It’s official, The Saurus vs PH has been confirmed for KOTD’s Carnage event, taking place in Toronto on May 4th. The winner will go on to face the current KOTD Champion, PoRich, in a title shot most likely to take place at this year’s World Domination event. Yesterday, we took a look at why many feel that The Saurus deserves a chance at the chain. Today, we take a look at what PH has done to earn himself a title shot, and why it’s hard to argue otherwise.
The man formerly known as Pumpkinhead, has made a name for himself that goes well beyond the world of battle rap. From gaining notoriety as a b-boy at an early age, his breakthrough single “Dynamic” being featured on numerous late-90′s mixtapes,to the 2005 release of his album “Orange Moon Over Brooklyn” receiving critical acclaim. Then there is the classic guest appearances on numerous notable albums, including his verse on Immortal Technique’s “Peruvian Cocaine” from Revolutionary Vol. 2. PH has been a mainstay in the New York Hip Hop scene, going back nearly 30 years.
PH has never been one to rest on his laurels, though. His history with the world of battle rap, goes back nearly as long. Growing up in Brooklyn, PH would often have to prove his skills in battles, long before they were posted to YouTube. PH earned himself recognition in NY’s notorious battle scene during the late 90′s and early 00′s. The Saurus often gets recognized for being a two-time Scribble Jam and WRC champion, but PH is no stranger to tournaments either. He managed to win Braggin’ Rights two years in a row, and had impressive showings in Blaze Battles tournaments, as well.
This isn’t to say that PH deserves his chance at the KOTD chain, because of his past accomplishments, quite the opposite. If nothing else, PH has proven that he has the ability to adapt and stay relevant, to continually prove himself to the next generation, time and time again. He is one of the few battle rappers, who has shown he can succeed in both the written and freestyle eras. His transition to the current generation of battle rap, began with a victory over one of the top battlers of this generation, in Dizaster. He also managed to transition from GTEC President, into one of the top battlers in the division.
PH has proven himself once again, in each of his four King of the Dot battles. It’d be harm to blame him, if he’d asked for high profile opponents, or expected some sort of special treatment, he’d earned it. Instead, he accepted battles with some of Canada’s tougher talent to beat. Battlers who might not get the recognition of their North American counterparts. Battlers who would use a battle with PH to further establish their own resumes. Battlers who had proven they knew how to win.
PH has played a big part in raising the profiles of King of the Dot’s home-grown talent. Skelly went from an undervalued and seldom mentioned local, to a name in his own right, gaining himself a high profile battle with Passwurdz. Similar situations took place with Arcane and Aftershock as well, following their battles with PH. It’s safe to say, that even having PH as an opponent, motivated these battlers to put their best foot forward. Regardless of the outcomes of these battles, PH has consistently shown he’s willing to do what’s best for the King of the Dot promotion.
The fact that he managed to win each of the four battles, while being the outsider, makes it all the more impressive. The fact that two of his four opponents, were past King of the Dot champions, is what ultimately leaves no doubt. Arcane is the man who beat The Saurus for the chain, and PH was able to beat him, despite an impressive performance. Sketch Menace followed his controversial title loss to PoRich, by facing PH, and PH took the opportunity to once again prove he deserves a shot, by beating the ex-champ convincingly.
Whether or not PH goes on to win the battle with The Saurus on May 4th, and follow it up by winning the championship from PoRich, there is no question he has earned himself the opportunity.
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