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The Grand Championship Magazine!

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Welcome To The Official Grand Championship Magazine!

On March 4th, the 17th Text Grand Championship will go live! 64 Textcees will compete for the sites most coveted prize. So this magazine will look at the history of the Grand Championship, and then we show the thoughts of some of the entrants.

The text Grand Championship is the most sought after title in the sites history, the list of previous winners reads like a who's-who of Letsbeef legends. so lets take a look at the history of the title.

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The first GC took place in the summer of 2006. Since then, 16 further tournaments have crowned Grand Champions. A small number of people have managed to win multiple GC's: Jason the first to achieve this feat, UNKNOWN ARTIST becoming the second and RULE/Revan being the third ever two-times text Grand Champion.

In this upcoming Grand Championship, only one entrant will have the chance to duplicate the feat of these three, as in a rare occurance, only one previous Grand champion will be entering. That man is Askari, of The Originals. That is probably the major talking point of this tournament, as there is only a one-in-sixty four chance of a brand new champion not being crowned.

A text Grand Champion comes in many forms. many years have seen the pre-tournament favorites go on to win: Real Talk in 2006, iLLimit in 2008, Jason in 2009, UNKNOWN ARTIST in 2010, DaDDiO in 2011 & Revan in 2013 all entered the GC's they won as favorites to pick up the title.

Some years have seen unexpected winners, guys who weren't considered at all in the tournaments build up like: SpleNDiD in 2006, RULE in 2010 and TalkSick in 2012. these textcee were all surprise winners at the time, and stand as examples for those who are currently not being lauded as possible winners.

On a few occasions, old veterans with a point to prove have returned for one last run at the title, seeking either validation for their Letsbeef tenure, or just wanting to prove to themselves that they "still have it". such examples include: reEFer In 2011, DaDDiO in 2011, Askari in 2012, TalkSick in 2012, Al Swishha/Mikey DeNiro in 2013, & Revan in 2013. These winners had all been in the site for many years before picking up this title, reEFer & DaDDiO proving that one focused run is all it takes to become a champion, Askari & Revan proving that even time away does not stop you reaching the top, and TalkSick & Mikey DeNiro proving that you can go 6+ years before your time to shine comes.

So whether you enter as a favorite, an under-dog, a rookie or an old veteran, you ALWAYS have a chance to leave with the royal-blue title.

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The ultimate objective when entering a Grand Championship is of course winning the entire thing, but you can fail in this goal and yet still leave as a winner. Many people use the Grand Championship tournament as a springboard to improve there reputation and standing on the site. A strong showing in the tournament can elevate someone almost as much as winning the entire thing.

In 2012 TalkSick won his first ever Grand Championship, however it was his strong showing in 2007, reaching the semi-finals that made his name known on the site. In 2009 SwiftKeys made it all the way to the final, which established him during an era when he would otherwise go unnoticed amongst the sea of active heavyweights. The most recent textcee to pull off such a feat was Lockhart, at the GC tournament last october. Lockhart's unexpected run to the final has helped elevate his profile in a massive way. The moral being that you dont need to when the title, to leave a winner.

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Hall Of Famer
Moderator
LBA Champion
Topical Champion
2x Grand Champion

Jase, some people have been stacking bars for the tourney, while others plan to write fresh when the time comes. During your tourney runs, which method did you use?

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I never stacked bars ever, i wrote new material from battle to battle. i didnt have nearly the patience to do that kinda shit lol plus if your write new material every battle you are more likely to include personal related bars which will serve you better.

I think it helps to have your opponent in mind when writing bars, i think the issue some people are concerned with, is writing six 16's in a month. Were you ever concerned you'd burn yourself out before the latter stages?

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I think everyone burns out .. final battles are rarely that exciting lyrically because everyone is so gassed from writing so many lines in such a short time .. that said .. thats part of any tournament .. you cant expect to win a soccer game without having good endurance .. just like you cant expect to win a GC without endurance .. the best man wont always win .. its the guy who can keep going

A great point. As for the upcoming tourney, has any textcee caught your eye lately, that you'd consider a possible winner?

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Ive been working with Manhattan a bit recently, i had overlooked him myself prior to us talking and im realizing with a few tweaks to his current style he could be a beast .. hopefully he goes far in the tourney cus hes majorly underrated

Manny has mad potential no doubts there, and a Jason co-sign cant hurt either. The grand champion title on LB is its premier. Do you think winning it can be a hindrance to someone who isnt yet a polished heavyweight on the site?

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Yeah definitely. there are/have been so many tournaments now that so many people walk around with a big head because they've won this or that. always remember- Daddio has 1 title and he is the best on the site - winning things doesnt make you great. being great makes you great. dont think cus you've won a couple tournies that you are a dope head. when youre dope people will know it. no ones gunna call you dope cus you won a tournament no ones ever heard of that had 8 people in it. focus on skill not colourful titles under your name

A nice reminder to those entering, to let the bars do the talking, and not how far you progress in the tournament. In your tourney experience, did you find that GC's brought out the best in you? Or that the deadlines and quick turnaround of rounds made your verses a bit weaker than usual?

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I would say a bit of both, ive had some great battles in tournaments. but in line with my last point, many of them happened earlier on. because like i said towards the end everyone starts to get a little tired .. but the GC can cause you to step it up in a way that most other i would say a bit of both, ive had some great battles in tournaments. but in line with my last point, many of them happened earlier on. because like i said towards the end everyone starts to get a little tired .. but the GC can cause you to step it up in a way that most other tournies cant

Yeah with 4 GC finals myself i know that latter stage burn out feeling. Is there any way for people to combat that? Any writing exercises or methods to help keep you sharp?

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"You've got plenty of time to be tired after the fight"

In other words, man up and get typing.

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After youre done you can relax and not write for a month if you want .. but you just gotta get through the tourney!

Amen. I appreciate you taking time to drop some knowledge, any parting words for the GC hopefuls?

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naw yall aint shit
hahahaah
: )

And he really means it people lol. Jason is one of the greatest tournament battler in the sites history. Take heed of his warnings regarding the late-stage burnout. As tempted as you may be to no-show when your struggling for bars, its those who persevere who ultimately walk away with the title.

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ULC Heavyweight Champion

Manny, after speaking with quite a few people on here, there seems to be a group of names people are considering the favourites to take the title. Your name appears to be up there. Does that bring added pressure to you, or help motivate you?

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Well tbh that surprises me a bit. I wouldn't of thought many people would of included my name for taking the title but I'd say that's pure motivation right there. Lot of other cats too though that have great chances of bringing home this years GC, But I'll do my best

Im sure you will. You say there are a few other cats in for the running. Who do you think has a realistic chance of taking the title?

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Well I don't really know who made the top 40 this month and all of the buys so I'm probably missing a few people but I mean Askari & Erupt in my opinion are a few of the favorites to win and also guys who could make the run this year like Grizz, Splat, Illo, Diss, and I'm positive I'm forgetting others too, realistic chance IMO will be an Old Head.

Looking at the roster the only old heads entering appear to be Askari and Erupt. You're still not convinced this is the GC that breeds a new Heavyweight?

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I still think Erupt/Askari have a very good chance but I can't rule out whether or not it will breed a new heavyweight. I stick to my statement before that it will most likely be an old head. I personally would like to see a new heavyweight and a new head grab that title but it really depends which dudes bring that A game. Diss been upset quite a few times before same with grizz in close finals and I know Illo will make that run too. So I'm sure those dudes are all looking for that revenge this GC.

Yeah i feel like Diss, Illo and Grizzy all SHOULD of won a GC by now. But moving on, last GC we saw Lockhart storm to the final completely shocking the site, do you feel there's anyone out there currently who could pull off a similar feat this time around?

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Subreal has shown some major improvement and could easily surprise some people, I feel he could make a name for himself.

Agreed, now moving on to a more personal related question. The brackets are being drawn live on march 4th. When your name pops out, would you prefer an easy first round battle or is there someone you'd like to face in particular?

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Personally I'd like to start off w/ an easier opponent just to kick things off but it would also be dope to start the GC off against someone who''s going to make a great battle go down. No one in particular I'd like to face right away

Any name you'd like to face at some point, perhaps a little further down the line?

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Ya I think it would be dope to get into a battle w/ Askari at some point down the line, or maybe diss I'm looking to avenge that loss the last time I was in a GC.

Carefully what you wish for, F2D and all that...

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I'm not careful with wishes lol.

Them be fighting words, and i like it! Lets flip and put a bit of a negative spin on things. Is there anyone out there you feel is currently overrated, who might be exposed as such with an early GC exit?

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Hmmm I'm not really entirely sure who is all even entering the GC but lately no offense to the dude but Book has been real off form lately and I hope he can prove me wrong though because he's dope when he's in the zone. Lock I think has his moments no doubt too we all saw it last year but I feel he's been pretty overrated every since then. Both are dope when on top of there game thought but we'll have to wait and see. Both are the homies though lol

Haha no doubt. Manny thanks for your time, any last words for the LB public?

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No problems Rule. My last words would be good luck to everyone this GC and I tip my cap to a lot of yall. Oh ya and Lethal!!

You noticed he wrote Rule and not RULE, so i urge everyone to vote against him regardless. On a serious note however, Manny enters this tournament as the ULC Heavyweight Champion. He's improving steadily and has a massive co-sign from Letsbeef legend Jason. Make no mistake about it, Manhattan will be one of the major players in this tournament.

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Moderator
Who Got Barz Champion

Yo AT, whats your thoughts on the upcoming GC?

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I think it'll be the rise of the newer breed, I expect a lot of shocks, specially with all the big names involved. So yeah, just look out for all the new cats.

I think its fair to say, you've under-achieved in GC's in the past, are we gonna see the real AT in this one?

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I think we'll all find out, including myself, after the first round, if I feel like I regained the spark for it again I think alotta people will be in trouble.

Do you feel like this could be your last chance to make a real splash on the text scene?

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Probably, specially that I'm getting more & more involved with the track scene, maybe if I can't take the text GC home I'd give the audio GC a shot but yeah.

Fair enough. The brackets are being drawn via a random draw on March 4th, is there anyone in particular you'd like to see in your path?

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Askari/SPLAT/Black Book/Dissizit, there's probably a couple more but basically I want the best in my path. I still think TalkSick is one of the weakest Grand Champions on letsbeef, and I wanna show em that if we get to battle in the tournament.

If you were to win the GC, where would you place yourself amongst the list of previous winners?

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Nah, no idea. Everybody champ's level changed after winning either to better or worse, but i guess the only way to determine would be actually battle, but no idea.

Riding that theme however, how do you think it would affect the site, to have a real underdog GC winner? Do you feel the GC's should be the elite of the elite or is there room for a rookie GC?

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It would motivate even more underrated battlers to prove themselves, it should also have the old heads wanting to regain everything they lost.
Definitely room for a rookie GC.

In the last GC, Lockhart stormed through to the GC final, and it was certainly unexpected. Do you see anyone out there with the potential to do the same during this GC?

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I'd say Row or Fidel got what it takes to do that.

MM are quietly confident it take it?

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The squad's very solid, several battlers from the team can take this, I'm personally very confident.

If you could name one battle, excluding yourself, thats you'd like to see happen in this tourney, what is it?

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Askari Vs GRizzEAT

That would be poppin. so lets have the big prediction... whos walking away with the royal blue?

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GRizzEAT, he's still on top of his text game, I think he'll most probably take it home.

So either way its murda?

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yessir

Thanks for the time AT, any last comment for the LB peeps?

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Yeah: Get the fuck out my way.

Thats AfterThought. The guy's a perennial under-achiever, so it'll be interesting to see if he can live up to his classick-era hype. The clock is ticking, will he break free or live up to his name in the purest form? We'll have the answer soon.

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Right Fiddy lets get it poppin... how'd you feel about the upcoming GC?

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I feel like this'll be the best GC yet. Everyone is hungry for the win, and Personally I feel like this is gonna be my time to shine!

Yeah whereas past tourneys may of have more heavyweights in it, this one seems to have more solid battlers across the board. Usually a GC has a good 30+ lames who are cannon fodder, but this one is pretty strong throughout. Do you feel ike the current era is better colectively than in the past?

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Hell yeah! The new era is a lot better in my opinion. I don’t really know many old heads but if I had to compare the ones I do know to the new heads, I’d say the new heads are the better battlers… Look at someone like GRizzEAT who is a new head, I think he’d beat any active old head but that’s just my opinion lol And the 'FTOHs' movement speaks for itself. The new heads know they're better than the old heads.

Bold opinion but i dig it spirit. So i guess that means we can expects a better quality overall? So instead of a few nice battles we should have a LOT of poppin ones?

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I think that depends on the battlers, if they bring A game then yeah the majority of the battles should be dope. Here's the thing Rulio... A lot of niggas dont know how to bring A game, They need to fix up! and get their shit together. Once they do, Shit will be popping!

Talk to em fiddy! How do you expect your MM brethren to do in this tourney? Do you think there's a possible GC winner amongst them?

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I feel like Grizz needs this win. No one is hungrier for this title than him. And then you got yo Boy Z if he doesn't win he was robbed. Tbh Murda is looking strong, I dont really know who in MM qualified but we'll do just fine. MURDA STAND UP!!

If you had to give two names, the two most likely to make the final, who would you predict?

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Shiiiieeet... Askari vs Grizz.

Word, that would be a dope final. Is there anyone out there that could "do a Lockhart" and make an unexpected run deep in the tourney?

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Lol Yes, most def... My boy Punk could pull that off. Punk is slept on but I think he is gonna do some shit this GC

Im pretty sure he will. Any last comments for your adoring public?

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Yeah let me get some shoutouts in

*takes a seat & gets comfy*

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Shoutout to my nigga PUNK! EtH I see you, shoutout to that boy RULE, That boy Rican is something else! Row Stand Up! Snoopy whaddup! shoutout my nigga MUGGZ, Dono, Lockhart, Cakedout, ELOH_STACKZ, Subreal, Loaded Hux, GRIZZY!! UhMAZING, AT! OSKAR! My nigga Dean,The whole Murda Movement WarSAND! TB! THE DEEJ! Rohan! DGW! Nicholas and BSI! NOBLE whaddup! V3numb!Obey! Schematix! Dissizit! shiiieeet THE END

You guys may have noticed i was only third on that shout-out list, so like Manhattan i urge you to vote accordingly and dump fiddy out in the first round! Seriously though its clear that Fidel believes the new era will begin here, and he hopes to be the one to lead the charge.

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Administrator

Deej Malgus of Letsbeefville. The text GC fast approaches, has anyone caught your eye as a possible (or probable) winner?

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Well Rule we have quite a few big contenders this year with the wild card entrys. I see Erupt going deep, MAN DOWN lookin to prove himself even more, Dissizit looks promising and im sure Lockhart is looking for revenge as well. We have to wait and see how the matchups play out.

Ive noticed that your not throwing yourself into the mix this time around. Any reason for that?

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well I'm not a wildcard entry to my knowledge nor do I think i made top 40... unless I missed something

intentional though?

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I didnt really try to snipe during snipe season because I've been really busy with work, School and personal life. I would love to partake in a GC when i have more time available. Im sure i will make it to the next one in the fall

Make sure you do. Moving on to the under dogs, the dark horses. Last GC Lockhart's run to the final made him a lb-hold name. Do you think there's a quiet contender who could pull off the same this time around?

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I think Dean will do well but i dont see him making it too far, Grizz will go far but as for underdogs... I believe Subreal will shock alot of people. He's been my protege since his return last year I've taught him alot of techniques to finding concepts, schemes and punch build up. Hes very eager to learn and hes motivated to prove himself. I feel come time next year subreal will be a serious heavyweight contender. I'm sure you will agree!

I absolutely do. On the flipside, a couple of guys could be making there last text GC run with the upcoming tourney. People like Grizzy and AT may not have many more shots at the famous royal-blue. Do you think a GC validates a battlers "career" the way an oscar does an actor?

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As for is a GC necessary? No. Just because you dont have a Blue title doesnt make you Irrelevant. Look at Mayneak and remarK. some of the best texters to grace the site and Mayneak is Hall of Fame! They dont have a GC. But it definitely gives you something to brag about.

Is there any particular battle you'd like to see in the GC?

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Id love to see what happens when you break up a tag team, Man Down Vs Erupt

Fine choice, but lets put you on the spot. name the final four.

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Thats a tough choice... Im thinking, Askari, Erupt, GrizzEat and Dissizit.

That makes it a 50/50 chance of the old heads remaining on top of LB. Many i think would like this GC to be the changing of the guard, do you think thats possible?

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Oh yes its definitely possible, The Old Heads are the originators of the hard hitting concepts. They know how to bring the knife to the skin and put salt in the wound afterwards. Alot of the Younger heads tend to emulate the punches of old heads because it gives them something to compare to . But they also look for fresh concepts to bring to the table. I think this years set of GC's will be one to remember.

I appreciate you taking time to holla at me. Any last comments for your adoring public?

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The Deej appreciates everyones activity and their contributions to making letsbeef better. Good luck to everyone in the GC and dont settle for good enough. Strive to overachieve in every round.

Will the nickname "The Deej" stick? Time will tell on that account. I do like The Deej's final comment in that interview, strive to over-achieve. Do not enter a battle expecting to lose, bring that next level and see if you can be the surprise story of this Grand Championship.

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Moderator

Punk, im writing a GC mag. You down for an interview?

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Sure.. If it's what THE PEOPLE want The Rock's gonna give it to the people

Punk you beautiful bastard. Whats your feeling on the upcoming GC?

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I feel good as hell about it tbh. GC is where i put all efforts into my verses & bring out another side of me so this year, I'm feeling lucky. I'm looking to get Very far.

Who stands out to you, as probable winners of the tourney?

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umm I'll say Askari, Grizz, Rican, or Black Book. Some pretty nice dudes that i'd like to run through in the tourney but if i had to choose who'd take it all this year, one of them. I'd honestly like to see a new dude like MAN DOWN take it if not myself tho.

On the other hand, is there anyone out there you think could "do a lockhart" and make a surpise deep run in the tourney?

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When i hear that question, i think of guys like Row, Dean, Nicholas, or Manhattan. Dudes like hattan definitely cause i know he can show a different side & some higher level shit in the GC Tourney.

Agreed. on a personal note, is there anyone you'd like to meet somewhere down the GC line?

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I want Askari somewhere down the line. Lol now i know it seems like a death match for myself but if i could get a W over kari in the GC, that'll be a huge ass victory. I'm all about excitement & build ups when it comes to battling on LB & I challenged him a few times but we never got to battle so if i see that cunt it's curtains lol Still my big bro tho.

F2D of course! What are you doing differently to make your bars top notch for the tourney?

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Well, I'm going to try a different approach. But I'm putting more time into these verses & going to focus on crafting my lines more. Not gonna say HOW im gonna attack ya off the back but, just know whoever i got first is in trouble.

They deaaad! The recent movement on LB is the FTOH movement. Do you think this is the tourney where a young buck comes through or do you think Askari is gonna spoil the party?

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We're gonna pretty much destroy the old heads. We want it more than them so i know they wont be stronger than us this time around. I've seen some old head verses lately and they ain't impressive at all. To top it off we have dudes returning for the GC that ain't battled in ages? lol yea good luck with that. We do this daily!

Kill em! Any last words for your universe?

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Well, since i AM the biggest name on LB today Cheer for me! all hail the punk!

Punk is the greatest. If he doesnt win its because you have all cheated him. Punk is another advocate for the FTOH movement, and another textcee capable of leading that charge with a royal blue title under his name.

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Rookie Champion
Tag Team Champion

Splat. A former ROTY, and one of the leaders of the new school. Whats your thoughts on the upcoming GC?

Quote:

I've had the pleasure of battling some great names in the tourneys before. Always run into some heavyweights. This tourney should be interesting now especially because of the random seeding. A lot of things can happen. Somebody can get a easy route straight to the finals or a really hard one. I feel like the new heads are a lot hungrier than the older heads, which can lead to some upsets. Imma get it in regardless.

Anyone stand out as a probable contender for the GC?

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Going off the wildcards and the emcees of the month there are too many to name. It will come down to readability and originality.

Ok, anyone you consider to be a dark horse? Someone not being mentioned who could go deep in this tourney?

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Guys like WarSand, Row, Manhattan, Dean... Those are some people to watch out for. Out of the entrants so far I feel there isn't anybody that is overlooked.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to meet en route to the final?

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I like the thought of a competition. I would want to meet anybody who is looked at as a top contender. The names going around are IlloKWENT. Erupt, Askari, GrizzEAT. etc. Throw em to me and it'll be #ManDown

Absolutely. Any last words for the lb people?

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Lets make some noise... Shoutout to my mama lol

Shout-out to Mama MD. The two-time champ looks to be ready for a massive run at the title. The guy will take some stopping.

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First off Rohaan, is this your first GC? If not how many have you done in the past?

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this is my second GC,I was in the GC which Talksick won. It was a bit meh. That time,I was pretty much new to the site,i won the first round and then lost the second round to Talksick.

Losing to the winner isnt a bad way to go. I take it you're predicting a longer run this time around?

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hell yeah,i have elevated a lot over the years and im not the only one saying it. Heavy hitters like Illokwent and Manhattan said the same. So yeah,this time I predict that I'll at least reach the 4th round

You're probably more known for trolling than you are for your bars, which i can honestly say are very good when you apply yourself. Do you think you can be taken seriously enough to make a good run at the title?

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Certainly,I have never put in effort into the basic battles which I have out. I've battled anyone that has accepted or been placed in front of me in tourneys etc, I don't hand pick my battles like most. I just beat Illokwent on a different site (lb voters judged it) in a tourney too..so yeah im serious when it comes to tournies.

Is there anyone you'd like to face in this tourney?

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To be honest I'd like to face Illokwent, Fidel Z or Dean. I had some pretty solid bars for em in the tag tourney but i got banned midway because i acted like a bitch lol. I don't wanna waste em.

That would be some nice spars. You havent really battled anyone noticable for a while on letsbeef, do you think you'll be able to adapt from snipe bars, to the kinda writing that you'll need for a GC?

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Yeah why not,I didn't forget how to write. I have always been battling top tier dudes on facebook and illestrhymes. Facing top tier dudes would motivate me and I can write a pretty dope verse if I'm motivated

How far do you realistically see yourself going in this tourney?

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to be honest,I see myself reaching the 3rd or the 4th round.

And that would be a solid run by ny standards. Yourself excluded, who do you think will win this years GC?

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Illokwent or Manhattan,no doubt.

Anyone you expect to make a name for themselves with a solid run, if not for winning it?

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Thats a tough one,maybe Askari or Subreal. Askari you know he hasn't battled in a long time and to be honest,I think the names which I listed i.e. Illokwent and Manny,have a much better chance because they have been putting out battles on a regular basis unlike Askari. and illokwent has constantly been beating top dudes like Diz,BB and Phroxen..he is in his zone atm

Thats a fair point. How do you expect your fellow Brotherhood crewmates to do in the tourney?

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Yeah man we in there,Macc will run through most of the competition, TDM (if hes entering) will do the same,you know we are constantly elevating,practicing in the crew forums. So yeah,I think Brotherhood would go a long way in the tourney too.

good good. I wish you all the best Rohaan, i hope during this tourney you let your bars do the talking. Any last comment for the people?

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yeah on a general note,I have seen many scumbags catching mad feelings. In the ring I'm there to kill you, humiliate you, end your career, make you wanna stop writing, rapping etc. And people who come @ me the same way are the people I respect the most: friend, or otherwise. people with the same mindframe, know where I'm coming from and don't trip, its the people who DO get offended that I realize aren't true battlers, example Grizzeat. And in this tourney,I will prove why Rohaan is the GOD!

This guy's fuckin nuts. BUUUT... ive seen the guy drop some really hot bars when he's focused. Dont let him trick you a'la Eddie Guerrero, he's coming to play.

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LBT Champion

Illo, you're in the strange position of being probably the clear favorite for this tournament, yet you've never won a GC or gone past the semi finals before. Do you feel you are the favorite? And how does the added pressure effect you?

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I feel ive got a good opportunity to win the GC . ive got the necessary tools to definately be a problem for anyone that has to face me in a round... and goin up against top tier competition droppin all these 32's has mentally prepared me to consistently step my game up each time. So wit GC rite around the corner a 12 line battle will be pretty simple for me to prep for..

Anything less than a tourney victory will probably be seen as a failure of sorts. Does that weight on you at all?

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it does put some pressure on me. But i actually strive on challenges.. sometimes after facing bigger obstacles.. the curve is so high that anything less than what ive faced thus far doesnt pose a threat to me. So my mindstate is already prepared to write for high level opponents. Regardless if hes low or mid or heavyweight.. theyll need to be ready for consisyent heavy bars..

Ok, so lets talk predictions. Besides yourself, who do you think has a real chance to walk away with the royal blue?

Quote:

Right now another battler i respect would probably be askari.. based on the fact that hes been thru the process before.. and regardless of how rusty he is. He may be able to get in gear to go the distance. I look at and compare different battlers and i can sense when someone 'gets it' or understands concepts and what connections to use that makes the impact that much harder... and a few off the top like askari and mr.splat.. have a feel for it...

Kari and Splat are without doubt two of the bets active texcees on the site, so lets flip it. Who do you think has the potential to go far, who people might not be suspecting?

Quote:

Ive been seeing alot of elevation in subreal... so if we talking cinderella story..my money would be on subreal.. It wouldnt be too farfetched to consider him as a favorote to win ROTY In 14

He seems to be a popular choice. So lets leave it at that, any last words for the LB world?

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Pray u dont face me early..

Simply speaking this guy is the man right now. Battler of the year 2013, and the clear text star of 2014. Can he cap off a great run with the title he deserves? With Revan sitting out he has a chance. A lot of people threaten to be great on LB, and then fail to live up to initial hype, its time to see if Illo can carry that LBT form over to the biggest prize of them all.

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Rookie Champion

Obey, you recently left the site for a short period of refelction. Can you tell me your mind set toward battling right now?

Quote:

Just to stop feeling sorry for myself and improve. I just feel sometimes I put everything into battling and trying to be original as fuck w/ concepts and it's sometimes looked passed. But for now on it's about improving to get to that next level, no feeling sorry for myself.

Do you think you have enough time to get back to the kind of form that won you the ROTY?

Quote:

I feel I surpassed it honestly, but I guess I'm the only one. I'm sure if people went back through my recent battles they'd find stuff they've missed. But I'm looking to fix the wording issue and make a run for GC.

So your adament that your recent battle failures are the voters and not your own?

Quote:

Not saying it's so much the voters, just saying stuff is being over-looked is all.

Usually its considered the writers responsibilty to help the readers "get" the bars. Do you plan any changes to your writing process to improve in this area?

Quote:

Not at all.. When I write, I'm making puzzles throughout. I'm giving you a piece line by line and at the end it'll all connect. That's the fun to me here, like a suspenseful movie. If you don't get it the 1st time, maybe you'll grasp it the 2nd time. If people ain't willing to catch it, it's on me.. but that's the fun in it in my point of view.

Thats cool, how far are you realistically expecting to go in this GC?

Quote:

I'd be an asshole if I told you I'm expecting to lose. I'm hoping to go all the way, but this is set to be one of the dopest GCs ever I think.

The lack of truly established heavyweights certainly makes this one of the most exciting GC's ever, excluding yourself, who do you expect to see in the final, and who do you expect to see walk out with the royal blue belt?

Quote:

If the cards are dealt right, I can see dizz, illo, and grizz in the final 4. That's if the bracketing goes right. But I'm going to say either one of them 3 I named could face off in the finals. Moses could be in there to. It's waaay to close in my opinion to give that kind of opinion. Can't wait for this though.

How do you expect the AC's to do in general in this tourney?

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Going to be honest, I don't think we're that prepared for this year. We've taken a huge blow recently and right now the main focus is elevating everyone first. If they're willing to try and make a run, go for it. But I'm hoping to get some of these young guys ready. EtH is doing a great job as usual doing mini-games w/ multis/wordplay/etc... He's the true leader in the ACs.

I feel you there, as a AC leader yourself do you think the GC is a great place to pick up possible recruits?

Quote:

I've actually went back to a normal spot for now til I get my barrings. I don't feel I'm suited to lead right now, I'll go back eventually. And yeah, it's a great way to see who could have some potential in the future. ACs went out on a limb picking me up, I feel why can't I do the same to others? It's all about the mentality of accepting criticism.

That sounds good to me, is there anyone you think who could "do a Lockhart" and have a great dark horse run in this tourney?

Quote:

Not going to Kanye West myself. But if I get the right mind-set, watch out. But honestly, in this tournament.. I don't see it being that easy this year. There's gonna be a hard match-up in EVERY BRACKET. And I don't see many no shows happening passed the 1st round.

I wouldnt be surprised to see you go far. On the flip side, a GC can expose a over-rated textcee too. Do you think theres any names that could end up crashing out early?

Quote:

See, Moses is capable of being the best when he wants to. But if he slacks and does that last minute thing, I think he could be that person in this GC from lack of caring. Not so much as being overrated. But besides that, I think everyone's bringing A-Game.

Yeah i get you there. I appreciate you answering these questions. Any last comment for the people? & before you go, let me encourage everyone to go peep Obey's recent solo cypher: An Empty Casket. It was a dope drop, and should give you personal momentum to carry into this tourney.

Quote:

My apologies for being an egocentric asshole and kinda bailing on the site. I feel some of you maybe lost respect for me, but I'm hoping to gain that back. Best of luck to everyone in the GCs! ACs... & Nice interview, I felt like you were a young barbara streizan in this one.

Not sure who that is but her first name has "Bar" in it so that must be a compliment right? Obey is currently starring in a "road to redemption" movie. Is he over-hyped or under-rated? Either way he'll lead the AC's charge towards the GC title.

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Ok Sub, how far do you realistically see yourself going in this tournament?

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I think i can go pretty far, i think i am capable of causing upsets and making it to the finals.. whenever i'm vs good opponents i tend to push myself and do well

Good attitude to have. When the brackets are drawn, will you be hoping for a easy route or is there a certain opponent you wanna face?

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i want a hard route. I don't like easy wins. I hope to be vs Askari,Illokwent,Erupt etc early on, better to take the good people out early in my opinion, then the other battles will be easier later. I'd like to battle Askari the most out of the three I guess, since he rarely battles so it would be hard to get another chance

Good choice. As a 4 time GC finalist, i know first hand how much a drain it can be on your creativity to have to write six, sixteen line battles in a month. How do you think you'll cope with such a heavy bar-load should you progress far?

Quote:

Agreed, so I'm going to start writing early. I'm going to be writing/have written a lot of general lines lately. Then when i know who im facing in the bracket i'll write some personals etc. and throw them in. I also had a lot of practice with 16s before this GC with doing tournaments, so i'm used to writing them.

Sounds like your dead serious on making an impact. In GC's its usually not just the winner who leaves with a much bigger profile, last years GC practically made Lockhart an established name on LB. Who besides yourself do you see leaving the tournament a much bigger name than he entered it?

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Yeah, i expect Lock to make a good showing again. But as for the question, I think Vintage Jack could, he's improved himself at a steady rate and has the potential to become a heavyweight. Or any other battler like him thats in this GC, that has that potential, now is there chance to make an impact

Besides yourself, who do you think will be this years champion?

Quote:

If i had to chose a name i'd pick Erupt. But i honestly think it's a toss up for me between Erupt,Illokwent, and Askari. hard to tell. I just feel like their so close in terms of skill that it's hard to tell who will beat who

Excluding one involving yourself, is there any battles you'd like to see go down from a "fan" view?

Quote:

Yeah, i'd like to see Askari vs Erupt. I think it would be a dope battle with tons of dope quotables, erupt vs illokwent would also be dope, but we will already see that in LBT

Still though those two battles would be poppin. Lets talk about your crew for a little bit. BSI have had a bad run lately, losing a crew battle with AC's. Do you feel like the squads downturn has hurt your momentum going into this tourney?

Quote:

Nah it doesn't hurt my momentum personally. It sucks we lost, we had 2 no-shows but i'm not making excuses. Gratz to ACs for the win! but i did win my battle in that crew battle, so it's not hurting my momentum personally.

Thats true no doubt. i can honestly say that if i had to name the most likely dark horse for this tourney it would probably be you.

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aweeeee, Thanks RULE. lol, I actually qualified this month, I was like rank 11 or something. I got the wildcard from BSI to enter this GC tho, but i came through and qualified, I was in/am in a lot of tournaments that ran in February and wasn't expecting to qualify but i took out some names i wasn't expecting. So i'm going into this GC with a lot of momentum

Yessir i agree. Thanks for the interview. Sub. Go get that title.

Quote:

No problem, thanks RULE.

Do you see that??? RULE. He wrote it RULE! Well besides getting my vote EVERY round, i think we've all peaked at the probable breakout star of this years tournament. The stage is set, now he just needs to act.

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ULC Middleweight Champion
ULC Tag Team Champion
NBA Champion

Lockhart... you enter this tournament under strange circumstances. In the last GC you blazed your name through LB by making the final. Do you feel like anything short of winning it this time around will be a failure?

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Definitely. I feel like I'm under so much pressure that I HAVE to win this GC.

Thats cant be good for you personally, entering with such pressure on your shoulders

Quote:

It really isn't, I'm really stressed about this GC now.

Thats the thing some people dont realise about a GC. A good run can sometimes be a burden as well as a gift. Do you think its a good thing that you didnt win the GC last time? Do you feel you weren't ready to be a Letsbeef Grand Champion?

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I really wasn't ready to be a Grand Champion in ANY format at that time, much less Text. I feel like I'm getting closer to winning a championship and it being deserving, but to be honest, I was nowhere close to ready last time.

Nevertheless your run certain made you a "name"on letsbeef. Do you think there is anyone else who could "do a lockhart" and really make the site stand up with a unlikely run?

Quote:

Subreal. That's all I'm saying. I don't care if he is in my crew or not, he's got loads of potential in him. EVERYBODY better watch out for him.

I co-sign that one no doubt. Simple one next: name the final four, the final two... and the final one.

Quote:

Lockhart, ILLoKWENT, Mr. SPLAT, Askari...... Lockhart and ILLoKWENT ... And finally... Lockhart. I hope you guys understand how much pressure I have upon me. I HAVE to do this.

Dont put too much on yourself, it can hurt the bars when you over-think

Quote:

I can't help it, fam. I'm a competitor of the highest degree LOL.

You're one of the few people who knows how much of a strain it can be, doing six 16's in a month. Have you been stacking bars for the GC?

Quote:

Yes. I have to have some in reserve, but I also keep my mind racing, which might ultimately be a detriment to me one day. My mind never stops working when it comes to making bars, though.

Been there trust me. On the flip side of who will do well... who do you think will crash out early? Last GC black book was the clear favorite going in, and he went out early. Do you think anyone might be setting them selves up for a fall

Quote:

I'd rather not say who I think will crash early. I only want to be positive about who's doing what. This is one of the most competitive GC's of all-time. I hate to say it, though, but the way things have been looking, if I do anything besides win, I'll be considered a failure.

I dont think thats true, but i appreciate why you'd feel that way. We're doing a live bracket draw for the first time, who would you like to draw in the first round?

Quote:

Anyone. You know me. I'll take on anyone. I honestly won't back down from any battle. Preferably? I want someone I haven't beaten yet.

No doubt. Any last comment for the people Lock?

Quote:

I'm sorry... I HAVE to win this.

I dunno bout you guys, but i think he's just happy to take part. Lockhart was the star of last years GC. No question about it. He went all the way to the final, and fell only to the greatest, most talented and good looking textcee ever. But this year the element of surprise is not with him, so how will Lock fare? One thing you cannot deny is that he is hungry. I mean Tom Hanks in Castaway after he fixed his bad tooth type hungry. I know Wilson will be rooting for him.

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Scheme Champion
EBL Champion
Intercontinental Champion

Grizzy, you've been considered a heavyweight on the site for a while, yet have never really had a memorable run in a GC. Do you feel this is your time to shine?

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yeah, ive only been in 3 GC's losing ma rookie one to U(Ruler) in tha semis, tha next i lost to Reef in late rounds, and ma last was cut ma Al swishha in tha closing rounds. ive never made a serious run but ive always been outted by a worthy HW/HoF'er... but yeah, i feel this IS ma time, ive made tha road a hell of a lot tighter... but no tears from a King.

You enter this tourney with the worse kind of momentum, which means you'll likely have to really beat your opponents to get the votes. Do you think your recent issues will make a GC win impossible?

Quote:

speaking truthfully, i think there will be some people who wont vote if they feel im winning where as they will flock to tha poll for ma opponent if its close or he's jus out right winning. eitherway, ikno i have to go 100 and as far as gettin votes on name-sake? i do really wanna see what its like to actually get every vote on bars alone. tho i dont think i get many "Grizz votes" in tha tournies, anyway. lolz, yeah its gonna be a rough one. battle'n tha site n ma opponent each round. LETS GO!!!

With that attitude it'll only help. is there anyone you'd really like to see in your path when the brackets are drawn?

Quote:

ikno i dont want an easy path, but anyone who says they want tha hardest route to tha GC isn tellin tha truth.. being its a blind battle, i'll take on tha best if it presents its self. im lookin forward to facing ma MM's in tha tourney most deffo. if i get a chance to battle any of tha dudes thats been on tha "Grizz this, Grizz that" shit then that'll be fun. uhm, but to give a flat answer.. i say a Grizz/Rule NEEDS to happen, and that wud be tha best stage. and well, Erupt hasn ever sent bars from previous battles set.. so w/ our forum sparks, his losing record w/ me, and our history that wud be proper.

Im gonna be sitting this one out but we can deffly get something in soon. Off of that though, how do you expect your MM brethren to do in this tourney? Anyone in particular you think could be a problem?

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Im not sure who all is going in, but from tha wold cards n ones i do kno thats in.. ELOH is gettin there, boi has elevated since ive last peeped him, given ban and all.. but he's priming. ofc ma son Row is gonna do damage. not sure if he's entering tho.. Osk has upped his concepts n flow so we'll see whats gonna pop from him, then tha yungun Z is carry'n all kinda chips on his shoulder, this may be where he dumps them.. Really lookin forward to see what he does. not sure if Dean is qually'n or not but he'll be tough shit. and Thizzle.. haha, if boi stops being sooo damn kool w/ it, he might actually get him some hardware:cool: and finally i still have rights on punk.. lmmfaooo i wanna see what he's gonna produce from being a tru Classick breed. but overall... i think Murda will run deep in this tourney.

Even though you havent seen the brackets... predict the final four.

Quote:

Murda Member, Lockhart, Splat, and uhm.. Me.

You dont fancy Illo's chances? Seems to be the clear favorite atm.

Quote:

Ah, last we spoke he said he was retire'n.. but that was a minute ago. but yeah if he's in he has tha path laid for him, most deff. tbh, he and Dissizit. but depends on tha brackets and who's face'n who/wen

I feel you. Do you think this might be your last GC? With your track grind rising there cant be many GC's left for you to cement your text legacy

Quote:

uhm, i really dont know. being tha circumstances surrounding this one, if i dont win it imma feel i cud have if it wasn right after tha ban... that being said, i most deffo am steppin away from tha text scene abit. big name battles and a tourney might get me goin but i ain chasing Mays spot or nothing.

Fair enough, any last comments?

Quote:

MURDER, 1/

No question about it. Grizzy is the most polarizing member on letsbeef, perhaps even ever. If you love him, hate him, rate him or not, theres no denying that Grizzy is a big part of the Letsbeef furniture. Whether that furniture is a trophy cabinet or a footstool, could largely depend on his performance in this GC. regardless i hope voters place there votes based on the bars, not the textcee submitting them. Thats goes for everyone too, not just grizzy.

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There you have it guys, you know the history of the Grand Championship. You know the views of the entrants. You know the winners of the past and the hopes of the textcees of the future. So let me close this magazine with some personal insights.

No-Showing, Writers Block & Motivation.

You guys know me. RULE. Revan. Wargrave. SToBBART. Ive been in 4 Grand Championship finals, winning two of them. Ive been in the Topical Tournament final which was also held in the official brackets, and won that too. I dont type this for an ego boost (but damn that felt kinda nice...) but to show that i have knowledge of what it takes, and also what can go wrong. Along with the 5 finals total, ive also had a no show at the Quarter Finals of a Grand Championship too. I make note of this because i, like many before me, reached a point where i just didnt have any bars left in me. But i regret no-showing and you will too should you do the same.

Remember that you are not the only one going through this. Every entrant in a Grand Championship will feel the creative strain it can take on you, particularly the further you progress. But if you ever start thinking "I just cant write a verse, i cant get it in" then i URGE you to persevere. You would regret a no show far more than you would a loss due to burn-out. When you no-show there is no "what might have been". There is only what there is, which is you. Quitting. Most people are lazy when it comes to deadlines. Thats just a fact. Tell someone they have until October 20th 2074 to submit a one bar verse, and nine out of ten people will be hollering at the tournament host on that day asking for a few hours extension. But STRIVE to be that one out of ten. Dont let your own idleness cost you the tournament. Deadlines are in place for a reason, make sure you allow your battle the proper voting time it deserves.

Myths & Misconceptions.

Some people feel you dont have a chance of winning unless your a moderator. Maybe thats a little strong, but some people definitely feel as though staff members have a stronger chance of winning in tournament battles, perhaps due to them being able to see votes when members cannot. In response to that, let me present the following facts.

I mentioned above that i had been in four Grand Championship finals. Thats true. A fact that you may not know, is that the two that i won, i did so when i WASN'T a staff member.

Dont feel as though you are at a disadvantage due to the masking voting system of a tournament. If anything the amount of upsets that have occurred in previous tournaments would suggest that you probably have a BETTER chance of receiving unbiased votes. While we are on the subject of voting, MAKE SURE YOU VOTE ON ALL TOURNAMENT BATTLES! Even when you yourself have exited the tournament. We are all in this together, and only if we all pull in the same direction, can we continue to make these tournaments a success.

Another strong Grand Championship myth, is that you cannot win the tournament whilst in a big, active crew. Again using myself as an example, the two tournaments that i won, i did so while a member of Classick At Rhymin, during a time the crew was both big and active. Do not feel pressured to leave a crew just to help your chances by freeing up more possible voters. The staff will do our upmost to ensure that all the battles receive a large amount of votes, and with your support, your crew affiliation will have no bearing on your chances of victory.

Final Word

And not that LoD guy. I wish you all a great tournament! Post, do your best and vote on every battle you can. Letsbeef needs a new champion, so why not you? Letsbeef baby, its time to shine.

F2D

1/

Big papi taking this

Fresco a la muerte

Dope magazine @RULE

I'm sorry... I HAVE to win this.

Rican
Grand Champion

FrescoDosMuerte.