Block Battle: the first edition, as told by its protagonists

Block Battle 2025: a new tradition is born

When we announced the first Block Battle, we weren't quite sure what to expect. Maybe fifty people, a few local rappers, a quiet evening. Instead, over three hundred people showed up, and the town square turned into a genuine cultural arena.

The challenge

The format was simple: two rounds of 1-on-1 freestyle, a crowd-chosen jury, no mandatory theme. Whoever convinces, whoever makes people laugh, whoever makes people think — or whoever simply makes the mic tremble — wins.

Sixteen emcees battled it out in the rap portion; eight b-boys and b-girls put on a show in the breaking category.

Voices from the protagonists

"I wasn't expecting such a big crowd. I nearly had a panic attack before going up, then the words just came on their own."
— Alessio T., finalist

"It was my first competition. I lost, but I learned more that night than in six months of practice."
— Chiara M., breaking participant

"Block Battle proved that Salento isn't just tarantella. There's a whole generation that wants to express itself through hip-hop."
— DJ Rocco, resident DJ for the evening

The winners

- Freestyle rap: Vito "Sparo Rime" Leccese (Lecce)
- Breaking: Federica "Fly" Rizzo (Gallipoli)

The next edition

Block Battle returns in 2026 with an expanded format: more categories, more days, more artists. Follow our social channels so you don't miss the dates.