Lambda Upsilon Lambda hosted the second annual Epic Rap Battle of Stevens on Thursday, featuring performances from Bernie Sanders, Margaret Thatcher, and Ronald Reagan. The battle took shape as a two-on-one throwdown, with Reagan and Thatcher tag-teaming Sanders, and Sanders spitting flames in retaliation. Reagan was declared winner by the three judges.
The battle was preceded by a short informational video detailing the history of hip-hop and the genre’s pioneers that took the music to where it is today. There were also two performances by Stevens students who wrote original music, including and buddy. and Xphaze. The battle began shortly after. Sanders was played by David Estrada, Reagan by Chris Fitzgerald, and Thatcher by Alexandra Haracz.
Following the announcement of the winner, the event was closed out by a breakdancing group and an introspective final rap performance by Tanksley. The crowd was engaged throughout the event and clapped along with the performances.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Epic Rap Battle,” said the event’s emcee and host Joshua Negron. The rappers who performed original music can be found on SoundCloud under the usernames “xphaze” and “bud wilkins.” Tanksley is on Twitter @TANKSLEY03.
