LA Magazine: KOTOM Mag Vol 2: New Age Prophet

The momentum continues with the 2nd month of KOTOM. In our second month, the topic was New Age Prophet. We got a beautiful cast of writer, each bringing their own special flavor to the table. I think one of the more dominant theme of this challenge was the social commentaries. It was very interesting to see our members share their perspective of specific world issues. With Help from Nigma and support from Admin staff, i present to you

King Of The Open Mic MAG: Vol 2

New Age Prophet

By Sammy and Nigma

Chain - Crystal Ball

So last month’s champ came with a social commentary piece. I guess with a topic like that, it was tailor made for some social critiquing ha. As usual, the diction was pretty much perfect. Flow was bananas, as usual. Rhymes were elite level. This had a very cypher-feel about it but when you break down the verse and realize some of the hidden gems scattered about, your jaws should be on your lap.

"Racist officers will have us paying homage

To the snakes in charge that poison baby rompers."

look i don’t care who you are, nobody is putting words together like that! Granted a lot of these allegations sounds more based on theories than facts, however the writing is certainly top notch and still a force to be fucked with. Good stuff, my man.

Neek - False Profitzzzz

fitZZZZZ …. daydream ahahaha! i see what u did there!

Neek’s interpretation of the topic took liberty with one of history’s most renowned mystic, Edgar Cayce also known as the sleeping profit. NOW do u see what he did there? lol! Neek really surprised me on how good he is, topically. I knew the guy was a beast on the audio and text side but until now, thats the impression i got. As i’ve stated before, i feel battlers can have a very successful venture into topical because, i feel, to be a battler, u have to word your shit well or you very well be shitted on and for the most part, topical is just that...wording an idea well. Every trick was pulled for this one. Alliterations. Metaphors. interweaving rhyme schemes. Punchline-like bars. If he had a kitchen sink, i bet it’d be in there somewhere. Good thing he’s homeless lol! Kidding, my bro, lol!! Awesome entry into the competition!

AshleyKaos - Premonition

I was very happy to see Ashley enter the competition because she always have a fiery writer’s voice and i was very curiosu to see how she would do. She did NOT disappoint. With Ashley, u get what you see. She ain’t got time for layered metaphor, she played the direct path. It may be the road less traveled, but glory road usually are the loneliest trail. AK wrote of an encounter with God, thus gaining prophetic power of vision. The imagery was of biblical proportion with inclusions of parted skies when the Judge descends - soon after, Armageddon. As expected, her very “street” diction gave much personality to this drop. Well done, Ashley!

RapDaemon - Power Trip

If anybody showed any semblance of imporvement over the course of the contest, it’s this guy. From my gathering of this verse, its about a murder of some kind of religious head, perhaps a preacher or bishop? RapDaemon verse shows a blossoming lyricist finally comfortable with the mechanics of topical writing. Compared to his older works, this was head and shoulders above; Crisp rhyming, improved technicals and a solid narrative - even the poetry of his language has upped since we last seen of this mofo. Keep it up, RD, you’re elevating my ninja.

Concrete - Sermon in the parking lot

Concrete’s venture into this topic took a more focused examination on consumerism. YOOOO...this line had me flooring son!

“but in a rather violent stroke, suddenly all silence broke

no need for violence folks!”

I don’t know if it was meant to be funny but, yeah, that shit actually had me laughing mad hard lmao! You know what i liked about this verse, though, besides the obvious satire, i love the argument for vigilance. I feel in many examples throughout history, vigilance comes with a price - Heroes are made from it but the cost is HIGH because by definition, vigilance, is one who stands against. Great concept and it definitely deserved more views.

Gnarly Teef - Time travelling hunk

Very imaginative!! The angle here was not one of great intellect or thought provocation, but ENTERTAINMENT. I thought this shit hit its mark. The idea of someone time travelling from the future was already interesting but the fact that the “future” was a blank canvas for Teef to bite into his creative outlet made this verse work. I genuinely enjoyed this alot. Then it was revealed that it wasn’t prophets eyes he was interested in it was booty size. This fuckin guy, lol! Good shit man. Dug it for what it was.

You know, in society today, there are many finger pointers. Republican shits on Democrats. Democrats shits on Republicans. Its like there are no middle ground because giving up ground is construed as ground for defeat. Here, we have Senator Venomology arguing in regards to social unjust. Using Biblical reference to lay out point by point not only the problems but potential solutions. Now the more cyncial ones may read that verse like “Dude you don’t understand the intricacy of the situation”. Then i’d respond like “shut the fuck up! The problem is yall making it more complex than it really is”. Venom, ladies and gentlemen.

Day went a very different route with his interpretation. In the voice of a Super Computer, Day examines the the dichotomy of technological advancement. In war, to have a winner there ust be a loser. In society, to advance in one area means a retreat of other areas. I.E. tech advancement = depleted resources, i think. In this piece, he, a super comp, was able to assess assets and liability pinpointing crucial errors in the path of advancements. It was a very creative take that gave much room to play with, in terms of soci/economic commentary. Very nice brutha.

Verdict

by Nigma