Pride of Alter Egos: Sinagtala Vs 1ce water

Review by Cenon Pineda | Layout by Ken Tipay

With the world of rap battle getting over an eclipse with sudden comebacks and diss tracks circulating all over the net it was long overdue that sudden twists and turns would eventually be a new meta in the game. A rise of other leagues trying to go over the achievements of Fliptop also came to notice, but just like every cheap copy everbody new that it wouldn't sell, it's like going over the mall and picking something you like, without checking the price, you'll be surely shocked by the counter. With that in mind Anygma a huge foundation in the battle rap scene all over the world made noise as he introduced a brand-new card in the table. His usual Won minutes tournament was often shrugged by audiences since most newcomers come there to show their talent.

Furthermore, his trick was something unexpected that many fans felt in awe by the immense nostalgia that it brought back to life, as he featured battle rappers that have been veterans for years take on a different name, an alias, an alter ego. If you've been around for a while surely this isn't new to you names like Slim shady would ring a bell and who wouldn't be familiar with Ghetto dogs Pooch as it is one of the underground scenes most profound rapper — Andrew E shifting from his usual story telling format to a much more dark and composite art style tackling taboos like he usually does but with a sack of angst and violence poured over it.

This format has been around for three years I would presume but what makes this different from everything else is the intensity it has given in the history of battle rap, with names like 1ce Water and Sinagtala (Starlight) trying to emerge as rookies but etched with blood of emcees in their hands since they aren't just normal veterans they are former Isabuhay champions from different eras. They've achieved the peak of battle rap tournaments, yet just like any talented artist they come to seek for more a ragnarok wouldn't even be comparable to this, with such immense familiarity with the craft they were given the challenge to form lyrics or bars with just names and not having any information about that person. GL (Sinagtala) and J Blaque (1ce Water) took on the challenge to not just sit in the throne comfortably waiting for another warrior to come, instead they put their title on the line without having second thoughts.

Round 1:1ce Water

Like a normal J Blaque style of battling it was evident on how it was hard for him to deviate from his normal facade, his purely focused angle-based techniques were one of his strongest weapons, which is why transitioning into a purely lyrical style and using a figure of speech driven battle was hard to configure for him. Yet even with a slow start his pace became more apparent showing how his experience also added to the equation filling in gaps for freestyle his monstrosity on stage was frightening. Very rhythmically sound, a cadence of multi syllabic rhyme schemes were enforced showing creativity and meticulous attention to detail for his craft.

“Ganito resulta ser pag nagbibigay ka ng kalaban na diko kilala, binigyan lang akong pangalan o SINAGTALA parang t**ga pano kung nagsulat ako para sa lalaki tapos si Siangtala femcee pala. De ganyan talaga pag Hitman pangalan lang ng biktima target lang kailangan at pangalan lang kinumbida … Mas malala, yung halaga presyong Icewater lang pala!”

Internal rhyme schemes that are often unnoticed but really effective for formal four bar set ups that he has applied in his style much different from his usual style one-two punch counter.

Round 1: Sinagtala

“Sinagtala vs 1ce water ito'y rekta sa pader at mabibiyak to, kung sa 1ce (Eyes) may tubig edi iiyak to, oo di tiyak to Ice na tubig oo peke ang tunog at tunay ang kutob, na siya ay plastik sa labas at di solid sa loob…”

First round lines that resonated towards the crowd leaving them shouting with excitement, giving Sinagtala an edge with his lyrical nature as a rapper it was obvious on who had the upper hand his first lines were a signus that trouble was coming towards 1ce water though a more recent rapper than him, he showed on who was better lyrically and creatively annihilating their opponent even with just a minute per round.

A complete barrage of references came his opponent's way without having much time to deflect them, round 1 was surely in favor of Sinagtala.

Round 2: 1ce Water

Feeling his opponent's intensity, he jokes about being conned by Anygma since he thinks his lyrics weren't efficient enough to go against with Sinagtala. However, a different version of him emerged, not knowing any elements about his opponent wasn't a weakness, instead he focused on his name and the traits that went down with it. References of bodies of water were dominant in most of his lyrics showing how he could kill Sinagtala with his owns words and style.

A more dominant approach much like two-time Isabuhay Champion Batas, he showed on how a veteran walks in the warzone and that he didn't leave his throne he just stood up because it was taking too long for someone to challenge him.

Round 2: Sinagtala

However, Sinagtala never backed an inch he showed aggression, yet his usual pace was not enough and weren't much effective. Though a stronger set of lyrics was shown it wasn't enough for 1ce Water's strength and angle-based strategy that he was able to transcend in his alter ego. Notable references about DOTA were utilized in his rounds including name plays that were usual, but he managed to put a turn with that everyday cup of coffee to a soothing and spring tea. Though a lot of elements in angles that were chosen could be improved, it was still a clean round but a long stride for it to go against 1ce waters’ second round.

Round 3: 1ce Water

The pressure got to him, he stumbled, was rattled, and choked for a millisecond of reality. Nothing much could be said from this round it was decent but not enough for a Isabuhay Champion's caliber it was depressing to see on how he was struggling to grap the words out of his throat. This round was his end with such clean rounds from Sinagtala this connotes to a complete knock out even with a strong second round.

Round 3: Sinagtala

“Kaya kahit umaraw o umulan mala Rico Blanco yung mundo, ako yung bangon sa antukin, ako yung bago na yugto, I'll invade your universe I'm the one-day fear at di porket may liwanag sa dilim you'll be safe here…”

Ending bars from the most recent Isabuhay champion his intensity never backed down, with such consistency, who knows what might come next. With such an intricate art style who would doubt that even with a promo battle he won without an inch of edge from his competitor.

Rap battle is an often-misunderstood art form filled with taboos that people don't want to engage in, but with such effort and passion that comes with it, I'm sure it would only take time before it completely takes over.