World Clash 2004: Clash History was made as Kat’s Winning Streak Continues!

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Category: Reviews

Author: Keechiana
Publishing date: 16.10.2004 14:31

When Irish and Chin set out to bring the sound clash industry some much needed shine in 1997, we didn’t expect that they would lock down the whole industry and take the clash world by storm! Since 1998 when the first “World Clash” event took place, Irish and Chin have set their sites on making the event bigger and better every year; and, 2004 was no exception. This years World Clash let patrons see how wicked a European crew can get and also made history as the crowd looked on to see the reigning champ lock down another show.

World Clash 2004

For 2004, World Clash boasted a full lineup including: Black Kat, One Love, Ricky Trooper, LP International, Young Hawk, and Klassique. The event was hosted by promoters Irish and Chin, as Tony Matterhorn was not able to make it due to visa complications. The Clash took place at Club Amazura in Queens, NY in what was the biggest Clash to date. Young Hawk hit hard and early with some noteworthy forwards from Sizzla’s “Rise to the Occasion.” Hawk also left their mark in round one with various dubs from the Hypocrite Riddim including Bushman’s “Fire Bun a Weak Heart.” Though Young Hawk took complete control of the crowd with their hypnotic opener, attention quickly turned to the Italian sound, One Love who made their Clash entrance known with their trademark “Godfather” theme. The crew hyped up the crowd with various Sizzla and Chuck Fenda dubs, but it was Richie Spice’s “The way you’re Living” and “Jah Jah Bless Me” that made One Love a serious contender in the first round. After a little big up to Brooklyn, LP International opened with a special World Clash version of Cocoa Tea’s “Tune In”. There was a slight lull in crowd response as LP Int. played Luciano and Pinchers dubs. However, they quickly recovered with a series of Bounty Killer dubs on the Duck Riddim. LP kept the roaring Buju and Cobra dubs on the Hot Wax riddim and completely wrecked it for the first round. It was apparent early that Trooper did not set out to lock down the Clash in round one. They did however receive big forwards from a new Danville dub. Klassique also laid low in round one with Stalag riddim dubs yielding little crow response. Black Kat was able to make a notable mark on round one with Jah Massons “Sound Boy Gone,” which gave them their largest crowd response in the first round. However, LP was able to take the first round in an extremely close count.

Young Hawk opened up HUGE in round two! The crew was able to augment a television interview in which Trooper’s voice can be heard claiming he and Freddy are “battymen” and that there was only room for one of them in the Clash. The clip received mad crowd response and gave way to expert riddim juggling and new Bounty Killer dubs that kept the crowd going. Young Hawk’s performance took a quick turn in the wrong direction, however, as Jaime and the selector had a miscommunication which led to errors that could not be overlooked. One Love enjoyed another successful round, as they focused on new tracks in round two. They held the crowds attention as they played some new Chuck Fender and Richie spice. One Love also received big forwards as they juggled custom made tracks aimed at Young Hawk, Panther and Black Kat. LP entered round two with descent response as they played Akon’s “Locked Up” with Vybz Kartel. LP then offered a series of Sanchez, Luciano, and Buju dubs on the Heavenless riddim with the crowd providing positive feedback. The team then went on to play vintage Buju and followed up with some juggling on the Punaany riddim. LP owned the high note of the entire round as they played Tony Matterhorn’s Black Kat dis on “Kill Black Kat Sound Tonight.” It was clear early that Trooper did not quite have the crowd on his side. They received minimal feedback with some juggling on the Cuss Cuss and Dancehall Rock riddims. Klassique also had little to offer and it was then a wrap for Klassique as the crew was eliminated from the dance in this round. Black Kat came out reppin’ for JA as he played Sanchez’s performance of the JA national anthem to the delight of the crowd. Panther and Black Kat consistently kept the dance amused as they played some Taxi and Showtime dubs, along with a little foundation. The crew got their biggest response in this round from battle tracks including Bounty Killer’s “Coppershot.” Ultimately, Black Kat’s efforts in round two enabled them to take the round.

World Clash 2004

The Clash pressed on with wicked dubs played by One Love, Black Kat, LP, and an okay round by Young Hawk. Needless to say, round three was the last round for Young Hawk, but another winning round for Black Kat.

In round five, the competition was pretty much left between Black Kat and One Love, as the crowd began to display their dislike for LP’s efforts in these late rounds. Both Black Kat and One Love hit hard with some heavy foundation and both got mad respect from the crowd. Though One Love completely wrecked it in the fourth, one round isn’t enough to steal the show and Black Kat went on to win his fourth clash title in a row!

Following the heated Clash on Saturday, Clash patrons had even more to look forward to as Irish and Chin provided an additional day of clash action on Sunday with 45 Shootout which took place at the same venue as the previous event. The lineup included: Mighty Crown, Fire Links, Matsimela, Madd Squad, One Love, Jazzy T, and Black Reaction. It was the face off between Mighty Crown and Fire Links which was arguably the most anticipated. Though all contenders fiercely battled till the end for the honor of the coveted bragging rights that come along with a Shootout win, Fire Links wrecked it and stole the show. This was a huge victory for Fire Links as Mighty Crown definitely created an intense battle.

And, if you’re eager to find out what happened in the ladies clash…nothing. The Female Clash that was to take place preceding the World Clash event did not take place as scheduled…Maybe next year ladies!

Further Information:
Irish and Chin - Official Website

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