Issa challenge! Nas' record label Mass Appeal stopped by Sway in the Morning and shut it down after lighting up the place with fire hot freestyles. Mass Appeal's Starting 5— Fashawn, Stro, Ezri, Cantrell, and 070 Phi—dropped by the SiriusXM show to promote the label's new mixtape, Starting 5: Vol. 1. featuring the rappers, in addition to Nas, Black Milk, Keyon Harrold, and more. Sway was so impressed with the lyricists two-part “Friday Fire Cypher” and “Five Fingers of Death" that he boldly called out other labels and told them to step up to the freestyle plate.
“TDE I hope you listening, Young Money, whoever, I hope you listening," Sway said." There might be a new sheriff in town." After Cantrell finished his freestyle, he added, “Dreamville, Top Dawg…Mass Appeal’s the final of the true…we’ll give these n***as chills.” TDE, or Top Dawg Entertainment, is comprised of Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Sza, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad, Lance Skiiiwalker, and SiR. Dreamville is J. Cole's label and includes artists Ari Lennox, Bas, Cozz, Omen, Lute, J.I.D, EarthGang.
The eight-track EP Starting 5: Vol. 1 dropped earlier this month in conjunction with the label's "Starting 5 North American Tour." The tour, featuring Fashawn, Stro, Ezri, Cantrell, and 070 Phi, began on February 6 in California and finished with its final show today in Atlanta. Neither Dreamville or TDE has responded lyrically to the challenge, but who do you think would take the crown out of all three of these giants in a freestyle battle?
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades.
E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen.
Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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