Grind Time Heavyweights pt.1: The Saurus (NorthwestAllDay)

[Got Pang?]

Two time World Rap Champion TheSaurus has been putting in work on the battle scene for a long time now. One half of the tag team that was victorious in not only one, but two freestyle competitions, he has more than made a name for himself. WRC isn't the only thing on Saurus's resume, just one of the more recent accomplishments. From freestyling, to written battles on Grind time, to working on music with one of the dopest producers on the West Coast, he has proved he can change with the times. All I Know Is That!

9DM: How did you end up linking with Illmaculate for the World Rap Championships?

TheSaurus: illmac and I actually first linked as a battle team in 2005 for a battle in San jose, Cali called Mind Games where we finished in the top 4 respectively, and then we won that event the following year in Oakland. The WRC talk came up after we both competed at Spin the Mic in 2006 (jerked)haha and once the format for it was finalized the cats from Jumpoff brought us out to NY to compete.

9DM: You were one of the first freestyle legends to convert to the written format. How was the transistion? It seemed pretty effortless.

TheSaurus: Yeah the transition actually felt inevitable to me a certain point even while freestyle battles still reigned supreme. Internet footage had a lot to do with it because as battle emcees became more accesible to watch frequently, it was only natural for fellow competitors to be at least premeditating lines whether they can help it or not. Also, given the money some of the major events were paying at the time, it partly comes down to making a smart business decision and putting yourself in a position to win. With 10K on the line you'd be a fool to not have at least an idea or two ready for someone you see posing as a threat. Then the acapella format became the regular theme, and it doesnt exactly cater to freestyle filler haha, plus people start learning who opponents were ahead of time so it was really a natural progression. The transition to the full written format's been pretty seemless, and its brought a lot of talented writers to the forefront who might not have had the success on the freestyle battle circuit(for real men). either way, i dig it

Props to the dudes over @ NorthwestAllDay for this interview, there's more... so check the link below!

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW - CLICK HERE!!

[baysics]

Hollohan vs. TheSaurus: gonna be a good one!