LaSparka (pictured on the right with Lil G) runs the Vancouver division of King of the Dot, Canada’s largest and most successful rap battle league. He manages talent, books matches, hosts the events and keeps everything running smoothly. Slowly but surely, local battlers are earning more respect internationally and the growth of the battle rap culture here at home can largely be attributed to the tireless effort of La Sparka and his staff.
Q: Can you tell me a little about how you came to be president of the Vancouver division of KOTD?
A: I battled a few times and went to the shows over the course of a couple years. I began to help Emotionz with the league and partnered with him and he could see I had a passion for it. When Emotionz decided to step down to pursue his music, I stepped in to keep King of the Dot in Vancouver. I didn’t want the scene to die and I felt I was involved enough to inherit the position. But in all honesty, I prefer to be called the Team Captain of the Vancouver Division. Or Le Capitaine. Or El Capo… Or the Big C.
Q: What is the most misunderstood aspect of the battle rap culture?
A: That we are all racist or homophobic. People use a lot of offensive lines and content when battling and it lends itself to this criticism. But ultimately we are participating in something that is meant to insult your opponent. And at times it rhymes. King of the Dot’s battlers and staff are a very multicultural group of people and I feel if anyone involved was truly racist or prejudiced like that, they wouldn’t be involved at all.
Q: What about rap battles do you love?
A: I love laughing till I cry. It happens a lot. Especially in Lil G battles. Im a sucker for a joke, definitely. I appreciate the lyricism aspect, but I like battles that make me laugh.
Q: What can you tell me about the next KOTD event in Vancouver?
A: Its going to be called First Defence, because the first ever and reigning Ground Zero champion DDSS (Vancouver) is taking on former King of the Dot Champion and Winner of King of the Dot’s 2 Versus 2 Grand Prix Porich (Toronto) for the Ground Zero Championship. It will be on July 26th at Fortune Sound Club at 5:00pm to 10:30pm. There are 6 other battles that have yet to be announced with 6 battlers traveling into Vancouver from out of town. Organik, Gully the Kid, Bishop Brigante and Canadian beatbox legend Scott Jackson will all be in attendance. This is the first time Organik has been to Vancouver for a KOTD event since 2010. I’m hoping its going to be our best Vancouver event yet. I will start announcing the events after the BOLA 5 event on June 28th in Los Angeles. The PPV for that event can be ordered on kotd.tv the following day.
Q: As the culture evolves how do you see Vancouver’s growth as a division of KOTD?
A: I think Vancouver has some of the best up and coming talent in the league. This talent allows me to book bigger matches and bring in more people to Vancouver events. I see the division growing alongside a deep roster of dope battlers that by doing their thing, help me throw good shows.
Q: Who are some of Vancouver’s most promising new battlers?
A: DekstOne killed his Prove Yoself performance at our last event. Copasetic also was able to survive the god Lil G in a great showing in Prove Yoself as well. Too many to name.
Q: What do you look for when assessing talent?
A: Writing and Performance are both equally important when trying to decide who will fit in the league. I think performance can be an easier thing to teach but a harder thing to do, whereas writing is sort of a natural ability and is based off your originality and wit.
Q: DDSS won the Ground Zero champion for Vancouver a few months ago, what are your thoughts about that and his upcoming title defense?
A: I’m excited. One of my proudest moments as capitano was seeing DDSS win the Ground Zero tournament and win the championship. Porich is a great opponent and a Canadian battle rap legend. Its a heavy matchup and a really good look for Vancouver to have the first Ground Zero title defense.
Q: What is the most challenging part of organizing an event?
A: Setting up matches months before events, finding venues, dealing with rapper’s egos. Some of it is pretty difficult, but its really rewarding when you see your events come together. When you get a good crowd and everyone’s having a good time, reacting and watching the battles.
Q: Would you ever step back into the ring again?
A: Maybe if the money was right. 50 to 75 dollars. Hahaha. All jokes aside, I’m probably better suited to put on the events and host. But check out La Sparka vs Julez Zee on Ground Zero.
Shout out to Hip Hop Vancouver, El Cheapo, Cariboo and Willie B Faithful for helping out with the Division. And the rest of the King of the Dot #SQUAD. Thanks