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What happens when you take historical figures, popular media personalities, and a handful of fictional characters, and have them pair off and compete against each other...in rap contests?
What happens when you take historical figures, popular media personalities, and a handful of fictional characters, and have them pair off and compete against each other...in rap contests?


You get, well, Epic Rap Battles of History. While the "epic" part [[Stylistic Suck|may be disputed]], otherwise it's [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin]] - a pair of comedians (Nice Peter and EpicLloyd) and guest [[YouTube]] performers portraying these people rapping off against each other in online videos.
You get, well, Epic Rap Battles of History. While the "epic" part [[Stylistic Suck|may be disputed]], otherwise it's [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin]] - a pair of comedians (Nice Peter and EpicLloyd) and guest [[YouTube]] performers portraying these people rapping off against each other in online videos.


The matchups so far have been the following <ref>Battles marked with an asterisk (*) feature people other than Nice Peter and Epic Llyod</ref>:
The matchups so far have been the following <ref>Battles marked with an asterisk (*) feature people other than Nice Peter and Epic Llyod</ref>:


== Season 1: ==
== Season 1: ==
# [[John Lennon]] vs. [[The O Reilly Factor (TV)|Bill O'Reilly]]
# [[John Lennon]] vs. [[The O'Reilly Factor|Bill O'Reilly]]
# [[Star Wars (Franchise)|Darth Vader]] vs. [[Adolf Hitler]]
# [[Star Wars|Darth Vader]] vs. [[Adolf Hitler]]
# [[Abraham Lincoln]] vs. [[Chuck Norris]]
# [[Abraham Lincoln]] vs. [[Chuck Norris]]
# [[Sarah Palin]] vs. [[Lady Gaga (Music)|Lady Gaga]] *
# [[Sarah Palin]] vs. [[Lady Gaga]] *
# [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Randy Savage]] vs. [[Useful Notes/North Korea|Kim Jong-Il]] *
# [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Randy Savage]] vs. [[North Korea|Kim Jong-Il]] *
# [[Justin Bieber (Music)|Justin Bieber]] vs. [[Ludwig Van Beethoven]] *
# [[Justin Bieber]] vs. [[Ludwig Van Beethoven]] *
# [[Albert Einstein]] vs. [[Stephen Hawking]] *
# [[Albert Einstein]] vs. [[Stephen Hawking]] *
# [[Genghis Khan]] vs. [[Easter Bunny|The Easter Bunny]]
# [[Genghis Khan]] vs. [[Easter Bunny|The Easter Bunny]]
# [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] vs. [[Napoleon Dynamite]]
# [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] vs. [[Napoleon Dynamite]]
# [[Billy Mays]] and [[Vince Offer]] vs. [[Benjamin Franklin]] *
# [[Billy Mays]] and [[Vince Offer]] vs. [[Benjamin Franklin]] *
# [[Lord of the Rings (Literature)|Gandalf]] vs. [[Harry Potter (Franchise)|Dumbledore]]
# [[The Lord of the Rings|Gandalf]] vs. [[Harry Potter|Dumbledore]]
# [[Dr. Seuss]] vs. [[William Shakespeare (Creator)|William Shakespeare]] *
# [[Dr. Seuss]] vs. [[William Shakespeare]] *
# [[Mr. T]] vs. [[Mister Rogers Neighborhood (TV)|Mr. Rogers]] *
# [[Mr. T]] vs. [[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood|Mr. Rogers]] *
# [[Christopher Columbus]] vs. [[Star Trek (Franchise)|Captain Kirk]]
# [[Christopher Columbus]] vs. [[Star Trek|Captain Kirk]]
# Nicepeter vs. EpicLloyd
# Nicepeter vs. EpicLloyd




== Season 2: ==
== Season 2: ==
# [[Star Wars (Franchise)|Darth Vader]] vs. [[Adolf Hitler]] (rematch)
# [[Star Wars|Darth Vader]] vs. [[Adolf Hitler]] (rematch)
# [[Halo (Video Game)|Master Chief]] vs. [[Three Hundred (Film)|Leonidas]] *
# [[Halo (series)|Master Chief]] vs. [[300|Leonidas]] *
# [[Deep South|The Wright Brothers]] vs. [[Super Mario Bros|The Mario Brothers]] *
# [[Deep South|The Wright Brothers]] vs. [[Super Mario Bros.|The Mario Brothers]] *
# [[Michael Jackson (Music)|Michael Jackson]] vs. [[Elvis Presley (Music)|Elvis Presley]] *
# [[Michael Jackson]] vs. [[Elvis Presley]] *
# [[Ancient Egypt|Cleopatra]] vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]] *
# [[Ancient Egypt|Cleopatra]] vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]] *


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{{tropelist}}
== These raps provide examples of: ==


* [[Ass Shove]]: A couple.
* [[Ass Shove]]: A couple.
{{quote| '''Napoleon Bonaparte:''' "I'm going to shove your moon boots straight up your poop chute!"<br />
{{quote|'''Napoleon Bonaparte:''' "I'm going to shove your moon boots straight up your poop chute!"
'''Columbus''': "I'll stick a flag in your ass and claim you for Spain!"<br />
'''Columbus''': "I'll stick a flag in your ass and claim you for Spain!"
'''Master Chief''': "Cortana says you're Greek, so why don't you stick these lyrics up your ass?" }}
'''Master Chief''': "Cortana says you're Greek, so why don't you stick these lyrics up your ass?" }}
* [[Actor Allusion]]: The Cat in the Hat wears sunglasses identical to Nice Peter's signature look. His voice is also the same.
* [[Actor Allusion]]: The Cat in the Hat wears sunglasses identical to Nice Peter's signature look. His voice is also the same.
** May or may not have been intentional, But the Wright Bros., who launched their first plane in North Carolina, are played by [[Rhett and Link]] who were both born in said state.
** May or may not have been intentional, But the Wright Bros., who launched their first plane in North Carolina, are played by [[Rhett and Link]] who were both born in said state.
* [[Anachronism Stew]]; The reason why Beethoven references [[Face Book]], Columbus references Hulu, Leonidas know of computers and video games, and [[Adolf Hitler]] knows [[Rick Moranis]], among plenty of other things.
* [[Anachronism Stew]]; The reason why Beethoven references [[Facebook]], Columbus references Hulu, Leonidas know of computers and video games, and [[Adolf Hitler]] knows [[Rick Moranis]], among plenty of other things.
* [[Ate His Gun]]: Mario tried to do so behind the scenes.
* [[Ate His Gun]]: Mario tried to do so behind the scenes.
* [[Attack of the Fifty Foot Whatever]]: Chuck Norris' second verse.
* [[Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever]]: Chuck Norris' second verse.
** The Mario Brothers [[Downplayed Trope|grow a bit]] in their second verse after eating mushrooms.
** The Mario Brothers [[Downplayed Trope|grow a bit]] in their second verse after eating mushrooms.
* [[And Now for Something Completely Different]]: Shakespeare's second verse. Turns out he can [[Motor Mouth|rap]] ''[[Motor Mouth|really]]'' [[Motor Mouth|fast]].
* [[And Now for Something Completely Different]]: Shakespeare's second verse. Turns out he can [[Motor Mouth|rap]] ''[[Motor Mouth|really]]'' [[Motor Mouth|fast]].
** That's to be expected; he was played by George Watsky, one of the fastest rappers on Youtube.
** That's to be expected; he was played by George Watsky, one of the fastest rappers on Youtube.
* [[Antiquated Linguistics]]: Shakespeare uses this, true to form. See also [[Sophisticated As Hell]] below.
* [[Antiquated Linguistics]]: Shakespeare uses this, true to form. See also [[Sophisticated As Hell]] below.
* [[Audience Participation]]: Each showdown is based off a fan suggestion.
* [[Audience Participation]]: Each showdown is based off a fan suggestion.
* [[Autotune]]: Used for Stephen Hawking's rapping, since it's very difficult to get anything resembling rhythm out of the actual voice synthesizer program.
* [[Auto-Tune]]: Used for Stephen Hawking's rapping, since it's very difficult to get anything resembling rhythm out of the actual voice synthesizer program.
* [[Badass]]: [[Stephen Hawking]]. Attentive viewers will notice that he's playing [[Angry Birds]] ''on the console he uses to speak''.
* [[Badass]]: [[Stephen Hawking]]. Attentive viewers will notice that he's playing [[Angry Birds]] ''on the console he uses to speak''.
** [[Authority Equals Asskicking]]: You can't get anymore authoritative than these guys.
** [[Authority Equals Asskicking]]: You can't get anymore authoritative than these guys.
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** [[Badass Long Robe]]: Gandalf and Dumbledore.
** [[Badass Long Robe]]: Gandalf and Dumbledore.
** [[Badass Mustache]]: Ghengis Khan's Fu Manchu, Albert Einstein, Hitler's toothbrush moustache, the Mario Brothers and Orville Wright.
** [[Badass Mustache]]: Ghengis Khan's Fu Manchu, Albert Einstein, Hitler's toothbrush moustache, the Mario Brothers and Orville Wright.
** [[Back to Back Badasses]]: The [[Hulk Hogan|Mega]] [[Randy Savage|Powers]].
** [[Back-to-Back Badasses]]: The [[Hulk Hogan|Mega]] [[Randy Savage|Powers]].
** [[Handicapped Badass]]: Hawking can play a touchscreen-based game ''without using his hands''.
** [[Handicapped Badass]]: Hawking can play a touchscreen-based game ''without using his hands''.
** [[Hot Chick in A Badass Suit]]: Sarah Palin, who can kill moose barehanded.
** [[Hot Chick in a Badass Suit]]: Sarah Palin, who can kill moose barehanded.
** [[I Just Want to Be Badass]]: [[Justin Bieber (Music)|Justin Bieber]].
** [[I Just Want to Be Badass]]: [[Justin Bieber]].
** [[Killer Rabbit]]: What the Easter Bunny tries to be.
** [[Killer Rabbit]]: What the Easter Bunny tries to be.
* [[Bash Brothers]]: The [[Super Mario Bros|Mario Bros]] and the Wright Brothers.
* [[Bash Brothers]]: The [[Super Mario Bros.|Mario Bros]] and the Wright Brothers.
* [[Battle Royale With Cheese]]: More than two thirds of the contestans have come [[Back From the Dead]] to rap.
* [[Battle Royale With Cheese]]: More than two thirds of the contestans have come [[Back From the Dead]] to rap.
* [[The Bechdel Test]]: Due to the constant back and forth about what guys they slept with, Marilyn Monroe vs Cleopatra fail this test.
* [[The Bechdel Test]]: Due to the constant back and forth about what guys they slept with, Marilyn Monroe vs Cleopatra fail this test.
** Ironically, Sarah Palin vs Lady Gaga ''almost'' passes this test, despite the latter being played Nice Peter. The only man named in the song is John McCain in the last line of the song, and even then it's in a political context.
** Ironically, Sarah Palin vs Lady Gaga ''almost'' passes this test, despite the latter being played Nice Peter. The only man named in the song is John McCain in the last line of the song, and even then it's in a political context.
* [[Berserk Button]]:
* [[Berserk Button]]:
** Einstein pushes Hawking's when he questions the validity of Hawking's Black Hole Theory.
** Einstein pushes Hawking's when he questions the validity of Hawking's Black Hole Theory.
** Dr.Seuss does ''not'' like being accused of writing the ''Twilight'' series.
** Dr.Seuss does ''not'' like being accused of writing the ''Twilight'' series.
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** Marilyn Monroe got downright vicious when her inablity to have kids was brought up.
** Marilyn Monroe got downright vicious when her inablity to have kids was brought up.
* [[Big Badass Wolf]]: In the final battle (of season 1), {{spoiler|Kassem G}} uses a magnificent flying one.
* [[Big Badass Wolf]]: In the final battle (of season 1), {{spoiler|Kassem G}} uses a magnificent flying one.
* [[Bigger Is Better in Bed]]:
* [[Bigger Is Better in Bed]]:
** According to Kim Jong-Il, [[Take That|Hulk Hogan's wife thinks so]].
** According to Kim Jong-Il, [[Take That|Hulk Hogan's wife thinks so]].
** Master Chief claims to have showed Leonidas' Queen his ''[[Unusual Euphemism|plasma cannon]]''.
** Master Chief claims to have showed Leonidas' Queen his ''[[Unusual Euphemism|plasma cannon]]''.
* [[Bilingual Bonus]]:
* [[Bilingual Bonus]]:
** Napoleon Bonaparte gets one at the beginning of his second line. <ref>"T'as une tête a faire sauter les plaques d'egouts" = "You've got a face that could blow off a manhole cover"</ref>
** Napoleon Bonaparte gets one at the beginning of his second line. <ref>"T'as une tête a faire sauter les plaques d'egouts" = "You've got a face that could blow off a manhole cover"</ref>
** Also, Christopher Columbus gets "Arrivederci! I'ma leave, before this battle begins."
** Also, Christopher Columbus gets "Arrivederci! I'ma leave, before this battle begins."
* [[Boastful Rap]]: All of the character raps have hints of this. In addition to dissing and countering opponents, the raps also elaborate on the characters' awesomeness. Ubiquitous in every battle is "I [insert awesome thing], you [insert stupid thing]!"
* [[Boastful Rap]]: All of the character raps have hints of this. In addition to dissing and countering opponents, the raps also elaborate on the characters' awesomeness. Ubiquitous in every battle is "I [insert awesome thing], you [insert stupid thing]!"
* [[Butt Monkey]]: [[Adolf Hitler]]. Gets frozen in carbonite, thawed out to battle again, then {{spoiler|dropped in the rancor pit}}.
* [[Butt Monkey]]: [[Adolf Hitler]]. Gets frozen in carbonite, thawed out to battle again, then {{spoiler|dropped in the rancor pit}}.
* [[Call Back]]: The battle against the creators themselves featured cameos from nearly all the characters they've played as before.
* [[Call Back]]: The battle against the creators themselves featured cameos from nearly all the characters they've played as before.
** The rematch with Vader and Hitler begins with Hitler frozen in carbonite, just as he was at the end of their original battle.
** The rematch with Vader and Hitler begins with Hitler frozen in carbonite, just as he was at the end of their original battle.
* [[Card Carrying Villain]]: [[Star Wars|Darth Vader]] and [[Adolf Hitler]], naturally. [[The O Reilly Factor|Bill O'Reilly]] also, particularly during his second verse.
* [[Card-Carrying Villain]]: [[Star Wars|Darth Vader]] and [[Adolf Hitler]], naturally. [[The O'Reilly Factor|Bill O'Reilly]] also, particularly during his second verse.
* [[The Cast Showoff]]: Arguably anyone, but special mention goes to [[Motor Mouth|George Watsky]] as Shakespeare during his fast-rap verse. Jaws are dropping. <ref>Including those of Seuss and the Cat in the Hat.</ref>
* [[The Cast Showoff]]: Arguably anyone, but special mention goes to [[Motor Mouth|George Watsky]] as Shakespeare during his fast-rap verse. Jaws are dropping. <ref>Including those of Seuss and the Cat in the Hat.</ref>
* [[Cat Fight]]: Cleopatra vs Marilyn Monroe.
* [[Cat Fight]]: Cleopatra vs Marilyn Monroe.
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* [[Cool Versus Awesome]]: [[Abraham Lincoln]] versus '''[[Chuck Norris]]'''.
* [[Cool Versus Awesome]]: [[Abraham Lincoln]] versus '''[[Chuck Norris]]'''.
** Mr. T vs. ''Mister Rogers''
** Mr. T vs. ''Mister Rogers''
** [[Three Hundred|King Leonidas]] Vs. ''[[Halo|Master Chief]]''.
** [[300|King Leonidas]] Vs. ''[[Halo|Master Chief]]''.
* [[Country Matters]]: Subverted in the Vader VS Hitler rematch. Vader says a line that suggests he's about to make a [[Subverted Rhyme Every Occasion|rhyme with the word "runt"]], but instead sets up for [[Memetic Mutation|"deez nuts"]].
* [[Country Matters]]: Subverted in the Vader VS Hitler rematch. Vader says a line that suggests he's about to make a [[Subverted Rhyme Every Occasion|rhyme with the word "runt"]], but instead sets up for [[Memetic Mutation|"deez nuts"]].
* [[Creator Cameo]]: If EpicLloyd isn't playing one of the rappers, he likes to appear in the background as a character who doesn't speak but is referenced by one of them. Examples include:
* [[Creator Cameo]]: If EpicLloyd isn't playing one of the rappers, he likes to appear in the background as a character who doesn't speak but is referenced by one of them. Examples include:
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** John McCain in Palin Vs Gaga.
** John McCain in Palin Vs Gaga.
** [[Johann Sebastian Bach]] in Bieber vs Beethoven.
** [[Johann Sebastian Bach]] in Bieber vs Beethoven.
** [[The A-Team (TV)|Hannibal, Murdoch, Face]], and Mr. McFeely in T vs Rogers.
** [[The A-Team|Hannibal, Murdoch, Face]], and Mr. McFeely in T vs Rogers.
** Things 1 & 2 in Seuss vs Shakespeare (the only one where he speaks thus far, since Seuss is [[The Voiceless]]).
** Things 1 & 2 in Seuss vs Shakespeare (the only one where he speaks thus far, since Seuss is [[The Voiceless]]).
** Pleistarchus (Leonidas' six year old son) in Leonidas Vs Master Chief.
** Pleistarchus (Leonidas' six year old son) in Leonidas Vs Master Chief.
** [[Marlon Brando]] in Cleopatra Vs Marilyn Monroe.
** [[Marlon Brando]] in Cleopatra Vs Marilyn Monroe.
** Nice Peter has one as [[John F Kennedy]] in Cleopatra Vs Marilyn Monroe.
** Nice Peter has one as [[John F. Kennedy]] in Cleopatra Vs Marilyn Monroe.
** Jon Na, the director of photography for Columbus Vs Kirk, cameos as Sulu.
** Jon Na, the director of photography for Columbus Vs Kirk, cameos as Sulu.
* [[Creepy Monotone]]: [[Mister Rogers]].
* [[Creepy Monotone]]: [[Mister Rogers]].
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** Cleopatra vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]]
** Cleopatra vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]]
* [[Don't Try This At Home]]: In the behind-the-scenes video for Cleopatra vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]], Lloyd shows off a Vader vs. Hitler shirt and tells viewers not to wear it at school because it might get them expelled.
* [[Don't Try This At Home]]: In the behind-the-scenes video for Cleopatra vs. [[Marilyn Monroe]], Lloyd shows off a Vader vs. Hitler shirt and tells viewers not to wear it at school because it might get them expelled.
* [[Early Bird Cameo]]: The first season finale gives viewers a glimpse of the [[Super Mario Bros]], {{spoiler|[[Henry VIII|King Henry VIII]]}}, and [[Halo|Master Chief]]. ERB News also revealed the Wright Brothers, Elvis, and Steve Jobs.
* [[Early-Bird Cameo]]: The first season finale gives viewers a glimpse of the [[Super Mario Bros.]], {{spoiler|[[Henry VIII|King Henry VIII]]}}, and [[Halo|Master Chief]]. ERB News also revealed the Wright Brothers, Elvis, and Steve Jobs.
* [[Early Installment Weirdness]]: The first rap battle (Lennon vs. O'Reilly) lacks the subtitles that later versions have, not to mention being originally censored (an uncensored version was later uploaded). The announcer also had a different voice for the first few battles.
* [[Early Installment Weirdness]]: The first rap battle (Lennon vs. O'Reilly) lacks the subtitles that later versions have, not to mention being originally censored (an uncensored version was later uploaded). The announcer also had a different voice for the first few battles.
* [[Epic Fail]]: Hitler claims that Vader's entire life is one big this. Vader doesn't have any comeback...other than laughing as Hitler steps over the Rancor pit before dropping him in.
* [[Epic Fail]]: Hitler claims that Vader's entire life is one big this. Vader doesn't have any comeback...other than laughing as Hitler steps over the Rancor pit before dropping him in.
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* [[Evil Versus Evil]]: [[Adolf Hitler]] vs. Darth Vader
* [[Evil Versus Evil]]: [[Adolf Hitler]] vs. Darth Vader
* [[Fan Service]]: Cleopatra Vs Marilyn is mostly [[Incredibly Lame Pun|riding on it]].
* [[Fan Service]]: Cleopatra Vs Marilyn is mostly [[Incredibly Lame Pun|riding on it]].
* [[First Name Ultimatum]]: [[Mister Rogers Neighborhood|Mr. Rogers]] gives one of these to [[Mr. T]].
* [[First Name Ultimatum]]: [[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood|Mr. Rogers]] gives one of these to [[Mr. T]].
{{quote| '''Mr. Rogers:''' I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood. Get right back in your van and get the ''[[Precision F Strike|fuck]]'' outta my neighborhood.}}
{{quote|'''Mr. Rogers:''' I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood. Get right back in your van and get the ''[[Precision F-Strike|fuck]]'' outta my neighborhood.}}
* [[Foreshadowing]]: Ben Franklin makes several death threats to Billy Mays, promising to "craft a lyrical coffin", telling him to "join or die", and referencing "Death of a Salesman". At first, this just seems like the usual hip-hop trash talk, but then...
* [[Foreshadowing]]: Ben Franklin makes several death threats to Billy Mays, promising to "craft a lyrical coffin", telling him to "join or die", and referencing "Death of a Salesman". At first, this just seems like the usual hip-hop trash talk, but then...
* [[Follow the Leader]]: A handful of people have done copycat videos based off the concept, usually low-budget single person productions.
* [[Follow the Leader]]: A handful of people have done copycat videos based off the concept, usually low-budget single person productions.
* [[For the Evulz]]: The reason Hitler gives for ruining the Star Wars prequels.
* [[For the Evulz]]: The reason Hitler gives for ruining the Star Wars prequels.
** Darth only thawed Hitler out for their rematch, and to drop him into the Rancor Pit.
** Darth only thawed Hitler out for their rematch, and to drop him into the Rancor Pit.
* [[Freeze Frame Bonus]]: There's often so much going on the screen that some of the humor can be missed. For instance, Kim Jong-Il's missile launcher fires [[Abnormal Ammo|his own head!]]
* [[Freeze-Frame Bonus]]: There's often so much going on the screen that some of the humor can be missed. For instance, Kim Jong-Il's missile launcher fires [[Abnormal Ammo|his own head!]]
* [[Funny Background Event]]:
* [[Funny Background Event]]:
** Most of the battles have the characters doing ridiculous dances and/or poses in the background.
** Most of the battles have the characters doing ridiculous dances and/or poses in the background.
** Stephen Hawking is seen playing [[Angry Birds]].
** Stephen Hawking is seen playing [[Angry Birds]].
** Behind the Wright Brothers, you can see biplanes flying, and at one point one crashing into the ground.
** Behind the Wright Brothers, you can see biplanes flying, and at one point one crashing into the ground.
* [[Fun With Subtitles]]:
* [[Fun with Subtitles]]:
** In Kirk Vs Columbus, the word Klingon is written ''in'' [[Shaped Like Itself|Klingon]].
** In Kirk Vs Columbus, the word Klingon is written ''in'' [[Shaped Like Itself|Klingon]].
** When Luigi's profanity is censored by the sound of collected coins, the subtitles also use the image of coins from the Mario Bros games as a form of censorship.
** When Luigi's profanity is censored by the sound of collected coins, the subtitles also use the image of coins from the Mario Bros games as a form of censorship.
* [[Global Ignorance]]: Hulk Hogan apparently thought Beijing was in Korea, not China. Kim Jong-Il does not let that one slide.
* [[Global Ignorance]]: Hulk Hogan apparently thought Beijing was in Korea, not China. Kim Jong-Il does not let that one slide.
{{quote| '''Kim Jong Il''': Beijing is in ''China'', you blond asshole!}}
{{quote|'''Kim Jong Il''': Beijing is in ''China'', you blond asshole!}}
* [[Gratuitous French]]: Napoleon Bonaparte breaks into this partway through his rap. Naturally, [[Bilingual Bonus|it translates to]] another [[Take That]].
* [[Gratuitous French]]: Napoleon Bonaparte breaks into this partway through his rap. Naturally, [[Bilingual Bonus|it translates to]] another [[Take That]].
* [[Ham to Ham Combat]]: The entire premise.
* [[Ham-to-Ham Combat]]: The entire premise.
* [[Hilarious Outtakes]]: Behind the scenes, Nicepeter (as Columbus) accidentally smacks Omar Gharaibeh (as Spock) in the face while delivering a neck chop.
* [[Hilarious Outtakes]]: Behind the scenes, Nicepeter (as Columbus) accidentally smacks Omar Gharaibeh (as Spock) in the face while delivering a neck chop.
* [[Historical in Joke]]: So many, with them almost [[Shown Their Work|all very well researched]].
* [[Historical In-Joke]]: So many, with them almost [[Shown Their Work|all very well researched]].
* [[Incredibly Lame Pun]]: While not part of one of the rap battles themselves, Charles Darwin hosts [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzaJRsuvDPQ ERB News], and spits out two of them.
* [[Incredibly Lame Pun]]: While not part of one of the rap battles themselves, Charles Darwin hosts [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzaJRsuvDPQ ERB News], and spits out two of them.
** As the rap battles continue to ''evolve''...
** As the rap battles continue to ''evolve''...
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* [[Joke Character]]: Even the narrator sighs when he introduces the Easter Bunny.
* [[Joke Character]]: Even the narrator sighs when he introduces the Easter Bunny.
* [[Just Here for Godzilla]]: In-universe, during their Rap battle, Epic Lloyd invokes this as the reason people visit Nice Peter's youtube channel.
* [[Just Here for Godzilla]]: In-universe, during their Rap battle, Epic Lloyd invokes this as the reason people visit Nice Peter's youtube channel.
{{quote| '''Epic Lloyd''': Nice Peter, who's that? No-one gives two shits! Everyone knows your page is just the place where the Rap Battles live!}}
{{quote|'''Epic Lloyd''': Nice Peter, who's that? No-one gives two shits! Everyone knows your page is just the place where the Rap Battles live!}}
* [[Kids Rock]]: Young Michael Jackson, played by 10-year-old Bentley Green.
* [[Kids Rock]]: Young Michael Jackson, played by 10-year-old Bentley Green.
* [[Kubrick Stare]]: Dr. Seuss has a frightening one. Given that he never says a word...
* [[Kubrick Stare]]: Dr. Seuss has a frightening one. Given that he never says a word...
* [[Lampshade Hanging]]: Shakespeare's first verse is in iambic pentameter. This does not go unnoticed.
* [[Lampshade Hanging]]: Shakespeare's first verse is in iambic pentameter. This does not go unnoticed.
{{quote| "I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard."}}
{{quote|"I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard."}}
* [[Large Ham]]: Hitler, Genghis Kahn, Mr. T, Leonidas, and the Mario Brothers.
* [[Large Ham]]: Hitler, Genghis Kahn, Mr. T, Leonidas, and the Mario Brothers.
** They're just the worst. Everyone to appear in these vids is hamming it up.
** They're just the worst. Everyone to appear in these vids is hamming it up.
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* [[Let's Get Dangerous]]:
* [[Let's Get Dangerous]]:
** Beethoven after chucking over his piano.
** Beethoven after chucking over his piano.
{{quote| '''Beethoven''': I'm committing verbal murder in the major third degree! My name is Beethoven, [[Precision F Strike|motherfucker]], maybe you heard of me!}}
{{quote|'''Beethoven''': I'm committing verbal murder in the major third degree! My name is Beethoven, [[Precision F-Strike|motherfucker]], maybe you heard of me!}}
** Marilyn Monroe taking off her earrings in her second verse.
** Marilyn Monroe taking off her earrings in her second verse.
* [[Marionette Master]]: Dr. Seuss "raps" through his characters, [[The Cat in The Hat]] and Thing 1 & Thing 2.
* [[Marionette Master]]: Dr. Seuss "raps" through his characters, [[The Cat in the Hat]] and Thing 1 & Thing 2.
* [[Marilyn Manoeuvre]]: The lady herself shows us how it's done (well, in universe it's her, anyway).
* [[Marilyn Manoeuvre]]: The lady herself shows us how it's done (well, in universe it's her, anyway).
* [[Midword Rhyme]]:
* [[Midword Rhyme]]:
{{quote| '''Mario Bros.''': Like POW!<br />
{{quote|'''Mario Bros.''': Like POW!
How ya like me now?<br />
How ya like me now?
Spit flames out our mouths like our name was Bow<br />
Spit flames out our mouths like our name was Bow
...ser! }}
...ser! }}
* [[Monochrome Past]]: Hitler's verses are shot in monochrome. Until Vader Force Chokes him into the present, that is.
* [[Monochrome Past]]: Hitler's verses are shot in monochrome. Until Vader Force Chokes him into the present, that is.
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* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: Most obviously and unquestionably Cleopatra.
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: Most obviously and unquestionably Cleopatra.
* [[News Parody]]: The first battle has a parody news ticker that shows up twice.
* [[News Parody]]: The first battle has a parody news ticker that shows up twice.
* [[No Indoor Voice]]:
* [[No Indoor Voice]]:
** Billy Mays, as usual.
** Billy Mays, as usual.
** Luigi.
** Luigi.
** Hiter in the rematch.
** Hiter in the rematch.
* [[No Swastikas]]: Adolf Hitler's arm band sports a rock 'n' roll horns shaped symbol.
* [[No Swastikas]]: Adolf Hitler's arm band sports a rock 'n' roll horns shaped symbol.
* [[Paedo Hunt]]: Courtesy of [[Mr. T]]:
* [[Paedo Hunt]]: Courtesy of [[Mr. T]]:
{{quote| '''Mr. T''': So before you come to battle with your PBS crap, how 'bout I call up CPS about them kids on your lap, fool!}}
{{quote|'''Mr. T''': So before you come to battle with your PBS crap, how 'bout I call up CPS about them kids on your lap, fool!}}
** Not to mention [[Elvis Presley]]
** Not to mention [[Elvis Presley]]
{{quote| '''Elvis''': 'Cause all you wanna do is teach kids the birds and the bees}}
{{quote|'''Elvis''': 'Cause all you wanna do is teach kids the birds and the bees}}
* [[Parody Episode]]: Nicepeter and Daneboe teamed up to give us The Annoying Orange VS M&M in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Solyg7nEX9o Epic Rap Battles Of Kitchenry].
* [[Parody Episode]]: Nicepeter and Daneboe teamed up to give us The Annoying Orange VS M&M in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Solyg7nEX9o Epic Rap Battles Of Kitchenry].
* [[Piss Take Rap]]: Done [[Stylistic Suck|very intentionally]].
* [[Piss-Take Rap]]: Done [[Stylistic Suck|very intentionally]].
* [[Precision F Strike]]: Almost every single video has at least one well-placed curse word in there somewhere, but {{spoiler|Mister Rogers}} takes the cake.
* [[Precision F-Strike]]: Almost every single video has at least one well-placed curse word in there somewhere, but {{spoiler|Mister Rogers}} takes the cake.
{{quote| '''Chuck Norris''': '''I AM CHUCK ''FUCKING'' NORRIS!'''<br />
{{quote|'''Chuck Norris''': '''I AM CHUCK ''FUCKING'' NORRIS!'''
'''Lady Gaga''': You are the sum of everything I despise, with the most dysfunctional family since the Jackson fucking Five!<br />
'''Lady Gaga''': You are the sum of everything I despise, with the most dysfunctional family since the Jackson fucking Five!
'''Beethoven''': My name is Beethoven mother fucker, maybe you've heard of me!<br />
'''Beethoven''': My name is Beethoven mother fucker, maybe you've heard of me!
'''Kirk''': You spaghetti-eating fuck!<br />
'''Kirk''': You spaghetti-eating fuck!
'''Nicepeter''': You've got as much music talent as ''Chuck '''Fucking''' Norris!''<br />
'''Nicepeter''': You've got as much music talent as ''Chuck '''Fucking''' Norris!''
'''Adolf Hitler''' (in the rematch): Now stand at attention and Sieg fucking Heil!<br />
'''Adolf Hitler''' (in the rematch): Now stand at attention and Sieg fucking Heil!
{{spoiler|'''Mr Rogers''': I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood, get right back in you van and get the fuck out of my neighborhood}} }}
{{spoiler|'''Mr Rogers''': I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood, get right back in you van and get the fuck out of my neighborhood}} }}
** [[Cluster F Bomb]]: John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly, while maybe not exactly fitting here, is much more frequent in swearing than the other battles.
** [[Cluster F-Bomb]]: John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly, while maybe not exactly fitting here, is much more frequent in swearing than the other battles.
* [[Rage Quit]]: In EpicLlyod vs.NicePeter
* [[Rage Quit]]: In EpicLlyod vs.NicePeter
{{quote| Lloyd: "I'm gonna knock you right out of your little Superman socks! You were nothing before you rode up on KessemG's jock'!<br />
{{quote|Lloyd: "I'm gonna knock you right out of your little Superman socks! You were nothing before you rode up on KessemG's jock'!
Peter: "Man, you don't even need to say that kind of shit. Fuck the rap battles and you, I quit." }}
Peter: "Man, you don't even need to say that kind of shit. Fuck the rap battles and you, I quit." }}
* [[Rated M for Manly]]:
* [[Rated "M" for Manly]]:
** Hitler vs Vader (both battles)
** Hitler vs Vader (both battles)
** Lincoln vs Chuck Norris
** Lincoln vs Chuck Norris
Line 222: Line 222:
** Leonidas vs Master Chief, so very much!
** Leonidas vs Master Chief, so very much!
* [[Refuge in Audacity]]: Many of the videos run with this, although the Vader vs. Hitler one is the most blatant about it.
* [[Refuge in Audacity]]: Many of the videos run with this, although the Vader vs. Hitler one is the most blatant about it.
* [[Faux Retro|Retraux]]:
* [[Faux Retro|Retraux]]:
** The Wright Brothers have a grainy sepia tone and their audio is processed to sound like it was recorded on a phonograph.
** The Wright Brothers have a grainy sepia tone and their audio is processed to sound like it was recorded on a phonograph.
** Aside from the fact that young Elvis is shot in monochrome, both old Elvis and young Michael are shown as if recorded from a VHS around their time. Old Michael even has a special filter on him that makes him appear as in the '90s video clips.
** Aside from the fact that young Elvis is shot in monochrome, both old Elvis and young Michael are shown as if recorded from a VHS around their time. Old Michael even has a special filter on him that makes him appear as in the '90s video clips.
Line 228: Line 228:
** In the behind the scenes videos, there's a running theme of Lloyd jokingly asking other people if they want to buy some heroin.
** In the behind the scenes videos, there's a running theme of Lloyd jokingly asking other people if they want to buy some heroin.
** Lloyd also sometimes dresses up in part of the costume and imitates the announcer.
** Lloyd also sometimes dresses up in part of the costume and imitates the announcer.
{{quote| Lloyd (with Gandalf's beard) "The Oakridge Boys VS ZZ top!"}}
{{quote|Lloyd (with Gandalf's beard) "The Oakridge Boys VS ZZ top!"}}
** There also seems to be one in the second season's behind the scenes videos of people not recognizing who one of the rappers is supposed to be, such as one man not realizing Lloyd was dressed as Mario.
** There also seems to be one in the second season's behind the scenes videos of people not recognizing who one of the rappers is supposed to be, such as one man not realizing Lloyd was dressed as Mario.
* [[Screw This I'm Outta Here]]:
* [[Screw This, I'm Outta Here]]:
** Subverted in the Columbus/Kirk battle, where Christopher Columbus seemingly walked out after his opening line.
** Subverted in the Columbus/Kirk battle, where Christopher Columbus seemingly walked out after his opening line.
** Dr. Seuss did a subtle straight version. He got the hell out of dodge before the Cat in the Hat let Thing 1 and Thing 2 free.
** Dr. Seuss did a subtle straight version. He got the hell out of dodge before the Cat in the Hat let Thing 1 and Thing 2 free.
Line 239: Line 239:
** Mr. Rogers (sensitive) and Mr. T (manly)
** Mr. Rogers (sensitive) and Mr. T (manly)
* [[Sequel Escalation]]: The rematch between Hitler and Vader. Considering this is the first battle of season 2, [[Justified Trope|this is expected]].
* [[Sequel Escalation]]: The rematch between Hitler and Vader. Considering this is the first battle of season 2, [[Justified Trope|this is expected]].
* [[Shout Out]]: Ubiquitous.
* [[Shout-Out]]: Ubiquitous.
* [[Sibling Incest]]: Doesn't actually happen, but Mario tells the Wright Brothers to "just get back in [their] biplane and make out with each other".
* [[Sibling Incest]]: Doesn't actually happen, but Mario tells the Wright Brothers to "just get back in [their] biplane and make out with each other".
** Decidedly does happen with Cleopatra and her brothers.
** Decidedly does happen with Cleopatra and her brothers.
* [[Sophisticated As Hell]]: Shakespeare does this quite a lot.
* [[Sophisticated As Hell]]: Shakespeare does this quite a lot.
{{quote| '''Shakespeare''': What light through yonder poser breaks?'<br />
{{quote|'''Shakespeare''': What light through yonder poser breaks?'
'''Shakespeare''': I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard.<br />
'''Shakespeare''': I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard.
'''Shakespeare''': Ye hoebag! }}
'''Shakespeare''': Ye hoebag! }}
* [[Spell My Name With an S]]: [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler's]] first name is spelt 'Adolph' on his title card at the beginning, but is spelt in the more conventional way, 'Adolf', in the subtitles where he introduces himself. Both spellings are valid. In the rematch, however, Hitler's title card actually uses the spelling 'Adolf'.
* [[Spell My Name with an "S"]]: [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler's]] first name is spelt 'Adolph' on his title card at the beginning, but is spelt in the more conventional way, 'Adolf', in the subtitles where he introduces himself. Both spellings are valid. In the rematch, however, Hitler's title card actually uses the spelling 'Adolf'.
* [[Spin Off]]: 9, The Official Fanzine type that shows the behind the scenes and extra info.
* [[Spin-Off]]: 9, The Official Fanzine type that shows the behind the scenes and extra info.
** Epic Rap Battles of History - Behind the Scenes
** Epic Rap Battles of History - Behind the Scenes
** Epic Drawings of History with Marydoodles
** Epic Drawings of History with Marydoodles
** Epic Makeup with Ceciley
** Epic Makeup with Ceciley
* [[Stealth Pun]]: Several.
* [[Stealth Pun]]: Several.
Line 263: Line 263:
* [[Super Mode]]:
* [[Super Mode]]:
** In the first Vader/Hitler battle, Vader begins to use [[The Force]] in his second verse to choke Hitler and then freeze him in carbonite.
** In the first Vader/Hitler battle, Vader begins to use [[The Force]] in his second verse to choke Hitler and then freeze him in carbonite.
** Chuck Norris in his second verse, resulting in bursts of fire and [[Attack of the Fifty Foot Whatever]].
** Chuck Norris in his second verse, resulting in bursts of fire and [[Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever]].
** The Mario Brothers grow larger in their second verse, complete with the appropriate sound from the game.
** The Mario Brothers grow larger in their second verse, complete with the appropriate sound from the game.
* [[Take That]]: They really like to poke fun at John McCain.
* [[Take That]]: They really like to poke fun at John McCain.
{{quote| '''Lincoln''': I got my face on the side of a mountain; you voted for John McCain!<br />
{{quote|'''Lincoln''': I got my face on the side of a mountain; you voted for John McCain!
'''Gaga''': History will regret you like J-J-J-John McCain! }}
'''Gaga''': History will regret you like J-J-J-John McCain! }}
** Twilight Books. Even Dr. Seuss couldn't tolerate being accused of that.
** Twilight Books. Even Dr. Seuss couldn't tolerate being accused of that.
Line 272: Line 272:
** Hulk Hogan gets shot down via bazooka by Kim Jong-Il, so Macho Man tags in to fight back in place of the injured Hogan.
** Hulk Hogan gets shot down via bazooka by Kim Jong-Il, so Macho Man tags in to fight back in place of the injured Hogan.
** After Billy Mays dies mid-battle against Ben Franklin, the [[Vince Offer|Shamwow guy]] dramatically emerges to finish the battle.
** After Billy Mays dies mid-battle against Ben Franklin, the [[Vince Offer|Shamwow guy]] dramatically emerges to finish the battle.
* [[This Is for Emphasis Bitch]]: Vader, Chuck Norris, Gandalf and Kirk all pull this.
* [[This Is for Emphasis, Bitch]]: Vader, Chuck Norris, Gandalf and Kirk all pull this.
{{quote| Gandalf: "Tom riddle me this you bitch, how's your puny little wand gonna beat my staff?"}}
{{quote|Gandalf: "Tom riddle me this you bitch, how's your puny little wand gonna beat my staff?"}}
** Mr. T has a variant of this, fool!
** Mr. T has a variant of this, fool!
* [[Title Scream]]
* [[Title Scream]]
* [[Time Skip]]: In the Elvis Presley VS Michael Jackson fight, both characters go through this. Michael spins into his older, whiter self, and Elvis gets fat from eating too much.
* [[Time Skip]]: In the Elvis Presley VS Michael Jackson fight, both characters go through this. Michael spins into his older, whiter self, and Elvis gets fat from eating too much.
* [[Tranquil Fury]]:
* [[Tranquil Fury]]:
** Master Chief maintains his calm throughout the battle, but you can tell he's pissed off.
** Master Chief maintains his calm throughout the battle, but you can tell he's pissed off.
** Mister Rogers. He doesn't raise his soft, polite voice even once, but he ''does'' go into [[Creepy Monotone]], calls Mr T "[[First Name Ultimatum|Laurence]]" like a teacher to a naughty child, and ''[[Precision F Strike|swears]]''.
** Mister Rogers. He doesn't raise his soft, polite voice even once, but he ''does'' go into [[Creepy Monotone]], calls Mr T "[[First Name Ultimatum|Laurence]]" like a teacher to a naughty child, and ''[[Precision F-Strike|swears]]''.
* [[Transformation Sequence]]: Young Michael Jackson spins transforming into older Michael Jackson.
* [[Transformation Sequence]]: Young Michael Jackson spins transforming into older Michael Jackson.
* [[Toilet Humor]]: Elvis Presley's death on the can is inevitably brought up when he fights Michael Jackson.
* [[Toilet Humor]]: Elvis Presley's death on the can is inevitably brought up when he fights Michael Jackson.
* [[Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny]]: [[Invoked Trope|The whole point.]] Just with rap.
* [[Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny]]: [[Invoked Trope|The whole point.]] Just with rap.
* [[Unfortunate Names]]: The Wright Brothers, according to the Mario Bros.
* [[Unfortunate Names]]: The Wright Brothers, according to the Mario Bros.
{{quote| '''Luigi''': Look at these two; their lives must've been horrible!<br />
{{quote|'''Luigi''': Look at these two; their lives must've been horrible!
'''Mario''': Two dorky dudes...<br />
'''Mario''': Two dorky dudes...
'''Luigi''': ...named Wilbur and Orville! }}
'''Luigi''': ...named Wilbur and Orville! }}
* [[The Unintelligible]]: The announcer gradually becomes this as more videos are released. Each video tries to top the last.
* [[The Unintelligible]]: The announcer gradually becomes this as more videos are released. Each video tries to top the last.
Line 294: Line 294:
* [[Visual Pun]]: Billy Mays with his "lightning rod cock".
* [[Visual Pun]]: Billy Mays with his "lightning rod cock".
* [[The Wiki Rule]]: [http://epicrapbattlesofhistory.wikia.com/wiki/Epic_Rap_Battles_of_History_Wiki Here].
* [[The Wiki Rule]]: [http://epicrapbattlesofhistory.wikia.com/wiki/Epic_Rap_Battles_of_History_Wiki Here].
* [[Would Hit a Girl]]: Captain Kirk strikes the Queen multiple times.
* [[Would Hit a Girl]]: Captain Kirk strikes the Queen multiple times.
* [[Wouldn't Hit a Girl]]: Beethoven claims this is why [[Take That|he can't assault Bieber.]]
* [[Wouldn't Hit a Girl]]: Beethoven claims this is why [[Take That|he can't assault Bieber.]]
* [[X Called They Want Their Y Back]]: [[Mr. T]] says this to [[Mister Rogers Neighborhood|Mr. Rogers]]:
* [[X Called. They Want Their Y Back.]]: [[Mr. T]] says this to [[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood|Mr. Rogers]]:
{{quote| '''[[Mr. T]]''': Hello? It's for you! [[Bill Cosby]] wants his sweater!}}
{{quote|'''[[Mr. T]]''': Hello? It's for you! [[Bill Cosby]] wants his sweater!}}
* [[Ye Olde Butcherede Englishe]]: Played with by Shakespeare, featuring such things as "Ye Hoebag".
* [[Ye Olde Butcherede Englishe]]: Played with by Shakespeare, featuring such things as "Ye Hoebag".
{{quote| "I'll put a slug between your shoulder blades / Then ask what light through yonder poser breaks."}}
{{quote|"I'll put a slug between your shoulder blades / Then ask what light through yonder poser breaks."}}
* [[Your Princess Is in Another Castle]]: Master Chief's rap opens up with this, right after Leonidas kicks him down the well.
* [[Your Princess Is in Another Castle]]: Master Chief's rap opens up with this, right after Leonidas kicks him down the well.
** The Wright Brothers spend their first few lines saying this to the Mario Brothers.
** The Wright Brothers spend their first few lines saying this to the Mario Brothers.
* [[Your Mom]]:
* [[Your Mom]]:
** Vader to Hitler: "So many dudes been with your mom, who even knows if [[Luke I Am Your Father|I'm your father]]?"
** Vader to Hitler: "So many dudes been with your mom, who even knows if [[Luke, I Am Your Father|I'm your father]]?"
** Hawking to Einstein: "There are ten million million million million million million million million million particles in the universe that we can observe/ Your mama took the ugly ones and put them into one nerd".
** Hawking to Einstein: "There are ten million million million million million million million million million particles in the universe that we can observe/ Your mama took the ugly ones and put them into one nerd".


----
----
{{quote| ''[[Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny|Who won?]] [[Audience Participation|Who's next?]] [[Catch Phrase|You decide!]]''<br />
{{quote|''[[Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny|Who won?]] [[Audience Participation|Who's next?]] [[Catch Phrase|You decide!]]''
''[[Book Ends|EPIC! RAP! BATTLESOFHISTORYYYYY!]]'' }}
''[[Book Ends|EPIC! RAP! BATTLESOFHISTORYYYYY!]]'' }}


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
⚫
[[Category:Sandbox (New Media)]]
[[Category:Web Video]]
[[Category:Web Video]]
[[Category:Epic Rap Battles Of History]]
[[Category:Epic Rap Battles of History]]
⚫
[[Category:New Media]]

Latest revision as of 21:14, 13 November 2015

BEGIN!!!


EPIC RAP BATTLES OF HISTORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

What happens when you take historical figures, popular media personalities, and a handful of fictional characters, and have them pair off and compete against each other...in rap contests?

You get, well, Epic Rap Battles of History. While the "epic" part may be disputed, otherwise it's Exactly What It Says on the Tin - a pair of comedians (Nice Peter and EpicLloyd) and guest YouTube performers portraying these people rapping off against each other in online videos.

The matchups so far have been the following [1]:

Season 1:

  1. John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly
  2. Darth Vader vs. Adolf Hitler
  3. Abraham Lincoln vs. Chuck Norris
  4. Sarah Palin vs. Lady Gaga *
  5. Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Kim Jong-Il *
  6. Justin Bieber vs. Ludwig Van Beethoven *
  7. Albert Einstein vs. Stephen Hawking *
  8. Genghis Khan vs. The Easter Bunny
  9. Napoleon Bonaparte vs. Napoleon Dynamite
  10. Billy Mays and Vince Offer vs. Benjamin Franklin *
  11. Gandalf vs. Dumbledore
  12. Dr. Seuss vs. William Shakespeare *
  13. Mr. T vs. Mr. Rogers *
  14. Christopher Columbus vs. Captain Kirk
  15. Nicepeter vs. EpicLloyd


Season 2:

  1. Darth Vader vs. Adolf Hitler (rematch)
  2. Master Chief vs. Leonidas *
  3. The Wright Brothers vs. The Mario Brothers *
  4. Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley *
  5. Cleopatra vs. Marilyn Monroe *


You can find the first season on Nice Peter's YouTube channel, here, and the second season on its own channel here.

Tropes used in Epic Rap Battles of History include:

Napoleon Bonaparte: "I'm going to shove your moon boots straight up your poop chute!"
Columbus: "I'll stick a flag in your ass and claim you for Spain!"
Master Chief: "Cortana says you're Greek, so why don't you stick these lyrics up your ass?"

Mr. Rogers: I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood. Get right back in your van and get the fuck outta my neighborhood.

  • Foreshadowing: Ben Franklin makes several death threats to Billy Mays, promising to "craft a lyrical coffin", telling him to "join or die", and referencing "Death of a Salesman". At first, this just seems like the usual hip-hop trash talk, but then...
  • Follow the Leader: A handful of people have done copycat videos based off the concept, usually low-budget single person productions.
  • For the Evulz: The reason Hitler gives for ruining the Star Wars prequels.
    • Darth only thawed Hitler out for their rematch, and to drop him into the Rancor Pit.
  • Freeze-Frame Bonus: There's often so much going on the screen that some of the humor can be missed. For instance, Kim Jong-Il's missile launcher fires his own head!
  • Funny Background Event:
    • Most of the battles have the characters doing ridiculous dances and/or poses in the background.
    • Stephen Hawking is seen playing Angry Birds.
    • Behind the Wright Brothers, you can see biplanes flying, and at one point one crashing into the ground.
  • Fun with Subtitles:
    • In Kirk Vs Columbus, the word Klingon is written in Klingon.
    • When Luigi's profanity is censored by the sound of collected coins, the subtitles also use the image of coins from the Mario Bros games as a form of censorship.
  • Global Ignorance: Hulk Hogan apparently thought Beijing was in Korea, not China. Kim Jong-Il does not let that one slide.

Kim Jong Il: Beijing is in China, you blond asshole!

  • Gratuitous French: Napoleon Bonaparte breaks into this partway through his rap. Naturally, it translates to another Take That.
  • Ham-to-Ham Combat: The entire premise.
  • Hilarious Outtakes: Behind the scenes, Nicepeter (as Columbus) accidentally smacks Omar Gharaibeh (as Spock) in the face while delivering a neck chop.
  • Historical In-Joke: So many, with them almost all very well researched.
  • Incredibly Lame Pun: While not part of one of the rap battles themselves, Charles Darwin hosts ERB News, and spits out two of them.
    • As the rap battles continue to evolve...
    • Thank you for choosing Youtube.com/ERB. It is, after all, a natural selection.
    • There are some cases of puns in the rap battles though, such as Albert E=MC squared.
  • Jaw Drop: In the aftermath of Shakespeare's Motor Mouth segment. Even the beat stops.
    • Nicepeter's jaw drops when Epic Lloyd stripped out of his leotard.
  • Joke Character: Even the narrator sighs when he introduces the Easter Bunny.
  • Just Here for Godzilla: In-universe, during their Rap battle, Epic Lloyd invokes this as the reason people visit Nice Peter's youtube channel.

Epic Lloyd: Nice Peter, who's that? No-one gives two shits! Everyone knows your page is just the place where the Rap Battles live!

  • Kids Rock: Young Michael Jackson, played by 10-year-old Bentley Green.
  • Kubrick Stare: Dr. Seuss has a frightening one. Given that he never says a word...
  • Lampshade Hanging: Shakespeare's first verse is in iambic pentameter. This does not go unnoticed.

"I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard."

  • Large Ham: Hitler, Genghis Kahn, Mr. T, Leonidas, and the Mario Brothers.
    • They're just the worst. Everyone to appear in these vids is hamming it up.
  • Lethal Joke Character: Note the tinny music that plays when Mr. Rogers is introduced...which then turns into the regular rap music as Mr. Rogers lets out a chilling rap against Mr. T.
  • Let's Get Dangerous:
    • Beethoven after chucking over his piano.

Beethoven: I'm committing verbal murder in the major third degree! My name is Beethoven, motherfucker, maybe you heard of me!

Mario Bros.: Like POW!
How ya like me now?
Spit flames out our mouths like our name was Bow
...ser!

  • Monochrome Past: Hitler's verses are shot in monochrome. Until Vader Force Chokes him into the present, that is.
    • Also young Elvis.
    • So is Marylin Monroe.
  • Motor Mouth: The Bard himself pulls this one off at impressive speed, even for typical Motor Mouth standards.
  • Ms. Fanservice: Most obviously and unquestionably Cleopatra.
  • News Parody: The first battle has a parody news ticker that shows up twice.
  • No Indoor Voice:
    • Billy Mays, as usual.
    • Luigi.
    • Hiter in the rematch.
  • No Swastikas: Adolf Hitler's arm band sports a rock 'n' roll horns shaped symbol.
  • Paedo Hunt: Courtesy of Mr. T:

Mr. T: So before you come to battle with your PBS crap, how 'bout I call up CPS about them kids on your lap, fool!

Elvis: 'Cause all you wanna do is teach kids the birds and the bees

Chuck Norris: I AM CHUCK FUCKING NORRIS!
Lady Gaga: You are the sum of everything I despise, with the most dysfunctional family since the Jackson fucking Five!
Beethoven: My name is Beethoven mother fucker, maybe you've heard of me!
Kirk: You spaghetti-eating fuck!
Nicepeter: You've got as much music talent as Chuck Fucking Norris!
Adolf Hitler (in the rematch): Now stand at attention and Sieg fucking Heil!
Mr Rogers: I'll say this once Laurence, I hope it's understood, get right back in you van and get the fuck out of my neighborhood

    • Cluster F-Bomb: John Lennon vs. Bill O'Reilly, while maybe not exactly fitting here, is much more frequent in swearing than the other battles.
  • Rage Quit: In EpicLlyod vs.NicePeter

Lloyd: "I'm gonna knock you right out of your little Superman socks! You were nothing before you rode up on KessemG's jock'!
Peter: "Man, you don't even need to say that kind of shit. Fuck the rap battles and you, I quit."

  • Rated "M" for Manly:
    • Hitler vs Vader (both battles)
    • Lincoln vs Chuck Norris
    • Kim Jong-Il vs Hulk and Macho Man
    • Leonidas vs Master Chief, so very much!
  • Refuge in Audacity: Many of the videos run with this, although the Vader vs. Hitler one is the most blatant about it.
  • Retraux:
    • The Wright Brothers have a grainy sepia tone and their audio is processed to sound like it was recorded on a phonograph.
    • Aside from the fact that young Elvis is shot in monochrome, both old Elvis and young Michael are shown as if recorded from a VHS around their time. Old Michael even has a special filter on him that makes him appear as in the '90s video clips.
  • Running Gag:
    • In the behind the scenes videos, there's a running theme of Lloyd jokingly asking other people if they want to buy some heroin.
    • Lloyd also sometimes dresses up in part of the costume and imitates the announcer.

Lloyd (with Gandalf's beard) "The Oakridge Boys VS ZZ top!"

    • There also seems to be one in the second season's behind the scenes videos of people not recognizing who one of the rappers is supposed to be, such as one man not realizing Lloyd was dressed as Mario.
  • Screw This, I'm Outta Here:
    • Subverted in the Columbus/Kirk battle, where Christopher Columbus seemingly walked out after his opening line.
    • Dr. Seuss did a subtle straight version. He got the hell out of dodge before the Cat in the Hat let Thing 1 and Thing 2 free.
    • "Later, weirdo, Elvis is leaving the building."
  • Sensitive Guy and Manly Man: Quite a few of the matchups are like this:
    • Justin Bieber (sensitive) and Beethoven (manly, emphasized by Badass Baritone)
    • Easter Bunny (sensitive) and Genghis Khan (manly)
    • Mr. Rogers (sensitive) and Mr. T (manly)
  • Sequel Escalation: The rematch between Hitler and Vader. Considering this is the first battle of season 2, this is expected.
  • Shout-Out: Ubiquitous.
  • Sibling Incest: Doesn't actually happen, but Mario tells the Wright Brothers to "just get back in [their] biplane and make out with each other".
    • Decidedly does happen with Cleopatra and her brothers.
  • Sophisticated As Hell: Shakespeare does this quite a lot.

Shakespeare: What light through yonder poser breaks?'
Shakespeare: I hath been iambic on that ass, ye bastard.
Shakespeare: Ye hoebag!

  • Spell My Name with an "S": Hitler's first name is spelt 'Adolph' on his title card at the beginning, but is spelt in the more conventional way, 'Adolf', in the subtitles where he introduces himself. Both spellings are valid. In the rematch, however, Hitler's title card actually uses the spelling 'Adolf'.
  • Spin-Off: 9, The Official Fanzine type that shows the behind the scenes and extra info.
    • Epic Rap Battles of History - Behind the Scenes
    • Epic Drawings of History with Marydoodles
    • Epic Makeup with Ceciley
  • Stealth Pun: Several.
    • "...ten thousand dollar shoes I use to stomp out a beatle."
    • "I'll "school" you anywhere - MIT to Oxford"
    • "...when you try to put your little p-brane against this kind of mind..."
    • "Sorry, Wright Brothers, this time you chose wrong."
    • "You might fly like a hawk, but you fight like a kitty."
    • "You've been upstaged Bill. Man you just got played" is especially stealthy.
    • "I've seen every record you set, man I beat it."
  • Stupid Jetpack Hitler: Hitler apparently traveled through time and messed with the Star Wars prequels.
  • Stylistic Suck: Everyone is basically this, due to the whole premise being a rap Battle Royale With Cheese.
  • Super Mode:
    • In the first Vader/Hitler battle, Vader begins to use The Force in his second verse to choke Hitler and then freeze him in carbonite.
    • Chuck Norris in his second verse, resulting in bursts of fire and Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever.
    • The Mario Brothers grow larger in their second verse, complete with the appropriate sound from the game.
  • Take That: They really like to poke fun at John McCain.

Lincoln: I got my face on the side of a mountain; you voted for John McCain!
Gaga: History will regret you like J-J-J-John McCain!

    • Twilight Books. Even Dr. Seuss couldn't tolerate being accused of that.
  • Take Up My Sword:
    • Hulk Hogan gets shot down via bazooka by Kim Jong-Il, so Macho Man tags in to fight back in place of the injured Hogan.
    • After Billy Mays dies mid-battle against Ben Franklin, the Shamwow guy dramatically emerges to finish the battle.
  • This Is for Emphasis, Bitch: Vader, Chuck Norris, Gandalf and Kirk all pull this.

Gandalf: "Tom riddle me this you bitch, how's your puny little wand gonna beat my staff?"

Luigi: Look at these two; their lives must've been horrible!
Mario: Two dorky dudes...
Luigi: ...named Wilbur and Orville!

Mr. T: Hello? It's for you! Bill Cosby wants his sweater!

"I'll put a slug between your shoulder blades / Then ask what light through yonder poser breaks."

  • Your Princess Is in Another Castle: Master Chief's rap opens up with this, right after Leonidas kicks him down the well.
    • The Wright Brothers spend their first few lines saying this to the Mario Brothers.
  • Your Mom:
    • Vader to Hitler: "So many dudes been with your mom, who even knows if I'm your father?"
    • Hawking to Einstein: "There are ten million million million million million million million million million particles in the universe that we can observe/ Your mama took the ugly ones and put them into one nerd".

Who won? Who's next? You decide!
EPIC! RAP! BATTLESOFHISTORYYYYY!

  1. ↑ Battles marked with an asterisk (*) feature people other than Nice Peter and Epic Llyod
  2. ↑ "T'as une tête a faire sauter les plaques d'egouts" = "You've got a face that could blow off a manhole cover"
  3. ↑ Including those of Seuss and the Cat in the Hat.
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