____________________________________________
So it’s the first day of August and I’m on my recliner chair writing a mag…not so much fun but it is what it is. This edition will have a bit of this and that, I can’t be precise as the rest of the mag doesn’t even exist yet and I’m on free-write mode. Anyhow, have a good read and leave opinions in the form of feedback.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
So the last section of F&F noted the poor standard of the OM section. Now however much I try to ignore bad pieces they always pop up…there’s like a new trend of posting up unfinished pieces and then just adding a crap hook and waiting for feedback. Most of the feedback I’ve seen is pretty pitiful but at least the new kids are doing their bit to follow the rules. Talking about new kids how can we forget the veterans….recently, one vet has been rather vocal about his distaste, naming no names as there isn’t a need….I respect the guy for his work but is it really necessary to insult other writers? I don’t know…one thing is for sure, people are not jacking your style from 200 years ago….have some respect for other writers if you expect it yourself. I mean if someone likes storylines let them be, it can be frustrating but you’re not a kid, you should be able to handle it like an adult. Yet, he is right to an extent….the “follow the leader” bullshit is one trend that needs to be expunged. We’ve now got people leaving comments about how pieces don’t do it for them…since when were pieces wrote for your satisfaction. When I write a piece, however bad, I want you to judge the piece not how it made you angry, or wet, or cut your wrists and cry hiding under your bed. The excuse “it wasn’t emotional enough” is a straight cop-out and the worst part is it’s being used more and more…what we need is a real life OM twist where you fake fucks get murdered or commit suicide.
____________________________________________
Interview conducted by: P. Mortuus
Interviewee: Born To Kill
____________________________________________
Mortuus:
Here with BTK, so how are things...life, net life and everything in between?
BTK:
Busy, busy, busy...
Between work, family...my boss and bud being out of town...so I'm covering his shit as well as my own.
Not to mention 2 leagues to write for.
Blah!
But I suppose it could be worse...I could be sitting around bored.
Mortuus:
Well I appreciate you still taking out time for the interview. What’s your views on the “slight” disagreement between Burden and Chris Black…who was at fault? Was anyone really at fault or was it just blown out of proportion…also what were your views on Chris Blacks recent OM piece, “Chris Black Fell Off”…I’m pretty sure you nominated it but was it because it was technically flawless or was it because you related with Chris due to being a vet as well?
BTK:
Eh...
I dunno. That was pretty well fucked, but shit happens. Peeps argue. Tempers flare.
They just needed sometime to cool off.
I did really enjoy Chris' OM though...1, because it was very well written, and 2, because, yeah...I relate having been around RB so long. I catch shit like that myself...no names mentioned...but yeah...they've been around RB...some...catch some praise...maybe win a few battles...
Then wanna act like they're godly...when, shit...godly? They're not even close. Most of em can't do all that's required, which to me is; produce nice flow, drop vocab and language that I can fuckin understand without getting a dictionary and a copy of Philosophy 101, and keep the reader interested....that's it...three things. However, most only have 1 or 2 of those things down pat...but they get all this nut riding cuz they're either popular or peeps dig the new style. Whatever. Makes no sense, but shit goes in trends...you just gotta live with ignorance sometimes.
Mortuus:
True true....I have to say that at one time I was pretty much one of the newer writers thinking I’m God's last word on perfection...however, at that time Bounce and engivale pretty much ripped me a new one lol...though, I have to admit that experience made me realize that you should only use words you understand. Like recently, I’ve seen many piece by many well known and appreciated writers which have this regimented, but cool, flow however, when you really dissect the piece, most of the sentences don't make sense. What your view on BIG vocab and what do you think about storyline Vs flow...can they coincide or are the newer generation too bias?
BTK:
I HATE ridiculous vocab...
I mean, this isn't poetry...I shouldn't be puzzled by what the fuck I'm reading. I shouldn't have to stop and re-read every other line, stanza, whatever.
Do people talk like that? You hear any Ludacris, Kanye, motherfuckin past dudes like Biggie or Pac, writing such cryptic shit?
No, you don't. No one does. And quite honestly...I consider myself a smart dude...have been writing for years...before some of you were born...
And I can't even figure some of the shit out.
It gets old...and...it leaves the impression that that particular writer feels he/she is SO much more intelligent than the reader...I believe it's a superiority thing...just my thoughts...if they're insecure, if they're not altogether confident in their abilities to interest a reader...I feel they go in to confuse or make the reader feel dumb. Kinda hoping, in a way...that we, the reader will go..."Shit...I didn't understand ANYTHING that was written...but it flowed great, had great big complex words...so it must be the best one. I'll vote for it"
That really sucks.
Mortuus:
Yeah, I have to agree there have been many votes which are pretty doubtful….another issue I have is with emotion…how much emotion can a writer pour into of a piece…say you write a sentence “Her dad died” that alone in reality would be a very emotional and strong scene….however, readers have some distorted sense of emotion…what do you think makes them tick…sadness, depression, gore or a bloody massacre?
BTK:
Hmm...interesting question...
I dunno...I think it's really what the reader has been through his or herself...in their own real life.
If your dad died...and you read a joint about someone's dad...yeah, emotion wells up.
If you've got psychotic tendencies, wanna blow up a mall and shit, then maybe the gore and blood will seem very personal to you, hit up your emotions.
I gotta kid. So, any piece about a child, the joys of having one, the sorrow of losing one...is gonna ring alot sharper in my ear than in someone else's.
It's a dice roll, I think...
I mean, Chris Black had TONS of emotion in that one piece we spoke of earlier...
But, I'm sure some cats just saw it as bitching...cuz they haven't been in his shoes...in that particular situation.
Mortuus:
Yeah a valid point man, plus next week I know what to write to get your vote lol…also, what is your fascination with gore…I’ve seen you write about it so many times, yet how can a guy who get’s emotional over his daughter be the same guy who enjoys reading and writing horror core type pieces….has there ever been a time that the 2 personality traits have clashed?
BTK:
Well...yeah...they clash when my 6 year old daughter joins me for a DVD viewing of Dawn of the Dead or Halloween. (remakes)
She's seen all that...sans sex scenes...I ain't watching a sex scene with my kid...fuck that.
But gore? Sure. That's how I was raised. My folks didn't give a shit what I saw. I remember being in the theater, like, opening weekend, for The Exorcist, back in 1973. All the time, Dr. Phibes (Vincent Price) movies, Last House on the Left, Texas Chainsaw...my folks weren't gonna miss anything cuz of us kids. I dunno if they were just insane or it was the "freedom" of the times, 60's turning 70's...
Anyway...I figure I turned out ok...so I let my kiddo watch all that shit with me now. I love how she says "Saw", calls it, "Da Saw"...dragging out the "w" sound. S'fuckin cute to me. And the shit doesn't bother her in the least...she's seen Hostel...at, like, 4 years old...nothing...no bother...
But the one thing that terrifies her, scares the shit outta her...is the old Gremlin movies. Those fuckers give her nightmares. A dude tied to a chair being tortured...she barely looks up from her Barbies!
Why I dig the shit?
I dunno...always have. Maybe the movies at a young age brought it on. Maybe I'm just weird...but I've been into the gore movies since...well, 1973...
Been into the actual gore...Faces of Death (yes, I know most is fake, but in 1985, we didn't know that!), Traces of Death (real), Inhumanities (real)...
Since, well...the early-mid 80's. 14-15 years old.
Now I peep Ogrish on almost the daily.
I dunno...perhaps I think if I see it all, all kinds of death and pain...it'll prepare me for my own eventual death...maybe I think if I see it all, all kinds of death and pain...it'll enable me to carry that shit out one day if I have to. I dunno. I just like it. That shit soothes me in a weird, fucked up way.
Mortuus:
Now that there is some real shit lol….oh and Gremlins were great, I remember watching both movies plus that Furby one when I was a kid. Anyhow, what do you think about the modern horror…personally I think it’s gone downhill…
BTK:
Horror will always go through changes. I don't mind...I find it interesting to have seen the progression of almost 40 years of them.
Right now it's in the torture porn stage with a splash of "WTF is wrong with his/her face?" type of movie...
You know...Shutter, The Grudge, that new one with Kiefer Sutherland, Mirrors.
If they're not being tortured and fucked with brutally (Hostel, Turistas, Captive)...then someone's face is distorted, or a pic of their face is distorted...meaning they're soon to die or they're possessed. Whatever.
A few years ago, the slasher vs teen was really hot again like it was in the early 80's. Back then we had Friday the 13th, Halloween, Prom Night (THE ORIGINALS!!!)...15 years later we had em again in the form of I Know What you Did Last Summer, Scream...all their sequels...and now...even more years later...look, we've got remakes of all of em!
Back in the day, it was An American Werewolf in London, The Howling series...now it's the Underworld movies.
To me...they're all good. I like past and present.
My fav's are the zombies though...Romero did it best, others have done em great too though. Sometimes, I honestly wish that shit would happen...zombies everywhere...survival of the fittest...
I'd do just fine, I think...
Mortuus:
Aight, well it was great talking to you and once again I appreciate you taking out time for the OM community, any last words, thoughts or anecdotes?
BTK:
Vote your heart, not trends.
Same with writing...write what's inside...
Not what you think will gain you the win.
I'd much rather read an honest, from the heart and gut verse...than one I feel is dictionary fed and confusing...but has "woah" flow.
And if you don't have flow...if you're still only rhyming the last word of your lines...please write in short ass lines! It'll read better, trust me!
Anyway...show the fuck up and write...
That's why you signed in. Don't leave your opponent hanging.
Aside from that..drop something dope in SS tonight...have a great fuckin weekend...and watch something bloody on DVD!
Peace!
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Nope, this isn't the Top 5, best, writers...this is more for the up and comers...These are the writers to look out for.
____________________________________________
Writer: Johnny 6-Feet
____________________________________________
5. Psyclone
A 1 month newbie with a tremendous braggadocious infected style with imagery bursting out the seams. I read ‘My Kingdom’ and actually burst out laughing at some of the shit this kid had to say. He takes references from well-known and obscure sources and mixes them up into entertaining verses. Not the most original dude I’ve ever seen, but one of the strongest newbie’s on the site by a sea mile. One to watch.
4. Martyr
Martyr has a metaphor heavy style and a strong understanding of good vocab in written rhymes. He’s only 15 which makes his ability to put words together even more impressive. Not known for dropping solo pieces but he’s shown that he can stand shoulder to shoulder with more experienced writers like Baron & Deviant. His rhyme scheme leaves room for improvement but this kid’s a hell of a lot better than most writers I know when they were 15. Write some solo pieces Martyr!
3. Werd Hertz
This guy’s already shown he knows what it takes to write a good open mic piece; a grasp of imagery and an original topic. He’s only just arrived on the site, but came with a piece loaded with vivid storytelling and a strong, but not over the top, sense of vocabulary and solid rhyme scheme. It’s refreshing to see that new guys on rapbattles.com don’t all fall into the ‘rapping about rapping’ or ‘club’ bullshit when they start writing. Keep posting man.
2. Red Tha Baron
Baron has only 1 open mic to his name but it’s a good ‘um. Baron has a strong grasp of imagery, strong vocabulary, metaphors and the generally ability to get inside the head of a narrator. He couples this with a great understanding of multi’s and flow. He’s a newbie on the site but clearly not a newbie at written rhymes. If he continues to drop work on this site he will doubtless gain status as a topical head.
1. Nikolai
Nikolai is another brand new cat to the site but damn, he’s made an impression alright. His piece ‘Black Coma’ is a work of poetry disguised as a rap verse. He has the ability to narrate clearly and used cryptic language to illustrate the thoughts and feelings of the characters in his piece. It’s easy to picture the scenario he described and, if Black Coma is a sample of what’s to come, Nikolai will find a seat in the hall of fame in the near future. We’re all waiting on the follow up work.
____________________________________________
Interview conducted by: P. Mortuus
Interviewee: KilaPlaya
____________________________________________
Mortuus:
Here with a new head KilaPlaya, What's up, how's life hanging and anything going on?
KilaPlaya:
Not much man, life is so so, moving out in the next week to my buddy’s, been really stressful at my dad’s and shit, and a fucked up childhood with just a lot of problem not only normal problems, but like emotional scars from bullying from school shit, and I still got this depression that I’m fighting off, it’s like a curse where you gotta kinda write to find a cure... a peace inside… and that’s about it...
Mortuus:
That's some tough shit man, I can't say I relate to it all but the depression shit I can...couple of years ago due to some circumstances I was struck by the big D, thing is you usually come out a better person from it once it moves on. Though for some it never does na mean. Anyhow, writing is a healthy creative output so what's your views on OM and RB in general, how welcoming/unwelcoming is it?
KilaPlaya:
I found it really helpful, the OM has helped a lot, before I even came here, about 6 months ago, I couldn’t even write a full length verse. Other than that, I wouldn’t even be able to flow to shit all, and once I got to this site, my skills improved dramatically from every tip I got from the OM, and they're very welcoming... and RB in general is life a family ya know, you get in arguments sometime and shit, but then next day, everything is like forgotten, ya know what I mean, there some funny guys, they crack me up.... so ya, this site is the best site around, I tried looking for something better, nothing compares
Mortuus:
True RB has a uniqueness to it….most to do with the members to be honest. One thing I have to say I found real amusing was that whole name incident you had…I can’t recall it exact but it had something to do with the definition of you name…care to shed some light on that issue man? lol
KilaPlaya:
lol, must have been because some peoples are too sensitive... In my opinion, I just found a cool name and didn’t even care what it meant separated, but it’s stuck together, and not spelled the same way, so I might as well invent a meaning to this new word. Well if ya wanna know more, I’ll write a song on it with my definition of it, I know I've said it on that topic, but why not make it sweet in an OM...
Mortuus:
As long as rules are follow you have the full liberty to do so lol….so as a writer do you feel that your work is appreciated?...also what’s stopping you from joining SS...it could be quite beneficial for you as a writer.
KilaPlaya:
I think my work is appreciated. I'm hearing from every angle that my shit gets… and I think I'm bring a unique feel to the OM that’s not here yet... and I don’t know what’s stopping me from joining the SS, I just haven’t really checked that out... and nobody actually asked me about it, well, maybe 1 person, that about it... but I’ll check it out once I get some time...
Mortuus:
Yeah you should, as SS really moulds a writer too, some may say, a point of exhaustion however, it has created and/or bettered many writers in the past and present. So other than life experiences what else influences you as a writer and what do you look for in pieces as a reader?
KilaPlaya:
Other than that, I try to incorporate life events and stuff like, the war, politics, starvation, and many other shit influences me.... the world now is in uncertainty, nobody knows what’s gonna be happening in the next 20 years you know, economy is in an uncertain part, the environment is in crisis... I’ve got endless topics to rap to..., as a reader, I look for peoples who can tell a story, put emotion, all in the same time not having over complicated things, which can fuck up the flow as it hard to spit... the first 2-4 bars are essential in getting me interested in reading the whole piece... and originality is vital.
Mortuus:
Word, so with that the interview is pretty much a wrap, any last words man?
KilaPlaya:
I just gotta let you know, in the next week, I’ll have some pretty dope pieces, and I'm trying to get in the OM hall of fame, hopefully by next month, other than that, it was a pleasure to do this interview, got a few things off my chest and I thank you for that... so ya, peace out.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
This segment will reflect the feelings that readers have on a group of, randomly chosen, writers.
____________________________________________
The guys who were part of the Jury in this edition were Engivale, Ders, Bobberic, Cry and Ntalek and as a Jury they have been given a slight amount of anonymity…whereas their comments will be displayed but you, as a reader, will not know who said what.
The writers who will be commented upon are Change, better known as Pique/Belligerent, Ntalek, Burden, Engivale, SmokaJoka and last but not least Chris Black. So the Jury is out folks!
____________________________________________
Change/Belligerent
Comment by the Judge:
I think he’s a good writer, he seems to try hard but I think he’s still missing the necessary factor…which is age and experience. I believe with time he’ll become better, now what does the Jury have to say…
Jury member #1:
no opinion, sorry, I'm not much into his work.
Jury member #2:
Didn't know change was bell, but yeah, he’s been pretty much on the top of his game as far as I can tell, the multi's in his verses are fresh and even though he hasn't really put out any solo pieces this month he's made a couple of appearances on some pretty fire collabs. Someone to keep an eye on, for next month, definitely..
Jury member #3:
He is a consistent writer very active and dedicated but sometimes his ego of actually accomplishing HOF gets in the way of actually getting a REALLY NICE and pure drop. If he could just tone his attitude down a notch and level up to his peak I definitely see him being a name to say, not shame about… ya know but word dude is ill and very talented just needs work in little areas.
Jury member #4:
Good writer... he's still got room to grow and he also has the attitude to accomplish it. All I expect for growth from this guy is time... the more time he gets on this site, the better he'll be.
Jury member #5:
This guy is a talented writer...although he can be a bit OTT when it comes to annoying the fuck outta you with b.s. post…But as a poetry head he's pretty solid...his topical game is a bit shaky IMO...but all in all this kid is still someone to watch out for...if he matures a bit more...I believe it would help advance his writing ability..He really likes to collab and show case his talent among some of the great writers of RB…and when done it's always a pleasure.
____________________________________________
Burden
Comment by the Judge:
He’s a chill guy at times but things can get heated quite quickly…I believe that with a little more patience for things he can go far…maybe not in his writing but general etiquette for sure and the Jury…
Jury member #1:
Mixed feelings. I've seen the writing talent but its raw and misguided most of the time. Content choices are usually focused on elements of fantasy and fiction, making for un-relatable themes in his writing. His attitude borders on bi-polar, he can be an extremely difficult ass that no one would make excuses for, or he can be a pretty good dude who puts his work in modding leagues. Final verdict? Has more growing up to do than he does talent.
Jury member #2:
Guess he’s gotten into some issues this month, after no-showing out of SS, he hasn't really dropped anything in OM this month, I’ve read some hot shit from him that was upped by other members, but when I read the date it was posted in June, so I can't really disclose how we'll he is doing in the OM department this month, hasn't showed up on resent collabs either, hopefully he'll show his face again, and drop some more fire though..
Jury member #3:
A metaphorical writer... many multies and a great detailer as well... very picky of words yet effective also… a structured writer with a basis of how to feed him cause it’s just solid reads after reads so you know he that damn good. Don’t doubt his talent. He is a writer that people need to get familiar with.
Jury member #4:
A complicated writer... he focuses on the rhyme scheme more than the stories, which CAN hurt him but in some ways makes him unique... he reminds me of early glimpses of engivale... he'll only get better...
Jury member #5:
Now this kid is sort of like a Scottie to mike…ya know...he has that all around game…he can go hard in either topical or poetry...IDK if he really text battles...but from what I've seen he has a great way with words and is capable of dropping fire @ any given moment...I never knew how hard his flow was in topical until I checked up on him…but he's definitely a force to be reckoned with.
____________________________________________
SmokaJoka
Comment by the Judge:
As a person he seems genuine and a stand up guy…plus he has good comic timing which make him easy to talk with. Furthermore, with his winning streak in SS he has been proving his point that he is a total package…though, is his goody guy personality helping him more than his writing…what say the Jury?
Jury member #1:
Dropped nice in OM this month, off of the rip I read, from his nominated collab with Ntalek [awake in my sleep], I feel his imagery and word choices are always smooth in the read, hasn't really dropped a whole lot more than that though, but that was enough to get recognition from the other OM participants. Keep the dope drops coming next month smoka.
Jury member #2:
Honestly, people forgive his rhyme schemes way too easily. He rhymes about as well as White Winter but he likes to add in simple grammar and spelling mistakes. He's one of the coolest on the site, though; he seriously is a Guy's guy kind of dude, very easy to get along with and has a great sense of humor... His light and whimsical attitude shows through in his writing, which is often comical. If only he could flow better than a 74-year old with prostate problems.
Jury member #3:
A very detailed and story type writer. His style explains everything about him through writing. You can tell his mood and way of words he puts together is just simple yet effective to the eye that reads. He is not a writer to fuck with as you all know a contender and a heavy weight hitter in topical... a champ in text. 1luv
Jury member #4:
The storyteller... albeit gore, love, or just some weird concept with a twist... you want originality this is where it's at. Although in some cases, he's been known to stray from his usual writing which is a letdown compared to what his normal course is, but he still writes his fair share of dope reads.
Jury member #5:
Damn @ this guy...he's one of the top super mods on RB...I mean this guy does everything...I damn near waiting on him to drop a poem...in PS…lol...but he's a proven text vet...wit like 100 wins...and I didn't know he was capable of dropping some of the OM's he has in the past few weeks...maybe even months…this guy is a all around talented and cool guy..IMO...and yeah He's the leader of the infamous IJL.
____________________________________________
Engivale
Comment by the Judge:
Lambasted by many for his attitude and detested for his ego, everyone has an opinion on Engivale. Whether it be positive or negative denying his skill would be futile as RB has recently awarded him a place in Legends. So Jury, what do you have to say about this individual?
Jury member #1:
Seems like he’s stepped away from OM for a little hiatus, to rip it up in SS, it seems that eng has the highest point score by a long shot there...but in OM, I haven't read a piece or seen if he’s stirred up any dopeness here. But I guess as far as his writing in SS goes, it’s still the same hot flows that eng and only eng is known how to rip.
Jury member #2:
This guy is amazing, I've no idea nor do I have any memory of where or when he showed up. the dude just got good, and eventually, he got SO good that he ended up being undefeated for quite the time, residing in the top tier of writers... shooting assault rifles for pieces while we all carried handguns... this guy's among the greats.
Jury member #3:
**Left for a bathroom break**
Jury member #4:
Pretty great writer, he has technical aspects on lock and pretty much flows right past you. His pieces are usually very interesting and because they are so fluid, the piece usually ends quick causing readers to read twice, just to relive the piece a bit longer.
Jury member #5:
One of the most arrogant writers this site has as far as topical and with his talent you'd know why…I mean this guy has plenty of HOF drops…damn near everything he writes is HOF material...his flow @ times sort of reminds me of Em in his prime…he's crazy with multi's...and word play...and comes up with some of the dopest Topics...either played or not...he puts everything into perspective...with his original touch.
____________________________________________
Chris Black
Comment by the Judge:
He seems to be angry about something, I don’t know either that or he’s a very serious guy, anyhow his pieces speak for themselves…literally, they emote feeling….grasping readers…so Jury, are you grasped by Chris Black?
Jury member #1:
One of the most talented writers on the site, yet usually concerned with the same topics of racism and black culture. Plenty of black rappers have that problem, though, I suppose. His story writing is probably his best writing, though he can flow very well, his rhyme scheme is reminiscent of a 2pac, very focused on two-syllable end-rhymes continuing for a long time. He's one of the most engaging writers on the site, his verses are easy to read and read all the way through, something that can't be said about probably 95-98% of the site.
Jury member #2:
Rampaging on other artists for them trying to bite old styles, burden triggered him on attack mode in SS, causing in some flaming flows in OM this month, which was the only title numerously nominated [Chris black fell off]. Other members had only crazy props and compliments for Chris, switching his style up to something almost free written, but too skillful to be in that class of writing. Good shit Chris looks like you won’t be falling off anytime soon.
Jury member #3:
Another story teller but through the person himself. escaping played and many used ways and coming about to originality with great finesse... dudes stories need to critic to tell him HOW to write... just say what you don’t like cause he has no flaws... only flaw is you not liking it!
Jury member #4:
Another beast... he's obsessed with originality, but in the same sense he's also obsessed with turning cliché` things into originality. Let’s just say that his concepts are like no other... one of the few writers in the league who can write for himself and not the people AND gets what he wants out of it. A crisp flow, accompanied by great plot points... Chris is a force at the top of the SS pyramid.
Jury member #5:
Now when it comes to putting your heart into a piece is where this guy comes in….he drops some of the most heartfelt OM's...IMO...His wittiness is something that will draw you into the piece…and his seemingly basic flow just rolls right off the tongue...he's a cool/funny guy to chat wit and one of my favorite writers on this site..His takes are pretty much always original and worded to the point where it damn near puts you in the characters place...just an all around solid guy when it comes to topical.
____________________________________________
Interview conducted by: P. Mortuus
Interviewee: SmokaJoka
____________________________________________
Mortuus:
Here with me is SmokaJoka...So how is life and things, friends, close ones and everything in between?
SmokaJoka:
Well, it hasn't been good for the past year or so until recently...things just now seem to be coming together...I haven't had a car because it's been in a repair shop for the last three months, so today I told the fella to fuck off and I got it towed to a place that won't take nearly as long to fix it...also found out I got a raise recently...so it's getting better.
Mortuus:
3 months wow…talk about slacking…anyhow, it’s good to hear that things are getting better…talking about things going bad what are your views on the previous events which occurred in SS, first with the Chris Black/Burden mod fallout and then the obvious plagiarism by Liquid content?
SmokaJoka:
Well Burd and Chris still mod SS, so I guess they can actually coexist...although, they haven't worked together yet...as for LC...well what can I say...I knew that guy a long time ago and knew how he was...well, I knew he used to try to get people to ghost for him...didn't know he bit...so it wasn't surprising that he did it.
Mortuus:
SS has been pretty favourable to you it seems…you’ve had a great winning streak, do you think you have a chance to champ it? And do you feel accepted by the topical community of RB or are you “the text guy”?
SmokaJoka:
Good question...do I think I can champ it? yes...I do....and I agree...I am much more well known for my text battles rather than topical but there are very few that knew the entire time that I could've been just as good at topical, I was just concentrating more on text to get that season title...now that it's over and done, there's nothing left for me in that...so I moved on...I'd guess this is how Born felt when he first started doing topical battles...so...do I feel accepted? Yeah, I do...I wouldn't have an 8-0 record if I wasn't, so obviously some people enjoy my stories but...I do still feel that my topicals haven't surpassed or come equal to how well I've done in text...but that will take more time...maybe a season championship appearance.
Mortuus:
Confident but well earned words. So who is the biggest threat…or more aptly put who do you see in the finals if it were SmokaJoka Vs…?
SmokaJoka:
Hopefully someone epic...Chris or Born...I enjoy reading their stories, and maybe Eng...He’s well known for his mechanics....so those would also be the ones I'd consider threats...
Mortuus:
There is a certain similarity between you and BTK, besides being ex text legends, both of you have a penchant for gore type stories…any reason for this?
SmokaJoka:
Great minds think alike? lol, iono...there are some subtle differences between me and Born's styles....normally Born is much more straightforward with his stories and he comes a little more 'realistic', so to speak...I, however, usually come with something a little further out there when I write 'dark' stories...such as the lab mice one I had a few weeks ago...you know...kinda science fiction....I usually write something like that or if not that...it's more of a mystery type story rather than a horror story, but I do usually include the gory details...
I'll be doing something a little different this week that's not mystery or horror....great story though, and it should have some bloodshed in it
Mortuus:
So talking about stories…can the new age readers comprehend rhythm, flow and storyline or is the latest voter trend favouring one more than another?
SmokaJoka:
Well, I think mechanics are important when in battle...but, this is strictly my opinion, the story is the most important...you know...I'll throw in a multi every few lines but rhyming just isn't that important to me if you have a great story to tell...so yeah, I think the trend has been more towards storylines...but can I blame them? No....without a good story, the topical is just bland, boring..you can't get into it...you want to keep the reader reading...you want the reader to see what you say visually...and a bad ass rhyme scheme takes a lot away from that...because the reader is absorbed more into what the flow and rhyme is...instead of comprehending the story.
Mortuus:
Yeah, personally I’m a fan of neither lol….I just write whatever…so, going to the next question is which writer do you think is the most hyped….like a puff of hot air…a dog which barks but has fuckin’ dentures…no bite….be honest and straightforward man.
SmokaJoka:
Well...I'll be safe and say there's a few people that need to learn how to stop forcing rhymes, coming up with wack stories and concepts, and then somehow winning...which blows up their ego
Mortuus:
That is being pretty safe…I honestly have no idea who you’re talking about as you just described many SS writers…forced rhymes are the new fad….anyhow, tell me about your aspirations….inspirations…or anything random you feel the world should know…
SmokaJoka:
Aspirations? well, not many know it...but I'm well on my way to being a video game developer...nothing sweeter than a job you love....you can thank the movie Grandma's Boy being an inspiration for that...lol...that and the fact I love gaming...nothing random I feel I need to say though…
Mortuus:
Cool…so –
SmokaJoka:
Actually, I take that back...I've had a growing frustration with a few of the staff members recently and I'm considering a few things of it.
Mortuus:
Interesting….would you like to air out your grievances or keep them close to heart?
SmokaJoka:
It doesn't bother me to air it out...we seem to have a useless ass person ignorant to advice and help running this site...not calling any names but you yourself have seen what I've tried to do and how it doesn't get done or gets shot down because of dumbass and I mean dumbass logic...so...my mentality is soon is going to be simple...a site not wanting help, doesn't deserve help.
Mortuus:
Yeah I get that…talking about ideas whatever happened to that whole trophy/badge thing?
SmokaJoka:
Nothing, I can't find anyone that is good enough to put the time into making them...so...we'll see what happens with that.
Mortuus:
Well here’s hoping that you do find a good graphics head or Ex Machina wakes the fuck up. So before we conclude this interview I just have to ask you the cliché phrase: “Any last words or thoughts?”
SmokaJoka:
Nope that should about do it...good job on OM.
Mortuus:
Thanks, It’s appreciated.
____________________________________________
"Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamppost how it feels about dogs."
-Christopher Hampton.
____________________________________________
So that’s about it folks, this edition of the magazine is over. It was a pretty good experience writing it and I hope that reflected in the content whilst you all where reading it. I’ve sort of scrapped making a rank for the best writers now as I don’t see a real point to it…so instead we’ll be having the Jury and Judge segment that is unless you didn’t find it entertaining. Also, a shout out to Johnny 6-Feet for helping me out with the workload and writing a brilliant section. Love and Peace, P. Mortuus.
____________________________________________
. Also, thanks for the mention Johnny. I've only recently picked up topical writing again, and after writing poetry for so long - consistenly, my topical writing has sort of morphed.. lol.
Originally Posted by Change.
