🏆The Reigning Champ🏆
While we are currently witnessing one of the most prolific runs in battle rap history, a pivotal question remains: What is next for Tay Roc?
After securing the Champion of the Year (COTY) title for 2024, Tay Roc has continued his dominant streak with no signs of slowing down. At this stage in his career, his style and delivery have become a veritable cheat code, allowing him to grind his opponents down with sheer force of will. He possesses a high-energy, passionate flow that translates with equal potency both in the room and on camera.
Such consistent success naturally warrants a closer look at his level of competition. To be fair, Roc has faced top-tier talent this year—including Jey the Nitewing, Lu Castro, and Real Sikh— so his pedigree certainly justifies the conversation regarding back-to-back COTY belts. However, if Tay Roc wants to move into the “God Tier” conversation, he needs to change his trajectory.
What are the next steps to achieving that specific status? I believe the answer is simple: to be a god, you must face god-tier talent. And the specific deity I have in mind is the one and only Loaded Lux.
Why the Time is Now
As Tay Roc’s status within the culture grows, the list of opponents that make sense for his career progression gets smaller and smaller. He has essentially moved into a phase of his career where “less is more.”
Roc needs to begin choosing his battles with strict intention to ensure he doesn’t become oversaturated or suffer from “pen fatigue.” Furthermore, waiting too long is a gamble. He could put himself in a position that precludes him from a Lux battle if his dominance begins to wane or if he takes a catastrophic loss.
We saw this happen with J.C. There was a moment where J.C. seemed on the verge of landing the Lux battle, but he took several bad losses right when the public thought he was ready. The energy behind that campaign was siphoned like gas from a fuel tank.
The time is now for Tay Roc to take his place among the elite by becoming a “God Slayer.” To claim that title, he has to put down either Loaded Lux or Murda Mook, arguably the only two undisputed god-tier emcees in the sport. With Mook seemingly a close ally to Roc, the only name that makes logical sense is Loaded Lux.
Time for a Call Out
If you know anything about Tay Roc, you know he never shies away from a fight. Therefore, it is time for a public call-out.
If we aren’t going to see him face off against Eazy The Block Captain—a matchup that I believe is excellent for the culture and makes sense for both emcees—then Roc must start targeting names above him. Currently, Eazy and Roc are on the same level; in a sense, they demand the same respect, which is why that battle feels necessary. However, it doesn’t seem like the two parties can get on the same page, and we all know that Eazy has serious friction with URL (Ultimate Rap League) staff.
With that door potentially closed, Roc should turn his sights to Loaded Lux. After all, what does he have to lose? It is becoming increasingly difficult for Lux to duck any man widely considered the #1 contender for the top spot. If Roc fails to win, critics might say he isn’t on Lux’s level, but that wouldn’t dismantle his existing legacy. However, a win changes the narrative instantly. It would cement his place in battle rap not just as a legend, but as a figure ascending to God Tier status. Defeating Lux puts him on the very short list of emcees you must watch to truly understand the GOAT conversation
Level Up
Navigating a career once you reach the top, as Tay Roc has, is no easy task. While he is doing a great job with the backing of URL, as a fan, I want to see him ascend to that final level.
Not many emcees ever get this opportunity, and fewer still are able to capitalize on it once it is within reach. We have seen the likes of Hollow Da Don and J.C. arguably reach a point where they were in consideration for God Tier, only to fail to secure the right wins to be taken seriously in that bracket.
It is time for Tay Roc to strike while the iron is hot. He needs to make himself a God Tier battle rapper—something the culture knows he already is, but something he still needs to prove to the history books.
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