Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 22, 2017

Ness LeevsPass

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180K
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Community Verdict

Verdict
Winner
58% confidence
Score
21

In a highly debatable and lyrical classic, the fan consensus narrowly favors Ness Lee. While Pass was consistently sharp, Ness's more complex schemes and incredibly potent third round, which included a masterclass name flip, appeared to give him the decisive edge in a battle many consider a 2-1 either way.

Round-by-Round
Rd 1PassPass came out of the gate with a strong, confident delivery and precise bars. He established a commanding presence early, landing several clean punches that won over the crowd.
Rd 2Ness LeeThis was the most debatable round. Ness Lee found his rhythm and began weaving intricate, multi-layered bars that showcased his penmanship. He edged the round with lyrical density, even if Pass's performance was cleaner.
Rd 3Ness LeeNess Lee delivered the standout round of the battle. His scheme breaking down the word 'Pass' was a definitive moment that many fans cited as the reason he secured the victory. It was a powerful and creative close to the clash.
Analysis

In what became the surprise highlight of KOTD's Blackout 7 event, veterans Ness Lee and Pass delivered a lyrical classic born from circumstance. After their original opponents backed out, the two wordsmiths were matched up on short notice and proceeded to put on a clinic in pure penmanship. The battle was a dense, bar-heavy affair, largely eschewing aggression and performance for high-level writing and mutual respect, earning the label of a "battler's battle" from the community.

The clash was celebrated for its immense replay value, with fans discovering new layers to the rhymes with each viewing. While many called the battle debatable, a slight majority leaned towards Ness Lee, largely due to a show-stopping third round and some of the night's most memorable lines, including a widely quoted bar about Pass's mixed heritage. The bout stands as a testament to professionalism and skill, a slept-on gem that proved two legends could create magic even without preparation.

01Ness Lee's line, "When the cops pull up and yell 'chase that nigga'... your black side runs, your white side chases that nigga!" was the most quoted bar of the battle, praised for its humor and cleverness.
02Fans repeatedly highlighted that the battle was put together on short notice after both rappers' original opponents no-showed, making the high quality of the performances even more impressive.
03In his third round, Ness Lee executed a complex scheme breaking down Pass's name, which many viewers considered the turning point that won him the battle.
04Pass landed a clever flip with "Hello dark-Ness my old friend," which was noted by fans as a sharp and memorable moment.
What fans loved
  • Fans widely regarded the battle as a lyrical classic, especially impressive given it was arranged on short notice.
  • Ness Lee's third round, particularly his scheme breaking down Pass's name, was frequently cited as a highlight of the battle.
  • The mutual respect shown between the two veterans was praised by commenters, who appreciated the focus on lyricism.
  • Pass's distinct vocal presence and confident Oakland-style flow were consistently highlighted as strengths.
  • The creative and humorous nature of the bars, rather than a reliance on aggression, was a major point of praise.
Criticisms
  • Some viewers felt the live crowd was subdued and failed to react to many of the more complex bars from both rappers.
  • A few comments noted that Pass's beard appeared to be interfering with his lapel microphone, causing minor audio issues.
  • Several fans pointed out that some of Pass's rounds felt shorter than his opponent's.
  • A small number of viewers found Ness Lee's delivery could be clearer at times, making it difficult to catch all his intricate lines live.

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