In a bustling basement venue on Market Street, music filled the air as sixteen rappers from Denver and beyond came together for an electrifying event known as Aux Wars. The scene was alive with energy as the crowd jumped, danced, and even shed their shirts in excitement. However, this was no ordinary concert; rather than performing live, the artists plugged their phones into the sound system to play short snippets of their tracks.
The second edition of Aux Wars showcased the talents of various rappers, continuing its mission of building a bridge between seasoned artists and newcomers in the Denver rap scene. Hosted by local luminaries DNA Picasso, Trev Rich, and RANSTEEZ, the event seeks to foster collaboration and connections within the community.
“I feel like each new generation that comes up has a duty to learn the landscape and who’s out here,” Picasso shared, emphasizing the importance of connection between emerging artists and those who have paved the way.
He elaborated on this crucial role older artists play, stating, “We have a duty to create a tether between ourselves and the younger generations.” This dual focus on personal growth alongside community support is at the heart of Picasso’s mission in organizing Aux Wars.
This year’s competition was designed to be a streamlined version of the inaugural event, featuring a four-round bracket format judged by both audience reaction and expert opinions. Contestants each had 90 seconds to display their talent by playing one of their songs.
The first round engaged the crowd, with the loudest cheers determining the winners. In the subsequent rounds, two judges stepped in to evaluate the performances based on sound quality, originality, replay value, and songwriting. Omar Mitchell, a writer for Dope at its Finest, and Lala, a DJ and host for KS107.5, were among the judges bringing their expertise to the competition.
“The talent in Colorado is really impressive,” Mitchell remarked, recognizing the bustling creative energy in the room. Lala echoed this sentiment, pointing out that platforms like Aux Wars are essential for bringing artists together and strengthening the culture in Denver.
Each judge awarded one point per round, while the audience contributed another point based on their enthusiasm. The tech crew was instructed not to adjust sound levels during performances, placing the responsibility of delivery solely on the artists, who were required to come with tracks that were pre-recorded and mastered.
Mitchell’s focus was particularly on the replay value of the songs, and he left the event with high praise for all participants. “All of the artists here tonight were winners,” he asserted, but he announced at the end that one artist had indeed stood out.
Gabbana Nova, a native of Denver, claimed victory with his catchy track “Colorado,” which has been gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. “I want people to see the culture that’s here,” Nova expressed after his win, highlighting his passion for representing his city in the broader rap landscape.
The perks of victory included a comprehensive “brand development package” designed to aid Nova’s career trajectory. This package features opportunities such as a photoshoot, a radio interview with KS107.5, and a valuable meeting with music curators and labels.
In a triumphant gesture, Nova seized the aux cord once more after his win and played a victory track titled “Aux Wars Freestyle,” which energized the crowd further. “I had a feeling I was going to win today,” he confidently stated, attributing his success to his dedication to his craft.
Picasso passionately urged fans and musicians alike to share their enthusiasm and contribute to the local music scene. He highlights the vital need for camaraderie and support within genres like hip-hop and R&B, which he feels require more recognition in the industry.
“We need more builders, less extractors,” Picasso emphasized, advocating for a community approach that prioritizes growth and collaboration over competition.
As the night concluded, the palpable excitement in the air signified a successful gathering for both the artists and the audience. Aux Wars not only showcased raw talent but also illuminated Denver’s blossoming hip-hop scene, reinforcing the idea that community, connection, and creativity can thrive when given the right platform.
With events like Aux Wars, the future of Denver’s music scene looks bright, as artists continue to come together to support and elevate one another, embodying the spirit of creative unity.
image source from：denverite
