The "map-dal-han" battle that swung between competition and cooperation truly exploded on "Hip Hop Princess."
On the 31st, episode 3 of Mnet's Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Hop Princess (hereinafter "Hip Hop Princess") aired, ushering in the prelude to the second track competition, and as a preliminary skirmish a 1 vs 1 creative battle unfolded, stimulating viewers' dopamine. Trainers' panel members such as Capri, Mac Daddy, Peddy, QM, Sins, and Bessy delivered in-depth evaluations that added tension to the scene.
This 1 vs 1 creative battle was an important gateway that would determine the direction of the second track competition, the "main producer new song mission." The "benefit" awarded to the winner ignited fierce competition, and battles were further energized by selecting a "best creative battle," where everyone received benefits regardless of win or loss, and a "worst creative battle," where nobody received benefits. Participants shifted between competition and teamwork, showcasing different styles of battles that kept viewers glued to the screen.
Many contestants also appeared who showed perfect rhythm like a team. Coco and Kim Do-i, who staged their performance with "Smoke," executed the killing point microphone toss choreography flawlessly, sending shivers through the venue, and the original song's composer Peddy praised it, saying it felt like a "Smoke remix version." S University student Han Hee-yeon, a "collector of admissions to prestigious universities," Rino, the younger brother of Keita of the group EVNNE, Sena and Min-ji who displayed warm teamwork, and Lee Joo-eun and Lee Seo-hyun, who infused the stage with the identity of "gyopo," presented harmonies among a variety of combinations even in a closely contested match.
On the other hand, there were teams that showed their "spicy taste" without restraint. Kwon Do-hee, confident in rap, and Mia, strong in dance, created extreme tension with sudden actions and tears amid irreconcilable differences of opinion. Kim Su-jin and Choi Ga-yoon staged a tense duel like two tigers facing off, and the atmosphere grew so fierce that someone in the venue even asked, "Aren't they really fighting?" The match between Coco-ro, who had no trainee experience, and Nam Yu-ju, on her fourth survival audition, also drew attention, but Nam Yu-ju shed tears after a fatal rap mistake.
A memorable scene that confused the trainers and led to a rematch was also born. Niko, Japan's No. 1, and Yoon Seo-young, Korea's No. 1, the two contestants ranking first and second overall, delivered performances that filled the stage with rap, and after tying they even launched into an impromptu freestyle rap that had everyone on edge. The competition was so fierce that someone at the scene said, "We should do an infinite cypher." In the end, Niko won, maintaining an unshakable first place, but the two showed respect for each other and left a heartwarming impression that went beyond competition.
In the much-anticipated best creative battle and worst creative battle, reversals were staged and joy and sorrow diverged. Coco & Kim Do-i and Lee Joo-eun & Lee Seo-hyun, who received praise from the panel, were selected for the best creative battle, while Lee Chae-yeon & Choi Yu-min and Miyabi & Hanabi, who left disappointments due to consecutive mistakes, were selected for the worst creative battle and none of them received benefits.
Meanwhile, the next broadcast will officially kick off the second track competition, the "producer new song mission." The second vote, taking place amid attention from global fans, is also adding to the excitement. The second vote runs through Nov. 6 (Thu) at 12 p.m. KST, and votes can be cast via Mnet Plus in Korea and global regions and via U-NEXT in Japan.
"Hip Hop Princess" airs on Mnet every Thursday at 9:50 p.m. KST and is available in Japan through U-NEXT.
[Photo] Provided by Mnet
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