About Us

OTBVA is a community built around battle rap and hip hop culture. The site started in the mid 2010s as a home for battle footage, league news and fan discussion, back when the scene was moving from DVDs and street cyphers to YouTube and pay-per-view events. It is run by Mike Griffin and a small team of long-time fans who have followed the culture through every era, from SMACK and Grind Time to today's league circuit.

What we publish

• Battle rap history and context: how the leagues formed, the matchups that defined eras, and why they still matter.
• Craft guides: how battles are structured and judged, how battlers write, and how to practice freestyle and record at home.
• Hip hop culture: mixtape history, crossovers into music, TV and comedy, and the business side of the scene.

Our editorial standards

Every article on OTBVA is written and reviewed by people who actually watch battles and follow the culture. We focus on evergreen, original writing rather than reposted clips, we correct mistakes when readers point them out, and we do not publish paid guest posts or sponsored link placements. When we are unsure of a detail, we say so instead of guessing.

Get in touch

Corrections, tips and feedback are always welcome. Reach the team at [email protected] or through our contact page.