On the eastern edge of Bedford-Stuyvesant — a Brooklyn neighborhood synonymous with hip-hop excellence — a tiny wellness center is tucked between a Pentecostal church and a real estate office.
On certain nights, one could be excused for thinking this is a waiting room and not what it actually is: a battleground.
Here, in this unassuming room, the Trap NY — one of several battle rap leagues based in New York City — hosts most of its events.
But those tapped into today’s vibrant and multilayered battle rap ecosystem know that this modest gym is far more than a setting where wannabe rappers roast each other.
Founded by Tyrell Reid, known as No Mercy, the Trap NY is a well-known institution where future stars of this culture are born.
Persons:
Eminem, Anthony Mackie, Tyrell Reid
Organizations:
Stuyvesant
Locations:
Bedford, Brooklyn, New York City