What Battle Rap Taught Me | Jonathan Park | TEDxRutgers

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  • Опубликовано: 4 янв 2025
  • From the battle grounds to the silver screen, Jon Park (professionally known as Dumbfoundead) has built up an unbelievably impressive repertoire. Born in Buenos Aires to Korean immigrants, smuggled into Mexico, raised in Koreatown Los Angeles where he later freestyled at open-mics in Leimert Park at Project Blowed, Dumbfoundead is now a force to be reckoned with not only in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene but also internationally as a viral hip-hop ambassador.
    During the 2015 King of the Dot’s Blackout 5 world renown rapper Drake praised Dumbfoundead as the highlight of the rap battle. Later, Dumbfoundead used to his platform to champion for Asian rappers Keith Ape and Rich Brian to come to the US where they formed the crew 88 Rising. Moreover, Dumbfoundead was also honored for his contributions for Asian artists with the KoreanAmericanStory.org Trail Blazer award alongside actress Sandra Oh and humanitarian Thomas Park Clement.
    Dumbfoundead has also branched out as an actor with supporting roles in Joseph Kahn’s Detention(2011), Bodied (2017) and Season 3 of Starz #1 series Power (2016) and Awkwafina's 'Nora From Queens' (2019) and he's currently developing his own television show.
    From the battle grounds to the silver screen, Jon Park (professionally known as Dumbfoundead) has built up an unbelievably impressive repertoire. Born in Buenos Aires to Korean immigrants, smuggled into Mexico, raised in Koreatown Los Angeles where he later freestyled at open-mics in Leimert Park at Project Blowed, Dumbfoundead is now a force to be reckoned with not only in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene but also internationally as a viral hip-hop ambassador.
    During the 2015 King of the Dot’s Blackout 5 world renown rapper Drake praised Dumbfoundead as the highlight of the rap battle. Later, Dumbfoundead used to his platform to champion for Asian rappers Keith Ape and Rich Brian to come to the US where they formed the crew 88 Rising. Moreover, Dumbfoundead was also honored for his contributions for Asian artists with the KoreanAmericanStory.org Trail Blazer award alongside actress Sandra Oh and humanitarian Thomas Park Clement. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Комментарии •

  • @andisa9599
    @andisa9599 4 года назад +782

    This guy rhymes when he’s speaking sometimes, genius

    • @beenblack90
      @beenblack90 4 года назад +49

      And its contagious because you just did it too lol

    • @DaRedeyeJedi808
      @DaRedeyeJedi808 4 года назад +3

      Thats dumbfounded for u? You dont know him do your research

    • @johnnyrr2643
      @johnnyrr2643 4 года назад +3

      I read an article about flow the other day, saying it can applied to scientific writing. Now, more out of hazard than anything I happen to write a sorta flow at work. Words starting similarly, sounding well next to each other. Try to get an ear for that while you're writing yourself, I find it to be fun ^^

  • @TheBotchJob
    @TheBotchJob 4 года назад +882

    Dumbfounded was literally one of the first battle rappers I found that sent me down the rabbit hole of battle rap. You are a huge inspiration and did an amazing job.

    • @djpylloz
      @djpylloz 4 года назад +3

      Facts

    • @4shady0
      @4shady0 4 года назад +1

      Tbh, Rone got me into "battle rap" but a lot of the scene made me enjoy it.

    • @stevetoma3376
      @stevetoma3376 4 года назад

      Yes

    • @arcadestickgaming6601
      @arcadestickgaming6601 4 года назад +1

      FACTS WHEN HE BATTLED CONCEITED BRUH

    • @jl8754
      @jl8754 4 года назад +3

      Scribble jam! But I'm old tho 😆

  • @justabbythx3745
    @justabbythx3745 4 года назад +1256

    Raps. Podcasts. Stand Up. Ted Talks. All the while emitting Authenticity in every new undertaking. 👏👏👏

    • @YenahVictoriaJoe
      @YenahVictoriaJoe 4 года назад +1

      and comedic genuis (have u seen his twitter)

    • @lochofmceo
      @lochofmceo 4 года назад +2

      Dumbfounded is a legend in battle rap and is doing his thing.

    • @theorangeunicorn3654
      @theorangeunicorn3654 4 года назад +1

      Actor as well. He was in the movie "Bodied" about battle rap

    • @lochofmceo
      @lochofmceo 4 года назад +1

      @@theorangeunicorn3654 he was on Power too

    • @deusrex6230
      @deusrex6230 4 года назад +1

      Roasts too, check him out on ADD haha

  • @spineshock1
    @spineshock1 4 года назад +686

    this man was one of my heroes growing up, didn't have too many Asian role-models back then

    • @bkeirington
      @bkeirington 4 года назад +16

      Not Asian but I looked up to dumbfoundead when I was kid too lol man's an OG and will always be my favorite battle rapper

    • @joeyfergen3826
      @joeyfergen3826 4 года назад +2

      Jeremy Lin?

    • @spineshock1
      @spineshock1 4 года назад

      Joey Fergen Lin was definitely up there too

    • @Oreo_a_God
      @Oreo_a_God 4 года назад +1

      Jackie didn’t inspire you?

    • @Kinjo7
      @Kinjo7 4 года назад +1

      Cool to have a role model. But yeah... How old are you?

  • @keitwr
    @keitwr 4 года назад +406

    "chasing the american dream which ultimately destroyed my family"
    just wow

  • @xX-Logic-
    @xX-Logic- 4 года назад +640

    Dumbfounded 3-0 He Bodied this.

  • @flintlights
    @flintlights 4 года назад +792

    Eyy. Dumbfounded on Ted Talks, that’s dope.

  • @jm2794
    @jm2794 4 года назад +310

    I remember beatboxing for him at the streetwear clothing store The Attic in Buena Park CA back in 2011. Enjoyed watching him grow over the years! Awesome Ted Talk with a real one that keeps Hip Hop alive!

    • @0j00n
      @0j00n 4 года назад +2

      lol 2011? you didnt watch him grow bro

    • @iHarryDo
      @iHarryDo 4 года назад +22

      @@0j00n He could've been following him way earlier. Either way 9 years is still growth. Show more love dude cmon

    • @browncow6644
      @browncow6644 4 года назад +32

      @@iHarryDo youre only true fan if you were able to shake his hand while he was still in the womb.

    • @jm2794
      @jm2794 4 года назад +10

      @@iHarryDo haha no need to pay attention to haters. Thanks bro! Stay humble.

    • @BlitzX89
      @BlitzX89 4 года назад +4

      Yo i remember that event with DFD / ZO / Intuition

  • @davehan4103
    @davehan4103 4 года назад +2207

    The worse thing about this is its only like 10 minutes long.

    • @88Doug
      @88Doug 4 года назад

      Dave Hahn True!

    • @TheDaquaan
      @TheDaquaan 4 года назад

      Facts!

    • @DirtieF0X
      @DirtieF0X 4 года назад +5

      That was a fast 10 minute session I thought it was 5

    • @funknelson87
      @funknelson87 4 года назад +2

      On the bright side there’s hours upon hours of dumbfoundead battles on RUclips to get lost in. He’s a super entertaining battler.

    • @87_North
      @87_North 4 года назад +1

      Not true. The reason it's 10 minutes is because of a psychological anomaly. Humans lose interest after 12-15 minutes on a subject because it's what our attention spans allow for. The point of a Ted Talk to to quickly get across your point, without losing anyone's attention, and to start a conversation.. That's how Ted Talks started.

  • @marmiteghost
    @marmiteghost 4 года назад +142

    DFD is a legend. been in the game for years, has helped put on ppl who are now a-tier celebrities, consistently creates quality work, has always evolved and adapted without losing himself or blindly chasing trends. beast.
    also, "we might die" shd be a certified classic.

  • @jordinarylife1323
    @jordinarylife1323 4 года назад +293

    Wow I remember I used to watch Dumb’s rap battles all the time and now he’s up here doing a TEDtalk 😧 such an inspiration 🙌

  • @ellieramos
    @ellieramos 4 года назад +123

    DFD has been one of my heroes in hiphop ever since

  • @alwayscreatingio
    @alwayscreatingio 4 года назад +32

    dumbfounded 🔥

  • @soccerman127
    @soccerman127 4 года назад +544

    "Dumbfoundead do eyebrows" - Kraig Smith

    • @ItsRaitisLV
      @ItsRaitisLV 4 года назад +17

      He had a stir fried beagle yesterday

    • @Baronnax
      @Baronnax 4 года назад +53

      "Kraig does headbutt exercises." - Dumbfoundead

    • @SHAMONDAEREACTS2
      @SHAMONDAEREACTS2 4 года назад +1

      😂😂😂

    • @nolove1329
      @nolove1329 4 года назад +16

      *Kreeeeeeeg schmmmmmmittttt

    • @donaldwest9373
      @donaldwest9373 4 года назад +2

      No Love 😂😂 you beat me to it

  • @88PLR
    @88PLR 4 года назад +33

    I like how battle rappers are starting to do things outside of battle rap 😎👌🏾

  • @aliciamercado5316
    @aliciamercado5316 4 года назад +84

    So glad he wore a beanie 👏👏👏
    So proud of this dude

    • @solacepeace
      @solacepeace 4 года назад +3

      Alicia Mercado I remembered him asking should he wear his beanie and I’m like ofc you should🙄😂

    • @aliciamercado5316
      @aliciamercado5316 4 года назад +1

      @@solacepeace yeah; on twt, yeah me too I was duh 😅😄😊 glad he listed to majority vote

  • @CelticRot
    @CelticRot 4 года назад +65

    He just casually insulted Conceited again like it's nothing lmao

  • @LucidMakesVideos
    @LucidMakesVideos 4 года назад +6

    This is the greatest crossover I've seen this in a while.
    Battle Rap X K-Rap X Tedx Talks

  • @tseringpalden7006
    @tseringpalden7006 4 года назад +6

    RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT!!!
    PROUD ASIAN FORM EAST COAST!!
    STRAIGHT FIRE!!

  • @DGT63
    @DGT63 4 года назад +5

    This is crazy!!! I remember I used to watch all of your videos like you freestyling with D-Pryde and Timothy DelaGhetto back when he went by Traphik, and now im watching you give tedtalks. RESPECT.

  • @justinpettit3432
    @justinpettit3432 4 года назад +86

    Wow. Never thought I'd see a battle rap Ted talk

  • @vect97
    @vect97 4 года назад +4

    One of the few to represent the hip hop culture and asian culture with respect. Keep doing what you doing!

  • @SlimThePhenomenon
    @SlimThePhenomenon 4 года назад +10

    Dope to see somebody from the battle rap culture on TEDx. Salute Dumbfoundead 🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @spirithanh
    @spirithanh 4 года назад +19

    So cool seeing Dumbfounded doing Ted Talks. I'm happy for him he really representing for us Asians/Asian-Americans, I'm glad to see he's getting more recognition

  • @tylerm0089
    @tylerm0089 4 года назад +8

    This dude is intelligent. I wanna see that aggressive hip hop again. Bless.

  • @late_millennial
    @late_millennial 4 года назад +57

    Came straight from the live.

  • @GeneSu
    @GeneSu 4 года назад +2

    I chilled with Jon and his crew all night when he stopped by the Claremont Colleges to perform back in 2009. He and his crew were legitimately talented yet humble and generous. He deserves every ounce of success he's achieved. It's incredible for me to see him up on the TED stage, but I'm not surprised given his passion. Big ups D!

  • @notoriouskodiak
    @notoriouskodiak 4 года назад +2

    Battle rap and Ted talks 2 of my favorite things. Been watching for 15 years

  • @kneecapitator7288
    @kneecapitator7288 4 года назад +11

    This is a great talk, and really shows his journey

  • @dvndybeats9949
    @dvndybeats9949 4 года назад +12

    Crazy to see how far DFD has gone in his career !! It's honestly amazing

  • @djWOOF
    @djWOOF 4 года назад +6

    Jonathan, thanks for the inspiration. you are a pioneer -young ones may not know..
    i remember meeting you for the 2nd time at the Line hotel club, and my friend at the time (now girlfriend) didnt know who you were
    ..So then I approached you and said that she wanted a photo . I still have that photo of you and her with a dumbfounded look like "who is this person?" no pun intended.
    that night was special, it was basically the beginning of my relationship w her.
    Thanks for taking the time for your fans.

  • @TrichbeeT
    @TrichbeeT 4 года назад +46

    0:57 LOL only fans know, "Ratta tat tat, butterflies on your back and Chinese letters that dont mean jack,"

  • @TheHardknok
    @TheHardknok 4 года назад +25

    Dumbfounded vs Kid Twist is one of my earliest battle rap memories & I've been a fan of both since. Much love & respect for this dude

  • @OFresh
    @OFresh 4 года назад +14

    this was really dope!!! appreciate the the motivation!

  • @bishop208
    @bishop208 4 года назад +385

    “Dumbfounded race civics in the back of targets”

  • @StephenVTran
    @StephenVTran 4 года назад +43

    I was freestyling with a friend today and this pops up on my recommended, thanks for listening RUclips

    • @Twizzledoc187
      @Twizzledoc187 4 года назад +1

      Stephen V. Tran 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @kenwu7
      @kenwu7 4 года назад +2

      Always listening bro, your privacy was dead years ago 😂

  • @blinkatreyu
    @blinkatreyu 4 года назад +6

    DFD the real Asian OG! Man is multi-talented. Incredible!

  • @bacdi7063
    @bacdi7063 4 года назад +5

    glad you got a chance to tell a small part of your story on a bigger platform... 👏🏼

  • @neffyxd
    @neffyxd 4 года назад +12

    Great job. Can’t believe I’ve seen you move through so many platforms!

  • @MintyCory
    @MintyCory 4 года назад +2

    Damn dude, so proud of DFD right now. Well deserved and well spoken!

  • @friscomade
    @friscomade 4 года назад +2

    definitely a battle rap legend & youtube pioneer. glad he's doing well! much love DFD

  • @LEvELSCALES
    @LEvELSCALES 4 года назад

    A TED TALK ABOUT BATTLE RAP... STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE WATCHES IN THE CULTURE

  • @devvv4616
    @devvv4616 4 года назад +1

    these guys have a ton of experience handling immense pressure in public speaking

  • @jl8754
    @jl8754 4 года назад +3

    Damn! This dude on TED?! Good for him! TED it was one of the best ones!

  • @missmolyda
    @missmolyda 4 года назад +6

    He’s one of my fav people !!!! ☺️

  • @Suhpreme_K
    @Suhpreme_K 4 года назад +47

    Went from Grind Time to Tedx Talks!

    • @OTT23Detroit
      @OTT23Detroit 4 года назад +1

      From jumpoff to

    • @OTT23Detroit
      @OTT23Detroit 4 года назад

      From jumpoff to

    • @fuddyduddie1205
      @fuddyduddie1205 4 года назад

      I stay getting hoed only a few of us are old enough to remember the great days of two vs two and scribble jam. I’m a young dinosaur 😆

    • @Jacob-Pogicat
      @Jacob-Pogicat 4 года назад

      It's crazy how Jin did a similar thing too! legends

  • @MrFrunk1
    @MrFrunk1 4 года назад +5

    Still one of my favourite Battle Rapper.

  • @maximillianjacob8244
    @maximillianjacob8244 4 года назад +109

    I'm a simple man; I see dumbfoundead, I click like.

  • @Psquared2324
    @Psquared2324 4 года назад +2

    Been subbed to dumbfounded since old school RUclips. I remember his track mama are we there yet, very good.

  • @homelessbag
    @homelessbag 4 года назад +54

    dumbfoundead one of the best

  • @jayjayloks6965
    @jayjayloks6965 4 года назад +11

    DFD on KOTD was so fuken dope too, seeing him in ted talks now is just ugh... so nice🥰

  • @Waynimations
    @Waynimations 4 года назад +5

    Man you were one of my role models as I was growing up. Thank you for showing me that creativity knows no race and is for those who work hard.

  • @Gunsik93
    @Gunsik93 4 года назад +5

    IT's dope when you didn't even realize his freestyle was over and he was just talking. Because everything he says is just lyrical.

  • @UchihaxStudios
    @UchihaxStudios 4 года назад +1

    I just remembered i have still have a signed ol boy jhon cd from DFD, gotta listen back

  • @jefzig
    @jefzig 4 года назад +6

    I swear I never thought a battle rapper would end up on Ted talks. Your actually the one that got me into battle rap to begin with. Shoutout to us Asians ✊✊✊

  • @emmanuelsebua1445
    @emmanuelsebua1445 4 года назад +21

    "It's bigger than Hip-Hop" - Dead Prez, this reminds me of Brown Sugar.

  • @moonfairy95
    @moonfairy95 4 года назад +7

    I met a few years ago in Houston hes amazing person!

  • @gordoskinny1412
    @gordoskinny1412 4 года назад +3

    Such an incredible person 🙏🏽

  • @PutYoRhymeOn
    @PutYoRhymeOn 4 года назад +1

    Found him 10 years ago in Grind Time. Dude legendary forever

  • @joshuamarc8773
    @joshuamarc8773 4 года назад +1

    One of my favorite personalities in battle rap, I just wish he would do more battles x(

  • @Richualistik
    @Richualistik 4 года назад

    True words DF. Always straight.
    flowin'.

  • @michaelumphlettee7054
    @michaelumphlettee7054 4 года назад +2

    Hey, this was really good and inspirational. Thanks man

  • @carxshii
    @carxshii 4 года назад +2

    grew up watching his battle rap and been supporting his music since. I'm so happy for him!!

  • @bleachnellieltuodelschwanc5180
    @bleachnellieltuodelschwanc5180 4 года назад +6

    Dope Ted talk!! Big fan of his!! Don't know why it was 10min. Wished it was longer

  • @33sdfsdf
    @33sdfsdf 4 года назад +2

    I remember getting super excited to show dumb’s KOTD rap battles to my friends as a kid. A legendary korean american rapper

  • @joedirt5720
    @joedirt5720 4 года назад +1

    He was GREAT in Bodied💯

  • @gchild123
    @gchild123 2 года назад +5

    There is no one like Dumbfoundead in battlerap. In terms of being unique, authentic and absolutely funny he has to be the best battle rappers of all time in the battle rap league.

  • @ericlee5638
    @ericlee5638 4 года назад +3

    I remember seeing him at a korean bar I worked at in Chicago. He was pretty humble and fun to drink with haha

  • @jannickpedersen4620
    @jannickpedersen4620 4 года назад

    DFD should be played more in radios and get more views. Dude is so dope !!

  • @kidprep
    @kidprep 4 года назад +24

    His latest album was amazing.
    "Chill Foo"
    "Almost There"
    "Pink Bleu Dawn"
    Check em aaaaht

    • @EndingVisions
      @EndingVisions 3 года назад

      He hasn’t had a good album since 2013

    • @devinmichel3207
      @devinmichel3207 3 года назад

      @@EndingVisions we might die was an instant classic. You're delusional

    • @EndingVisions
      @EndingVisions 3 года назад

      @@devinmichel3207 that’s ur opinion

  • @TheBrewInnPodcast
    @TheBrewInnPodcast 7 месяцев назад

    One of the best TED talks 🔥

  • @ZachVanHarrisJR
    @ZachVanHarrisJR 4 года назад +5

    *Daylyt brought me here saying to watch this! Great great great suggestion!* ✌🏾❤️

  • @SteveVirgo
    @SteveVirgo 4 года назад +3

    Dumbfoundead is the truth! Went to his concert in Seattle 2 years ago!!! It’s good to see him on Ted!! 💯💯👍👍🤙🤙🍄🍄

  • @yellowdough2001
    @yellowdough2001 4 года назад +2

    love this guy, cool dude - and smart guy. asian respect.

  • @712Joe
    @712Joe 4 года назад +1

    Loved this dudes battle raps

  • @Kevin-hq5os
    @Kevin-hq5os 4 года назад +2

    Please guys, we need to get this more views. DFD deserves it!

  • @stephfu7747
    @stephfu7747 4 года назад

    Thank you

  • @tristeconfundida
    @tristeconfundida 4 года назад +4

    Awesome this is legit. 💜 much love

  • @joonpark6502
    @joonpark6502 4 года назад +2

    자랑스럽습니다 형

  • @knowistrite
    @knowistrite 4 года назад +2

    Wow. I remember the day I met Dumbfoundead in Koreatown and I've followed him ever since. This was long before Grindtime came along. This is hella dope and refreshing.

  • @reuniteireland
    @reuniteireland 4 года назад +9

    When you rap so much that everything you say rhymes. Great job man.

  • @emanuel2cool1
    @emanuel2cool1 4 года назад

    DFD is awesome. Super happy to see him on a TedTalk. Very cool!

  • @BigWrangler
    @BigWrangler 4 года назад

    Man i wish this was a longer. Was a good look for Dumbfoundead and battle rap in general. Never thought id ses a Ted talk on battle rap

  • @MonstarCave
    @MonstarCave 4 года назад +5

    If anyone hasn't seen Dumbfoundead vs Tantrum and is a fan of battle rap, you HAVE to see that battle first one of the best battles ever.

  • @Sixes
    @Sixes 4 года назад +27

    the realest g in the game dude, dumb’s a GOD

    • @BrianHenson95
      @BrianHenson95 4 года назад

      Korean Jesus! back but he never left

    • @tonytone527
      @tonytone527 4 года назад

      gib kluge You should search who Jonny KIM is

  • @dolahdoles4481
    @dolahdoles4481 4 года назад

    Really love this! Thank you

  • @kilokay5506
    @kilokay5506 4 года назад +1

    BRILLIANT FR!!

  • @salmonidaechaser7066
    @salmonidaechaser7066 4 года назад +1

    DFD get the shine you deserve!!!

  • @tylonkosi861
    @tylonkosi861 4 года назад +1

    I love this guy.

  • @Lim_
    @Lim_ 4 года назад

    Glad you guys got Jon on here🔥🐐

  • @Brooklyn2LosAngeles
    @Brooklyn2LosAngeles 4 года назад

    Project Blowed was SUPER DOPE! I was there 😊

  • @yooogooo4497
    @yooogooo4497 4 года назад

    I'm drunk trying to read the comments but I'm listening, this man is so diverse and intelligent also inspiring..
    .

  • @DJAUDIO1
    @DJAUDIO1 2 года назад

    Blessings Jon. ❤️🙏

  • @iamalexwolf
    @iamalexwolf 4 года назад

    I always enjoyed Dumbfounded his music. He is a great artist, I didn’t expect him to be it when I clicked this video ‘cause I have never seen him. I only have a couple of his songs on Spotify. Great Ted Talk!

  • @Chedda3000music
    @Chedda3000music 4 года назад

    Dumbfoundead vs. Tantrum was the battle that got me hooked on battle rap. Glad to see him come so far.

  • @davidg8522
    @davidg8522 4 года назад

    One of the grandfathers of Grindtime! Legend

  • @ajlemuel969
    @ajlemuel969 4 года назад

    From korea town too! Theres so many asians in LA, we've got a chinatown as well, and most phillipino immigrants move here

  • @mr.steady5498
    @mr.steady5498 4 года назад +68

    Dang, I'd never imagined your name would be Jonathan

    • @jl8754
      @jl8754 4 года назад +9

      C'mon man he's Asian American 😆

    • @anachronismic
      @anachronismic 4 года назад

      He had his name in an album name lol

    • @lovelydae7455
      @lovelydae7455 4 года назад +1

      Assimilation to survive

    • @TheNameCannotBeFound
      @TheNameCannotBeFound 4 года назад

      @@jl8754 I was about to say the same thing, hahaha! John or any variation of that name is so freaking common. Especially in North America. Not to mention when it comes to Asian Americans, a TON of them are called John/Jonathan.

    • @ghostbehind9450
      @ghostbehind9450 4 года назад

      How? That was literally used on some bars against him. Park and dog/dog walking bars were constantly used against him.

  • @sscumbabyy7717
    @sscumbabyy7717 4 года назад

    NEED MORE HIP HOP LEGENDS

  • @daber2000
    @daber2000 3 года назад

    Rap battles tend to be regarded as a battle of schoolyard insults. However, as my favorite rappers can demonstrate, battling requires enviable levels of quick wit and smart rebuttals, and there is much more friendship between battlers than actual animosity. It requires the rapper to reinvent himself into a dominant force in the stage no matter his physical size. Despite the apparent predominance of violent threats as a battle topic, actual violence is frowned upon as a quick way out, as a faulty, reactionary defense against hard verbal attacks. At the end of battles, good sportsmanship is expressed when opponents shake hands. For a sport high on insults and attacks, the Canadians have a league which has demonstrated itself as a force to reckon with, ironically enough.
    I stumbled onto this cultural phenomenon well into my professional years, long after high school. I used to despise rap for all of its misogyny and violence, but have a newfound respect for the creativity and tremendously good memory required to battle successfully. In addition, it takes battlers character and maturity to take a verbal beating and have very personal aspects of their life brought into public light and then focus to respond adequately. Soul Khan, one of my favorites, used to be in a college debate team. The battle arenas bring people from all walks of life: From law students to school teachers, entrepreneurs, barbers, etc.
    I encourage any organization like TED to look into shining an intellectual, inquisitive light into rap battles, a cultural enfant terrible which can teach us a thing or two about keeping a cool head even under fire.