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JUDGES' BREAKDOWN

1. Klopfenpop

   6.67/10 score · rank #18 of 22
   VOCALS 7

   PRODUCTION 6

   CHALLENGE 7

   I love the sample chop work on this, but I'd love to hear less exploratory ideas in sequence, and more of a thoughtful compilation/collage of the most compelling patterns you found in your exploration. You've got a good natural ear for chops, some more time honing in your ideas into a cohesive whole will serve your productions very well. I'd also love to hear you find more compelling ways to layer samples from different sources together. Henry absolutely brought it. I can tell Henry definitely has some experience with creative writing. Starting out with an introduction to our speaker is a classic way to open a rap verse. I like that you are exploring rhymes schemes. You wrote some really great bars! I'd love to hear you work on planning out how the bars will fit together. One of the things that is always a challenge for new emcees (especially when they start as young as you have!) is getting the getting the different lines you wrote to really flow together, one right into the next. We think more in little chunks, just like you wrote. But when we have conversations, we start to flow through ideas, blending one right into the next. Not every rap has to flow smoothly the entire time, but you want to make sure *you* are the one in control of deciding when it should flow and when you want to break the pattern. Setting an expectation for the listener, then subverting that expectation can be a really powerful tool. Your singing vocals sound great, too! I love the energy you brought to your bars. One of the most important thing about rapping is letting your whole self shine through your voice and performance, and you've got that down great!

2. LEX the Lexicon Artist

   6.00/10 score · rank #16 of 22
   VOCALS 5

   PRODUCTION 6

   CHALLENGE 7

   ..What? Robot C: If the vocalist is really a 10 year old, props to them for being a way better rapper than I was at 10. However, I am still gonna be judging you against legal adults... great effort! Jared Sparks: Really cool that the entire beat is made out of samples. I think it works for this piece, but was a bit minimalistic and could use more elements. Challenge was achieved though it's a simple execution of "This is me rapping as a character".

3. Richie Branson

   4.33/10 score · rank #22 of 22
   VOCALS 3

   PRODUCTION 5

   CHALLENGE 5

   The kid voice gets a 10. Beat is ok, I’m kinda not sure what to say about this one lol. As a song it doesn’t really resonate, but it is a neat soundscape. Henry, keep your head up!

4. Mark Cooper

   7.33/10 score · rank #13 of 22
   VOCALS 5

   PRODUCTION 7

   CHALLENGE 10

   I have to say, I was definitely not expecting this. This was too cool. Very fun Beat and sample flip. I overall get the concept, but delivery could use a little work. Love the message of the challenge and the effort put towards this. Keep going!

5. Ben Tarkus

   8.00/10 score · rank #9 of 22
   VOCALS 7

   PRODUCTION 7

   CHALLENGE 10

   This one I had to do a little research on to understand a bit of the reference, but after understanding a bit, I think this was a unique and interesting take on the challenge. Kinda like the idea of a frustrated little kid rapping a la The Streets. I think the Challenge was nailed here for sure. I do think there's a bit of polish missing here from the children's angle that both has charm but also means I can't give it a perfect score. There's a lot of room for growth here, but in a good way- you're nowhere near your ceiling. I want to see more of what you cook up in future rounds!