The Cold Crush Brothers vs. The Fantastic Five was the first rap battle but, Kool Moe Dee vs. Busy Bee was the first solo rap battle.
While performing live at Harlem World Christmas Celebration in December 1981, Busy Bee Starski, a rapper known for his fun party rhymes, was hyping the crowd, shouting out and calling out names like other rappers frequently did at the time, Busy Bee then called out Kool Moe Dee who was in the venue that night. Kool Moe Dee was a well respected lyricist and a member of the Treacherous Three and he wasn’t going to let the diss slide. After Kool Moe Dee heard his name called out he went on stage and in response, he performed a freestyle aimed towards Busy Bee Starski.
Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee Starski’s rap battle was the first battle recorded and it changed hip-hop as Kool Moe Dee influenced rappers to be more lyrical. Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee Starski’s rap battle started battle rap.
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Read: The Funky 4 MCs Vs. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 4 MCs was the first Rap Battle
