shaming emcees' relatives is inevitable during the battle. However, in an undercard match between Sinio and Shehyee during the Ahon 7 event on December 16, 2016, Shehyee threw disrespectful lines against Sinio's wife, Bie Sarmiento, during the battle. This led to Sinio aggressively rebutting Shehyee by dissing the latter's girlfriend, internet sensation Ann Mateo. Their match was uploaded on FlipTop's YouTube channel on February 2, 2017 and went viral with over five million views within four days. Sinio's harsh words about Ann Mateo received mixed reactions, and became a hot topic on social media. There was controversy when Ann Mateo's mother saw the video and threatened Sinio with a lawsuit. Because of the situation, many netizens bashed Shehyee for being unprofessional for his failure to explain to his girlfriend's mother the mechanics of the league. Sinio felt that Shehyee was not to blame and that he understood Ann Mateo's mother's point-of-view. Shehyee tried to help Sinio in addressing the issue with Ann Mateo's mother. Ann Mateo did not share her reaction about the topic.

Pistolero vs. Luxuria

When their battle was uploaded to FlipTop Youtube Channel, viewers noticed Luxuria reading her written lyrics on her smartphone in the middle of the battle instead of memorizing it, thereby raising concerns of unfairness and cheating.