War of Words: Battle Rap in the UK

A besuited teacher versus a 17-year-old schoolboy. Unlikely opponents in a contemporary British battle rap that has its roots in the American East Coast hip-hop scene. Perhaps it was darker there, but just like back in the day, the modern version is about verbally intimidating your opposition. War of Words energetically portrays the largest subculture in British hip-hop. The films centres around rap champions Marlo and Shuffle T, who look more like internet nerds than tough hip-hop guys, as they prepare for battle against Detroit legends Marv Won and Quest McCody. Top British rappers explain how their scene developed and took off. From the squares and alleyways in front of two people to proper venues where everyone – young, old, poor, rich, white, black, male or female – is appreciated as long as they obey the scene's unwritten rules. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)