Spanish MC Gazir completed 200 freestyle rap battles in 11 hours, 23 minutes and 14 seconds in Gijón on November 7, winning 197 and losing three. Red Bull said a Guinness World Records adjudicator verified the record for the most rap battles completed in 12 hours.
The 24-year-old, whose birth name is Gabriel Sánchez Poyal, faced 250 competitors at the Red Bull Gazir Contra Todos event. He beat Mexico’s Aczino in his final battle after earlier losses to Babi, Skone and Bnet, according to Red Bull’s results.
Gazir won his first 115 battles before Babi handed him his first defeat. The event’s rules required him to finish within 12 hours and lose no more than 10 battles. He completed the challenge with time to spare and three losses overall.
Preparation for an endurance challenge
The rapper said his preparation included work with a personal trainer, nutritionist, psychologist and vocal specialists. In September and October, he followed a schedule involving gym sessions, tailored meals and practice designed to help him maintain his voice and performance over a long stretch.
During the record attempt, he had 20 seconds between battles and a four-minute break after every 40. He drank water and isotonic drinks and ate fruit during the short pauses. A fitness ring he wore estimated that he burned about 3,000 calories.
Gazir, who studies physics at the University of Oviedo, said he relied on improvisation rather than preparing lines in advance. He has earned a living as a freestyler since he was about 17 and described Spain’s freestyle scene as mature, with professional leagues and competitions at national and international levels.
He plans to keep competing and is considering learning to freestyle in English, which he described as a difficult but worthwhile challenge.
Clayton Ward