Battle for the Block 2025 | Vote Now!

Written by on May 19, 2025

Voting Has Started! Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of local hip-hop and R&B, you’ve likely heard of Battle for the Block, a dynamic competition hosted by THE DROP 104.7 to showcase Colorado’s emerging talent. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting event:

Battle for the Block is an annual competition that highlights and elevates local independent artists in Denver. The event culminates in a high-energy performance at THE DROP’s Juneteenth Music Festival, providing artists with a platform to reach a broader audience. Past winners have included Triiip and Nelo, both of whom have since gained significant recognition in the local music scene.

Here Are the Artists Competing in The Battle for the Block 2025:

DNA Picasso and Dominique Christina are a dynamic Denver-based creative duo blending music, poetry, and activism. DNA Picasso is a genre-bending hip-hop artist known for fusing rap, R&B, and soul, while Dominique Christina is an award-winning poet and performer whose work explores themes of identity, justice, and love. Together, they created LAWLESS: A Love Story—a deeply personal, genre-crossing album that merges raw lyricism with spoken word to explore the complexities of modern love and self-discovery.

Osha Renee is a Denver-based hip-hop artist known for her raw lyricism and socially conscious storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar, her music addresses inner-city struggles and empowers marginalized communities. With performances at SXSW and a growing catalog including tracks like Golden Child and Champion, she’s quickly becoming a powerful voice in conscious hip-hop.

Lane-O is a Louisiana-born, Denver-based hip-hop artist known for his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes. His 2023 debut album Us explores identity, growth, and unity, featuring collaborations with local artists and producers. With powerful live performances backed by a full band, Lane-O brings an authentic, thought-provoking voice to Colorado’s music scene.

Nakira is a Denver-based singer-songwriter and the founder of Lyrics 4 Life, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young artists. Her music blends personal storytelling with themes of vulnerability and self-expression, as seen in her upcoming EP, Naked. Beyond her own career, she is passionate about empowering the next generation of creatives through mentorship and community involvement.

Voting starts 5/19/25 and ends 6/6/25. Watch each performance and vote for the winner!

Beyond the competition, THE DROP produces various content to support and promote the artists involved:

Interviews and Spotlights: In-depth features on artists, highlighting their journey and impact.

Playlists: Curated selections showcasing music from event performers, such as the official Battle for the Block Spotify Playlist. 

Event Coverage: Behind-the-scenes looks at events like the Juneteenth Music Festival, providing fans with exclusive content.


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