Art of Writing League Magazine [THE PRESEASON EDITION].

[King Ra.]

The Introduction
The time is now. Ladies & gentlemen, welcome to AOB's Storytelling/Writers League, the first inaugural season. The sign ups have been completed & due to popular demand, the league officially begins to make way. The turnout is deep. There are many new ideas being put in place to make this league not only successful, but motivate the participants to want to compete. 12 weeks lie ahead on the road to the playoffs. Who will be AOB's first ever undisputed topical champion? Will the big names like Black D (dead man), Vulgar, Frank or Genocide take the crown? Will promising risers like Cake, Witty, HelloKitty (NYCSPITZ) or Mic Wrecka make the leap into AOB history? All will be revealed this season. This magazine will feature everything you need to know to kick things off. So sit back, relax & enjoy the read. Lets get into it.

Split's Opening Words
Good afternoon, br0s. Welcome to the inaugural magazine of AOB's Art of Writing League. I was hesitant to sign up to moderate at first, but seeing some old school veterans, fresh AOB newbies, and some guests from other leagues around the net changed my motivation completely.. glad to have you guys here, I promise it will be interesting. I'd like to thank Genocide and King Keith for bein the other two people running this shindig, and give a shout to Camp Bell for being readily available to be interviewed. Im excited with the match ups. Good luck.


http://youtu.be/6903zFUIxoU


OPEN MIC FEATURE #1

"Feminism" written by Matriarch

a race of ridicule based on municipal meets
tracks of decaf - disease patched on Dunstable street
dicking Jane - corporate ladder office windows and suite
mound of checks rise as neck ties with tempest elite
destine to meet, press allegiance test this somber system
- heels and miniskirt’s a leg up on the competition
An art. A system. Arguments of vague and passive words
Plato’s philosophy to Kratos crazed vernacular
Strange - spectacular engaged in feudal warring state
of mind - knowledge. Power pending play of swords and blades
Lilith longing for equality’s a coarse display
deemed a demon just for reasoning the Lord’s way
sons of atom and evolution sent to month of may
- to be tempted by the jezebels of present day
piece of ass. meat. tasked? create/induce confusion
a piece of rib. caged, allude to ancient institution
And state pen deducing arguments to prove as facts
the notion of Men > Women? ‘but where’s the proof in that?
you think that power’s in the proof of pudding dicks in pussies?
‘cause lust is limbo - and we’ve raised the bar since 1960
behind a great man’s a leading lady. paradox?
Where would Columbus be without Isabel of Aragon
Sun Wukong waged a holy war against the heavens
But it was Guan Yin, the Holy Mother he lamented
again my scorned form exceeds the fury depth of hell
so i came to raise it ..

- Sincerely, Jezebel


What the readers are saying....

Cake- "The use of punctuation was strong and is one of my favorite aspects of writing open mic pieces. Indicating rest/pause notes, staccato delivery, AND to create wordplay, double meanings, and allusions (rib. caged, specifically). Content was spot on."

Split- "this was pretty nuts. Word choice was excellent. I like how you don't dwell on metaphors at all, it gives your verse a more directed feel and strengthens your argument, like you're making a statement instead of going for artistic merit."

Genocide- "Piece was ill, the raw content you deliver is always intense and the ability you have to make every thought become vivdly detailed is amazing."

HelloKitty- "I came in thinking this was gonna be wack b/c a female wrote it but this was dope. Best female topicalist I've seen by a mile."



WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS

SPLIT versus MALACHI
What's the deal?- This may be the most one-sided match this week. SPLIT comes in looking to start the season off fast, while his opponent MALACHI tests the waters of the topical genre for the first time. We have a solid writer up against a young kid with high expectations.
Who wins?- This match has KO written all over it. To be honest, a KO is only fitting. Any slip up here by Split will be detrimental & Malachi would really be given a boost. Seriously though, let's be real. I see the young Prophet hit'n the canvas harder than Paquiao but he should definitely take this battle as a lesson learned. It may be a long season. Prediction: SPLIT wins, 4-0.

HELLOKITTY versus BLEAK
What's the deal?- HELLOKITTY (a.k.a. "NYCSPITZ") begins his quest for the undisputed topical crown. That quest begins here against BLEAK (a.k.a. "GERONY-splat!!!). HelloKitty is a resepcted writer, don't let the name fool you. When he is on his A-game, he can be difficult to beat. Never read or heard of Bleak doing topicals but if this is his first time, it will be a tough test.
Who wins?- Unlike my above prediction, I'm certain Bleak has better writing skills than Malachi, but in any case, NYC can be lethal. He has one of the smoothest flows in this league & I see him dropping an easy piece to take the victory. Can you say "knockout"? I can. Prediction: HELLOKITTY wins, 4-0.

RAYGE versus CAMP BELL
What's the deal?- This should be an interesting match.... Or maybe not. RAYGE steps out of the battle realm joins the Writers League possibly looking to have his name etched as one of the best & seeking topical gold. His opponent CAMP BELL is no tweener though. With some fresh OM drops under his belt, the Soup King is seeking to garner some royalty & pull upsets. This could be one of the surprise matches of week 1.
Who wins?- I get the feeling topicals are nothing new to Rayge & as he is rising the ranks as a solid battler, don't be surprised if he happens to do just as well with topicals. The Soup King looks hungry though & I expect a very well written drop to contend against his opponent. Something tells me that it will not be enough. Prediction: RAYGE wins, 5-2.

POHFIG versus MR. SINISTER
What's the deal?- As with all leagues that are created, you always have your cases of no showers & this match up may be just that. I haven't seen POHFIG around since he signed up, so I wouldn't be surprised if he never shows at all. MR. SINISTER on the other hand is under the same radar. I've seen him around, but not much & if I recall correctly he is trying his hand at this topical thing for the first time.... I could be wrong. Either way I don't see him showing up either.
Who wins?- I doubt either will show and/or drop. If so, more power to both, if not.... well then- so be it. I'm banking on one showing up & taking an easy W. Prediction: WINNER BY NO SHOW.

INNOVATOR versus RAWN MCDON
What's the deal?- I get the feeling this could be a pretty good match up. RAWN begins his journey to the top this week against INNOVATOR, a newcomer in my eyes because I've yet to read anything from him, but I believe this is no newbie to the topical scene. Either way, he's up against a very good writer in Rawn. It's been sometime since I've read a piece from Mr. Pseu, but nonetheless, he will be a hefty opponent for The Vator.
Who wins?- Does Rawn have some rust to shake off? Is he prepared to quickly rise the ranks? I'm smelling a sneak victory from The Vator but if Mr. Pseu has something to prove, this would be the perfect time to show it. Because your division is one of the toughest in the conference & every win counts. Prediction: RAWN edges it out, 4-3.

SLEEPER MATCH OF THE WEEK!!!
KUJA versus OBJECTIVE
What's the deal?- Don't sleep on this match! This is the sleeper match up of the week & with good reason. These are two very skilled writers under the radar who can really throw it down & I'm expecting nothing short of such in this week 1 match. I've participated in a league with these two before & they are very good at their peak. KUJA looks to kick things off on the right foot. He's a solid storyteller, so don't be surprised if he drops something of that nature this week. OBJECTIVE is very technical. But he can drop gems.
Who wins?- It may come down to preference. I'm a storyteller myself & if it comes down to it, I believe Kuja can start the season off right with a solid story, sneaking past Objective by a hair. This really can go either way. Who would you choose? Predictions: KUJA by the last vote, 5-4.

COUP versus ZENLAND
What's the deal?- Another battle of unknowns from my perspective but my gut is telling me this will be a surprise match. I've peeped some of ZENLAND's work & he is a pretty good writer. COUP is new to me but I'm thinking this guy is just as good & possibly better. This will be interesting to see how these two drop this week.
Who wins?- As I mentioned before, not really familiar with these two, at least under these names & though I've read some of Zenland's stuff on AOB, my instincts are telling me the Coupe is ready to roll. Yes, indeed it is. Won't be an easy cruise to victory but I think you'll deliver. Or not? Prediction: COUP wins in a close one, 5-4.

MATRIARCH versus DYSTOPIAN
What's the deal?- The deal is one I am familiar with & the other not. Matriarch b.k.a. "harMonica" makes her debut as the only female in the league. But don't let her gender fool you. This lady can write. It will be a most pressing match for DYSTOPIAN & nothing short of spectacular will keep you close to pulling the win here.
Who wins?- Haven't seen Miss Monica on here since sign-ups were open. I'm really hoping she shows because it'll be very interesting to see how she does in this league. With that said, this looks to be another KO match. I've never read any of Dysto's work, so who knows how good he is. All I know is you better hope she doesn't show or you drop something out of your ass because I don't see her opening the season with a loss. Prediction: MATRIARCH wins, 4-0.

SPOTLIGHT MATCH-UPS OF THE WEEK

TYSON versus NIGMA
What's the deal?- TYSON has found his place in the topical world & he has been steadily rising. Can he take the next step this season as one of the best? NIGMA is looking to prove himself, too. And what better way to do that than to pull off a win here against a riser. Both seem to have similar styles. This match up should be really intriguing.
Who wins?- This is probably the hardest match to pick from. It can go either way & I believe both will definitely bring it this week. I'm gonna have to go with the one who's hot. Tyson is coming off a topical victory against the Great Geno that took place in the battle arena. A key win which may be the beginning of many more to come. Nigma dropped one or two pieces in the OM, I'm sure he's warmed up. This may be close. I'm gonna say a two vote cushion. Prediction: TYSON pulls away, 5-3.

GENOCIDE versus ORC
What's the deal?- GENOCIDE is one of the most accomplished writers on the net. He has a long history & has earned his place as one of the best. He will be out for blood this year looking to be crowned the undisputed champion. His opponent this week, ORC, takes a step into the topical arena, looking to dominate just as he has with text battles. Word around AOB is Orc is not new to topicals. Question is, will he be able to jump out the gate with a solid piece this week?
Who wins?- Geno took a loss against Tyson in the BA but nonetheless, he has been at it in the OM, still showing his unprecedented consistency. Orc will be in for a battle here. If he can transfer his smooth wording & creativity into this match up, then we could have ourselves a real dope battle. Who gets it? I have to go with the one who is more than likely amped & looking to make a statement this week. Prediction: GENOCIDE wins, 4-2.

UPSET ALERT! UPSET ALERT!

FRANK versus MIC WRECKA
What's the deal?- These spotlight matches are just too good, huh? This one will be just as good. FRANK looks to kick things off right here, coming off that disappointing loss to Academy on netcees, in the second round of the playoffs before the site shut down. Frank is one of the most creative writers you will ever see- that's if he is in the mood to write. MIC WRECKA comes in this season as a notable riser. He has the skills to be one of the best & this will be a great chance to prove it. He also seems very hungry to make moves.
Who wins?- You can choose either one, but I'm certain the majority would go with Franky. The only thing is, which Frank shows up? The one who doesn't seem to be inspired, the one who no shows or the one who flexes his muscles? Frank can easily take this but you never know what to expect. Mic Wrecka can make his move right here. A victory would send ripples throughout the league. Even a close loss wouldn't be too bad. I haven't taken any risks with my predictions. Not until now. I got an upset here. Prediction: MIC WRECKA with the upset, 5-4.

DEAD MAN versus KILLER ARIES
What's the deal?- One of the greatest writers to grace to boards returns to action in yet another season, DEAD MAN whom all know as Black D. Black is looking to regain the crown once again & he is one of the strongest, if not THE strongest writer in this league. His pieces are always damn near flawless. The only thing that stops Black is himself, when he no shows. KILLER ARIES is up for a challenge. Word on the street, Aries is a respectable topical writer, so it would not be surprising if this match is one of the best this week.
Who wins?- Will Killer Aries show? Haven't heard much from him since Bags sonned him. Hopefully he puts all that aside and focuses on the league. I don't see Black losing this one though. If there is one person in this league who can go undefeated, as difficult as that may be, it would be Black. If Aries does show, this will be a good match, but I see Black getting a solid KO victory here. Prediction: DEAD MAN wins, 4-0.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK!!! BATTLE OF THE WEEK!!!

CAKECAKECAKE versus WITTY
What's the deal?- BOTW. Two highly skilled writers duke it out to jump off the season. CAKE is easily one of the best in the league. His style is raw & fresh. I believe out of all the participants in the league at this moment, he can give Black a run for his money. (Remember that epic battle on netcees against Black?) WITTY is just as talented. He is technically sound & his pieces are almost always smooth and full of rich imagery. This battle should not fall short at all. Could be an instant classic.
Who wins?- When it comes to topicals, anything goes. Sometimes writers can struggle writing to a picture or topic & that can give the opposing writer a much needed advantage. These two are no slackers, so both should have no problem writing this week. It may come down to preference & who can paint the better picture, tell a better story. I like Witty's approach this week, I believe he will bring something dope but something tells me the Cakester will show no mercy. Mr. Cake, if you are the next best thing, handle your business this week. This is your chance. Predicton: CAKECAKECAKE in a classic, 7-5.