Battle rap simply obtained an entire lot extra fascinating. A 70-year-old British grandmother named Joy France stepped into the ring with 33-year-old American rapper Anderson Burrus, and the web can’t cease speaking about it.

The battle was uploaded to YouTube simply days in the past and already has over 116,000 views. People are calling it all the pieces from “elder abuse” to “the most wholesome battle ever.” But right here’s the factor: Joy France isn’t your typical grandma.

France began battle rapping at 60 years previous. She was a retired schoolteacher who promised herself she would strive 60 new issues earlier than her 61st birthday. Battle rap was on that listing, and she or he by no means regarded again.

“I think I’m the oldest battle rapper in the world,” France mentioned in a 2023 interview. She’s battled throughout England and Ireland, buying and selling insults with rappers half her age. Sometimes safety guards at venues inform her she’s within the flawed place. “Yes, it’s going to be me doing the swearing,” she tells them.

Anderson Burrus has been making waves in battle rap for years. He’s confronted off in opposition to large names like Danny Myers and Charron. But battling a 70-year-old grandmother is new territory.

“I finally got the chance to battle the legendary Joy France,” Burrus mentioned in regards to the matchup. “Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

The battle itself is pure leisure. Burrus comes along with his ordinary sharp wordplay and aggressive supply. France fires again with intelligent bars about his age and look, calling him a “Nickelodeon presenter” and joking about his hobbies.

What makes this battle particular isn’t simply the age hole. It’s the mutual respect. Burrus doesn’t maintain again as a result of she’s older, and France doesn’t need him to. She got here to compete, to not be coddled.

“Both of my grandmas are dead because I rap battled them,” Burrus jokes in one among his rounds, getting big laughs from the group.

France handles the roasts like a professional. She’s been doing this for years now, constructing a following within the UK battle scene. Her journey from shy trainer to assured performer is outstanding.

The feedback on the YouTube video present how a lot folks love this matchup. “This is making me cry,” one viewer wrote. “You’re never too old to chase your dreams,” mentioned one other.

Joy France proves that battle rap isn’t only for younger folks. At 70, she’s nonetheless writing her personal bars, nonetheless competing, and nonetheless having enjoyable. She plans to maintain battling in 2026.

This battle exhibits what makes hip-hop tradition so particular. It brings collectively folks from completely different backgrounds, ages, and international locations. A retired British trainer and a younger American rapper discovered frequent floor by means of wordplay and competitors.

The video ends with each battlers exhibiting respect for one another. Burrus acknowledges France as an actual battle rapper, not only a novelty act. That recognition means all the pieces on this tradition.

Battle rap has seen loads of uncommon matchups through the years. But a 33-year-old versus a 70-year-old grandmother? That’s one thing new. And based mostly on the response, folks wish to see extra of Joy France.

At 70 years previous, Joy France is proof that it’s by no means too late to seek out your voice. She went from strolling to high school along with her fingers over her eyes to performing in entrance of crowds. That’s the actual victory right here.

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