AdonYS Takes Top Prize at Red Bull Batalla New York Regional Qualifier

The atmosphere at Brooklyn's Mercury Store was electric on Saturday (July) thanks to a fierce rap competition. In the Red Bull Battleof the regional qualifier, New York AdonYS emerged the winner, spitting every line alongside other MCs with an eye on the Red Bull Batalla USA National Finals in Miami in October. For the first time ever, fans will be able to watch the New York regional battle tonight (July 16) at 7 p.m. ET.

The event showcased the extraordinary talent gathered from across the country, with 16 aspiring Latin MCs — including 4ases, Eckonn, El Dømi, La Eminencia, Zkart, Kingkique and more — battling it out with incendiary rounds. Their exuberance and linguistic prowess confirmed the deep-rooted connection and evolving style of the Spanish freestyle community.

“Every time I rap, I take you in waves/ You're spoiled, you don't know how to grind a gun/ That's rap, tomorrow vacillón, this is hip-hop and also a sensation,” AdonYS spat in Spanish against Freites, a Venezuelan lyricist from Orlando, Florida, who was eventually defeated by the Dominican New Yorker. Both advanced to the national finals, along with Raiiden and Metricoh Flowster.

The battles were judged by a panel of three judges: rappers El Dilema, Snow Qlq and Latin Grammy nominee J Noa, the latter of whom the audience saw in action on the mic at the end of Batalla night.

Red Bull Batalla, now entering its sixth year in the United States, has grown throughout the Spanish-speaking world. The first Batalla (originally known as “Batalla de los Gallos”) took place in Puerto Rico in 2005, following the success of the blockbuster starring Eminem. 8 miles. The event has established itself as one of the largest Spanish-language freestyle competitions in the world, with an appeal to the battle-rap community and receiving more than 8,000 applications annually from hopefuls around the world.

The 2023 World Final in Bogota attracted more than 12,000 attendees, underscoring the event's wide appeal. Looking ahead, excitement is building for the 2024 World Final to be held at Madrid's Wizink Center on November 30, which sold out within a week of ticket release.

With each passing year, Red Bull Batalla continues to establish itself as a cultural phenomenon, pushing the boundaries of freestyle rap and showcasing the talent available in Hispanic communities.

Below, watch AdonYS win the regional title in New York and watch over a dozen rappers compete for the crown. The video will begin streaming at 7 p.m. ET.

The date for the Red Bull Batalla USA National Final in Miami in October will be announced soon.