Battle That! Battle That! Competition - September 10-13, 2025

  • beat this! voting starts in...

attila

ILLIEN
Battle Points: 101
There are many beats that are very good, and I couldn't say which I like more. I mean in the second place in the ranking, cuz I fell in love with a beat that is my favorite above all the others. I can't say if the beatmaker is more skilled. He could be, but anyway, it's not a technical issue. I can't even recognize someone's style, and I'm curious. I mean, it's not even a revolutionary beat creatively, but it has something special. It is truly a gem, and I love it. Congrats to everyone, it's a great round this round and special thanks for your beat, to whoever made my special fav.
That beat I was talking about it's @M.I.ndless. makes sense, love his style.
 

attila

ILLIEN
Battle Points: 101
Chinoiseries ;)

"I wanna go back" probably my favorite from that series... Man's a beast!
yes, sorry, Chinoseries, I'm still half sleeping... Now I can't remeber that track, you know, something like 100 tracks in 3 series... You make me feel like dustin off those records!
 

attila

ILLIEN
Battle Points: 101
yes, sorry, Chinoseries, I'm still half sleeping... Now I can't remeber that track, you know, something like 100 tracks in 3 series... You make me feel like dustin off those records!
just checked, yes, on the list of the most beautiful
 

attila

ILLIEN
Battle Points: 101
When @2GooD Productions said he wouldn't participate, I thought he wasn't serious, and I was ready to bet that 2 beat was his instead of being @Iron Keys. I hope you both take that as a compliment. Great beats, man. I was pretty sure you would beat @M.I.ndless's track because it’s not lacking and in fact, it has more of the vibe suitable for the competition and, in some technical aspects, perhaps even superior — it's really just a personal feeling for the sweetness in M's beat. AND: now I also understand that you were particularly involved in the issue of the same beat being presented multiple times. I apologize for my lightness. "SarahsSuccess" is also a great beat. Props man.
 

Iron Keys

ILLIEN MBAPPÉ
ill o.g.
Battle Points: 829
When @2GooD Productions said he wouldn't participate, I thought he wasn't serious, and I was ready to bet that 2 beat was his instead of being @Iron Keys. I hope you both take that as a compliment. Great beats, man. I was pretty sure you would beat @M.I.ndless's track because it’s not lacking and in fact, it has more of the vibe suitable for the competition and, in some technical aspects, perhaps even superior — it's really just a personal feeling for the sweetness in M's beat. AND: now I also understand that you were particularly involved in the issue of the same beat being presented multiple times. I apologize for my lightness. "SarahsSuccess" is also a great beat. Props man.
Love, bro.

I was really pleased with it - I'm not good with sample flipping.


Yeah when people probably clocked it's mine beat likely led to tactical voting.

Well done on getting into the Battle That - keep it coming next season.
 

DJ Excellence

ILLIEN
ill o.g.
Battle Points: 449
Congrats on the Battle That win @DJ Excellence !
Glad that a fellow QC member got that one.
Merci Beaucoup GIF

Quebec City Dance GIF by Carnaval de Québec
 
When @2GooD Productions said he wouldn't participate, I thought he wasn't serious, and I was ready to bet that 2 beat was his instead of being @Iron Keys. I hope you both take that as a compliment. Great beats, man. I was pretty sure you would beat @M.I.ndless's track because it’s not lacking and in fact, it has more of the vibe suitable for the competition and, in some technical aspects, perhaps even superior — it's really just a personal feeling for the sweetness in M's beat. AND: now I also understand that you were particularly involved in the issue of the same beat being presented multiple times. I apologize for my lightness. "SarahsSuccess" is also a great beat. Props man.
I wouldnt have said Im not in it only to be in it, thats some bullshit. I didnt even get to vote.
 

BiggChev

StormBourneMusic
Battle Points: 267
Round 1:

@Kane the MOD - I really like the dark and eerie vibe you established early on with this beat. The reversed (or manipulated sounds) have a great texture. The plucks, stringed instrument, chimes/bells work to develop this creeping, plodding and stalking vibe that is very cool. It has this Mobb Deep "horror-bap" quality.
ly
@TWU - This almost feels like dreamscape for an art house film. This is the scene of an urban drama where the subway doors are closing and the two love interests are gazing at each other through the window, and the dude runs as fast as he can to meet the girl at the next station. Mix, dimension, atmosphere. and emotion of this beat is near cinematic.

@Leopard Cohen - I love how you immediately set the pace with the bass line. The drums and percs give it this tilting feel...as if the whole beat is leaning slightly forward but then the organ kinda re-centers the groove. BUT! the dreamy, ethereal chimes/bells come in. So clever, so musical! It took me a few listens to catch a few stabs and arps tucked towards the back of the mix. If there's a hip-hop equivalent to IDm, this is it!

@P.A.T. - The intro is giving Dre - 2001 vibes. The main piano line at 0:13 is really nice. In terms of the pianos lines in general, I think you picked the perfect register for them too. And octave lower and they wouldn't have the same shimmery quality. Great blend of synths and "organic" instruments.

@Mike Chief - Super smooth chops! When those low piano chords come in, jeez! Then that phat mono bass!!! I really live that descending line and how well it plays with the sample and the higher register synth. The changes are artistically executed. The drums also serve as a great foundation for the melodic content. Personally, I would've liked a bit more 'thump' and 'punch' from the kick.

@Iron Keys - One of my all time favourite albums is 'Erma Franklyn - Soul Sister." I had it on vinyl and would bump it on max volume as I got ready to hit the bars/clubs. This beat puts me right back in 2006. Showering, shaving, and doing my hair with the bathroom door open so I could hear some uplifting sould from the speakers in the living room (thankfully my mum had a really good hi-fi system). The organ, piano, and simple but choppy bass line all work great with the sample. The drum fills (kick and snare stutters) with the simple but effective bass line help to make this a banger!

@M.I.ndless - hard luck being matched up with an @Iron Keys banger. That being said, I think he really just got you on energy. Your drums, chops, vibe, and structure are phenomenal on this beat. Bluesly licks will always capture my attention. I really liked how you weaved in those piano lines. I may be tripping, but it kinda sounds like you chained together 3-4 [4 bar loops]. I think there was an interesting opportunity to mash your different loops/themes together in a "head-tail" way to come up with something even more compelling than the naturally dope beat you have here. Just a thought, but overall I loved the inquisitive, film noire vibe you have going. The drums also do a lot to keep the "story" of the beat moving forward.

@DJ Excellence - Grimey, gritty, and raw! This beat was so scary it made me buy life insurance! The only way to describe it is "Pharoe Monch - Simon Says" but without the jokes and levity. I usually don't care for verb-snares, but this 'orchestral con industrial' vibe worked really well. Menacing, brooding, and well mixed. Not my personal favourite of yours, but you got a lot of nice ear candy and textural ornamentation in this beat.

@Bandia Gotach - what you do with sound, space, and texture is pure class. Sound selection is great. How you match/pair synths with 'organic' instruments like piano and strings should be study. You get the tones and timbres to play soo nicely together. As always, you have a great sense of melody...and also pairing your melodies with foundational rhythms. This is pure vibe, and proper art.

@attila - Great sample(s) choice. Super groovy and fun. I really like this arrangement and how you used a drop out+fill to lead into the vocal sample. This 'beat' has more of a TV/Commercial score vibe to it than it does "beat." Not to say it isn't cool...but more in line with an interlude or outro of an indie hip-hop record.

@K-waz - The dreamy, ephemeral feel of this is crazy. I really loved the "layering" of styles. This super smooth sample with smooth dreamy chops, but they're on top of these crispy "paper sizzle" drums. I would never think to put those bouncy or busy drums under those chops...and then you bring this fucking dope ass bass with pops, slides - a la Bootsy Collins - but some how it keeps a dreamy quality and doesn't scream Parliament! Then there's a vocal chop?! This is fuckin dope. I would've made diffewrnt mix choices, but that's assuming I made something this dope...which I didn't lol.

@Armani - Finally you got some wet snares! LOL. This one of my favs from your. Maybe it's because I've been trying to brighten up my own drums, but like @K-waz , you got a sizzle to your drums that sound great. The vocal chops and scratches are placed really for transitions and ear candy. I'm a bit perplexed on the piano/chime tucked towards the back of the mix. While I appreciate the depth and atmosphere it adds, I kinda want to hear it shine. Of all the R1 beats, this is one that felt the most like a complete 'song.' I can almost hear the tone and direction of the story an MC would lay over this beat. I also appreciate that you made the most of the 4 min limit. At no point does this get stale or repetitive.

@V.J. Retro - I mean this in the best way possible...this sounds like a hip-hop score for Mario Kart...at least to start. The cadence, bounce, and energy...are all super dope and it feels like I grabbed a DJ Premier 'star power.' Such a cool sample choice. And the drums! They remind me of Joe Morello. The way you got the jittery hats and snare rolls/drags. I recognize there are some "trap" style ratches and glitches, but they all work perfectly with the jam you curated with this sample and the associated chops.

@guitardep - From what I gathered...you were Ill's resident 'guitarist' before I started poking me head out the sand. Two things... 1) your guitar chops are way better than mine 2) your "compositional" skills phenomenal. That chord progression in the piano layered against the ambient 'mid-west' guitar is melodic/harmonic ace. While I don't care for 808s or trap style drums, they are the perfect juxtaposition the serene, lyrical, melody you established with the guitar and piano. Very emotive, delicate, but carries weight. From one guitarist to the other, I'd love to hear feedback on my Round 2 beat.

@Earsblower - Smooth and sexy! This felt like an Isley Bros song but with a 2020's sensibility. The bass line is pure class! And I would not expect anything less from a fellow Canuck. Sound/Instrument selection is bang on. The little arpeggios, glissandos, chimes, and percussion "fills" demonstrate ahigh level of care/intent. This one the beats I thought was the most "complete." You gave us a song. I heard a couple hook up, break up, and get back together with this beat.
 

BiggChev

StormBourneMusic
Battle Points: 267
Round 2:

@TWU - There's clean, then there's medical, research laboratory clean. Sonically, this is perfect. The drums have just enough thump, but don't take away from the smooth and lyrical nature of the beat. I really like that the sample chops have this great balance of sounding "choppy" but seamless. I've hear enough of your beat now to really appreciate you ear for samples. Your treatments and chops are sublime. You have such a deft touch for selection, placement, and layering. Personally, I thought this particular beat lacked variation...especially after finding out it was yours. I've hear you go way deeper and more elaborate with your sample chops...and more importantly, your song structure. I wish I was matched yo with one of your jazzier beat, as I genuinely think my guitar work top form. Regardless, I really liked this beat, and I can fully respect being knocked out by it.

@Iron Keys - I love everything about this beat. Great sample choice, great chops/patterns, and of course, the mix is spot on. This is just a personal hypothesis, but I think you stepped a bit to far out of your wheel house on this one. Does this sound dope? Absolutely! Does it speak to that mid 2000s Roc-a-Fella sound that I grew up on and love? Sure does! BUT...especially in the context of an "Iron Keys" song, I think it's generic. And I don't mean that in a bad way...when I was in high school, working with rappers, and asking dudes to use my beats in their cyphers, this is the type of beat they wanted. Its a sound and vibe that defined a generation...mostly because of the bounce and energy. Again, fundamentally, a perfect beat, but I think you went for energy and nostalgia instead of "IRON," I hope that makes sense and you appreciate it for compliment it is.

@DJ Excellence - The reverb and space you built into this beat impressive. Like, I can hear/feel where the back wall is of the room, through echo location, I can tell where the exit is, the smoking patio, and the bar. I wish I could explain it better, but the sense of 3-dimensional space is great. I'm hearing, and feeling those 60% swing drums. What I've learned to really appreciate about your drums, is that even with an 'engineered' swing, they have an SP1200 groove to them. I really like how you layered the soft subtle pad with the piano. In fact, it sounds like a filtered E-piano rather than a pad. Technically, I don't think this is your BEST beat. Mix and space wise, it's very well done. What I love about this beat, outside of the 90s boom-bap aesthetic, is that I feel like I'm standing in the middle of if. I hear this and I'm instantly 10 years old again, in Jamaica - Queens, in the middle of July, watching my older cousin get hustled in a dice game lol. Thank you for giving me that nostalgia trip.

@K-waz - @DJ Excellence said this was his favourite beat...and I think it may be mine as well. Bounce, timbre, energy, grit, and rawness...all round dope. I won't fan boy too hard, but you know I rate your drums. But, after listening to this beat...I think what I appreciate about your drums (aside from how hard they knock) is your use of strategic percussion. shakers, but they cut out her and there, layering tambs on snares? All around, cool little details...again things that are "felt" rather than "heard." My one singular critique, that descending string line...I wish it had a reverb or delay. While I appreciate the 'preemo' style choppiness of the beat, that's the one thing that had some ring to it. Otherwise...Jay-Z - Blueprint 1 worthy beat.

@Armani - this is one of my favourite beats from you! The chops and textures your built up right from the start are soo interesting and unique. I've been trying to copy your sound/instrument selection, because I think you have a great ear for bright resonant instruments (ethnic plucked strings/bright pianos) which adds a great dynamic range to your music (which is what I'm trying to crib from you). Personally, I think the big "miss" on this beat, is that you didn't trust your innate sense of melody. What I like the most about your music is that I can always come away, being able to hum the main theme to your tunes. I think with this song, you 1) waited to long to bring in that catchy melody 2) it wasn't presented as powerfully/prominently as you usually do. I think that may be a by-product of trying to stretch the beat out to 4 minutes (or at least as much of the 4 minutes as possible).

@Earsblower - This is a story...a journey...a SONG. Starting with a quick jump to high energy was a great 'narrative' choice. There's one thing that you did on this beat that I thought was beyond clever; at 0:42 I can't tell if it's 2 different pianos playing the same line, or a stacked harmony. regardless, whatever you did there, proved to be a great lift in energy and just enough of a 'switch up' to keep the beat interesting. Also, am I tripping? But is there a reversed pad/string/piano combo being used as both a harmonic base and texture? I think there is! So many cool little details in this. Even simple things like the ADSRs on your synths sound meticulously fined tuned. On top of all that, it also sounds like your blended samples and original composition, which takes a good ear. I mean, I expect this level of expertise from a Canuck...even a French one lol. Tres bien mon frere!
 

BiggChev

StormBourneMusic
Battle Points: 267
Round 3:

@TWU - ruff, rugged, and raw...but still kinda chill and introspective? This gives me early Def Jux vibes. Abstract, nu-school, but you can still hear the heart of NYC boom-bap in there. This beat has lots of character...but I think the mix takes aways from it...just a bit. While I like the high end sizzle and grit, I'm feeling a "dark and brooding" something that is being robbed by the overall brightness of the mix. I don't know how to explain it, but like "Shook Ones" if the 2khz was boosted. Great beat, and a great vibe, but there's a plodding, militant, angel of death quality of this beat, that I think a darker mix would help accentuate.

@DJ Excellence - It's interesting hearing you tap into this dark, gothic, near horror-core sound. I did not think this was you based on the overall timbre and tone of the beat. Love the drums, mix, and the space you created with this beat. I really loved how you used some subtle dissonance to develop tension and un-ease. Being completely honest, not my favourite from you...but it has a lot of character.

@Earsblower - I thought my Round 1 beat was 'epic' until I heard this. I appreciate how you used drums fills, licks, and counter licks to keep the beat interesting and consistently moving forward. Again, great execution of the little details. The filter drop on that synth bass is such a little thing that adds an extra layer of dynamics, and an organic, living/breathing quality to the track. One point of contention, the synths seemed to fighting the horns for space in the song. That being said, the combination of synths and brass is a great pairing!
 

BiggChev

StormBourneMusic
Battle Points: 267
Round 4:

@TWU - that jittery/staccato bass line that feeds directly into a sustain then slide is a masterful use of articulation. I usually come up with my bass lines by jamming live over my beat...not because I'm a good musician, but because articulations are hard to anticipate or program. I often use my scratch recordings as a reference when programming my bass lines. Log story, I know how much work goes into getting a nice bass line, with articulation being a big impact, so respects on what you did here. Great use of winds as ear candy. That slightly dissonant (chord extension?) at 0:19 was really thought provoking. First listen, I really liked the attitude, and slight tonal shift it added. Then I listened back and thought, "maybe it's too dissonant?" But you know what, the real descriptor is "spicy." Proof that applying too much academics to music can rob the enjoyment and listening/enjoyment experience. I don't know how much thought you put into that particular sound, but you definitely trusted your ears and it works.

@DJ Excellence - This sounds like it was mixed in 7.1 dolby or Apple immersive. There's a front, back, left/right, and top/bottom. I think you really maximized, and made great use of the 4 minute limit with this one - at least in terms of a fleshed out song structure and transitions/switches. ( @TWU - one of the reasons I think Excellence may have taken the round). This beat almost takes all the elements of quintessential "hip-hop" and distils it into this easily digestible format. Breakbeat? Check! Sample chops? Check! Scratches? Check! Growling bass? Check.

I'll admit, I was hella salty getting knocked in Round 2. But neither my R3 or R4 beats were as good as @TWU 's beats, and I can promise you, even if I made the final, the matchup wouldn't have been this epic. You two showed up and showed out!
 

Iron Keys

ILLIEN MBAPPÉ
ill o.g.
Battle Points: 829
@Iron Keys - I love everything about this beat. Great sample choice, great chops/patterns, and of course, the mix is spot on. This is just a personal hypothesis, but I think you stepped a bit to far out of your wheel house on this one. Does this sound dope? Absolutely! Does it speak to that mid 2000s Roc-a-Fella sound that I grew up on and love? Sure does! BUT...especially in the context of an "Iron Keys" song, I think it's generic. And I don't mean that in a bad way...when I was in high school, working with rappers, and asking dudes to use my beats in their cyphers, this is the type of beat they wanted. Its a sound and vibe that defined a generation...mostly because of the bounce and energy. Again, fundamentally, a perfect beat, but I think you went for energy and nostalgia instead of "IRON," I hope that makes sense and you appreciate it for compliment it is.

Love, bro. Appreciate you. Glad you enjoyed. And great feedback - I absolutely loved that era too.

I'm genuinely not sure what an 'Iron Keys' song is. Arvin said something similar recently. Would love to hear your perception of what an Iron Keys song/beat is?
 

BiggChev

StormBourneMusic
Battle Points: 267
Love, bro. Appreciate you. Glad you enjoyed. And great feedback - I absolutely loved that era too.

I'm genuinely not sure what an 'Iron Keys' song is. Arvin said something similar recently. Would love to hear your perception of what an Iron Keys song/beat is?

Anytime! I’ve been slow with my feedback lately, but you know I always try to respect Battlers by giving some props.

To me, an “Iron Beat” can be summed up to - fundamentals, modernes, and poignancy.

You have an ability to tap into “classic” sounds or tropes, while making them sound fresh. Going back to that article I wrote in “The Lab” about your concept of intent; you can get your musical ideas out and communicated quickly and efficiently. For example, and I’ve referenced this before, your beat for the Riot theme. There’s a hip-hop groove to it, as well as a melodic anchor that the listener can quickly latch on to. Of course, your pristine mixes.

Hope that makes sense.
 
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