Red Bull Batalla's Texas Showdown: The Ultimate Spanish Freestyle Competition

World's biggest Spanish-freestyle competition taps two MCs from Houston for National Final in Dallas

Photo by Violeta Alvarez

Feature by Ky Meyer | Photography by Violeta Alvarez

HOUSTON, Texas - The Red Bull Batalla's USA Regional Qualifier competition made its first ever stop in Houston mid August, bringing together the best MCs from Texas and across the country.

The Texas showdown featured sixteen remarkable wordsmiths taking the Red Bull stage. It was a distinguished group, some of whom had already earned regional championship titles. These elite lyricists were picked to partake in a bracket-style tournament battle, and within the illustrious ensemble, half of the contenders proudly come from the Lone Star State. Representing vibrant locales like Austin, El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston, these MCs showcase their talents. Yet, each of the sixteen participants was fueled by a shared ambition – to secure their place in the coveted National USA Final, a grand event scheduled for Dallas this November. 

Magimbri took home the top MC trophy

This crescendo is only a portion of the global voyage, which will conclude in December in Columbia, Mexico, at the Red Bull Batalla World Champions.

"The qualifier competition brought out some of the best talent we've seen from Texas. It really showcased how relevant the Spanish freestyle community is to Htown," said Trey Hicks of Painting Pictures PR. 

The master of ceremonies was none other than Texas' own Omar Cadena, celebrated as Fluffy The Host. Co-hosting alongside was esteemed Racso White Lion. The renowned panel of judges overseeing the Houston qualifier included acclaimed MC Skiper, who holds the title of the 2021 National Champion of Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos in Mexico; Chester who is an enduring figure within the California scene; and Barba, a skilled lyricist hailing proudly from the nearby city of Austin, Texas.

Fluffy the Host

MAGIMBRI WINS!

Amplifying the vibrant atmosphere, an alluring parlor market area showcased a pop-up tattoo shop offering complimentary tattoos. Some of Houston's hottest local tattoo artists were in the mix, including Omar from Assassin Tattoo Houston, Vito, and Sandee from It Always Hurts Tattoo, along with well-respected Houston hip-hop MC Juan Gotti. Guests were provided with an array of tattoo art designs to select from, infusing a unique layer of creativity into the experience.

The competition had intense stages that featured face-to-face matches between aspiring MCs where they exhibited their most brilliant rhymes, wordplay, and charisma. Hundreds of fans stopped by Metropolis to support the thriving Spanish-freestyle scene. This specific Red Bull showcase of talent transcends borders, uniting the best Spanish-speaking freestylers. 

Top MC of the night: Magimbri from San Antonio

Following a ferocious battle in Houston,  Magimbri from San Antonio took home the trophy as the top MC of the night. Red Bull has now invited 16 MCs from across the US to compete for a spot at the Red Bull Batalla National Final in Dallas this November. In the end, all four qualifying MCs from the Houston event hailed from the state of Texas including Magimbri (San Antonio), Lies (Houston), White Caracas (Houston), and Estany (San Antonio)!

For the Red Bull Batalla Houston grand finale, the spotlight was turned to one of the biggest rising stars in Texas, rap sensation, That Mexican OT, who delivered a special, post-battle concert that left the crowd cheering for more. 

GALLERY: Red Bull Batalla Houston 

Photography by Violeta Alvarez

---

VIDEO RECAPS

www.redbullbatalla.com

Facebook: @RedBullBatalla 
Instagram: @redbullbatalla 
YouTube: @RedBullBatalla 
TikTok: @redbullbatalla 
Twitter: @redbullbatalla 

Judges
MC Skiper @skiper_rmz
Chester @clapchester
Barba @pillo_barba12

MC’s
ROBLE, @Crisbrawl - Las Vegas, NV
Izes, @Izesflw  - Orlando, FL
4ASES, @4asesg  - Denver, Colorado 
Macías, @maciasfreestyle - Colorado Springs, CO
PiPØ,  - Miami, FL 
Pailot, @Manupailot - Atlanta, GA
Metricoh Flowster - New York City, NY
Mauro Mc, @Mauro.mc_ - New York City, NY
Lies, @Truelietruth - Houston, TX
Gio, @Gio.vsc - Houston, TX
ESTANY, @Estany_ - Houston, TX
White Caracas, @Whitecaracas - Houston, TX
Micky Ricon, @Mickyricon - San Antonio, TX
Magimbri, @Magimbri - San Antonio, TX 
Jordi, @Jordi.esparza  - Austin, TX 
Montgomery, @davidm_montgomery  - El Paso, TX
 
Tattoo Artists
Juan Gotti @eljuangotti
Omar @omar_ta2
Vito @elvatovito
Sandee @tattsbysand
 
DJs
DJ Lobo, @go_dj214
Urban Rapstars @urbanrapstars
DJ Gracie Chavez @lagraciechavez

---