Image via Complex Original
Freestyling is widely considered the purest form of art in hip-hop and a true measure of just how good an artist is at actually rapping on the spot. And while it's probably not as common for mainstream rappers to do as it once was, there are still moments where some of the top MCs in the game decide to go off the dome. In 2015, we've seen crazy freestyles from Meek Mill, Eminem, Action Bronson, Logic, and many more, proving that freestyling might happen less often but it will always be an integral part of hip-hop.
While there were high points in the freestyle game this year, there were also some fails that just can't be ignored. Whether it was Troy Ave trying to redeem his infamous "Phone Freestyle" and failing or the Game recycling bars...for years...the last 12 months saw it all and not in a good way. With 2015 wrapping up, we decided to round up some of the worst freestyles of the year. Prepare to be less than amazed.
Troy Ave Doesn't Use a Phone, Still Spits a Bad Freestyle
Date: June 26, 2015
The last time Troy Ave was on Sway in the Morning, home boy tried to pull a slick one by "freestyling" from his phone that he attempted to hide behind a bottle of water. C'mon, man, the whole point of freestyling is to be off the cuff—and not to use your phone! But phone or no phone, Troy Ave still didn't really come correct on this "Redemption" freestyle.
Young Thug Stumbles Through a Freestyle in Paris
Date: Nov. 10, 2015
Young Thug is one of the most popular rappers in 2015. Hell, even Sir Elton John is a fan of Thugga. Still, his freestyle earlier this year live on Paris TV was interesting to say the least. Thug, who is noted for his ability to come up with songs from scratch, doesn't usually freestyle, but fans probably expected more than this. At least Thug gave fans plenty of fire throughout the year to make up for it.
The Game Has Been Recycling Bars for Years
Date: March 11, 2015
How many times can the Game recycle his lyrics from "InfraRED"? Apparently enough for his diehard fans to notice and call him out in YouTube comments. This guy is not playing, and he seems to be in love with his "red rose white ceiling." Like, really in love. It may be good to reuse and recycle for the planet, but when it comes to freestyles—you gotta find a brand new one.
Young Money Fails to Deliver
Date: March 16, 2015
This is what the next generation of Young Money has come to: 13 minutes and 31 seconds of sadness. With the exception of Cory Gunz, who manages to fire up, but Lil Wayne's freestyle is the most ludicrous of them all. The Young Money General can barely keep his eyes open while he delivers and continues to go after Birdman, with lines like “I sing 'Dear Mama' to my dear mama and sing 'Hit Em Up' to my daddy bitch ass.” Weezy even throws up the middle finger during this verse, driving his feelings home.
Bobby Brown Raps About Robbing People
Date: Oct. 26, 2015
Bobby Brown passes the "5 Fingers of Death," but the singer had it easier than most, as he was able to sing his way through a few beats. The man has the voice to get his message across, but freestyling about robbing people? Stay in your lane, Bobby.
O.T. Genasis Comes Up Short
Date: March 11, 2015
Everyone knows O.T. Genasis is in love with the coco, but did they know he can spit? The man pours himself a cup of Courvoisier and gets right to it, but only for three minutes. "Top three rappers? O.T., O.T., and O.T." Slow your roll, man. You only get to say that if you can spit for more than a few minutes.