1st Place: Breakneck the Mage
2nd Place: Frozen Tundra
3rd Place: EFFIT Records (tied)
3rd Place: Romes (tied)

Bangin’ beats and off-the-cusp lyrics are the brand of killer hip-hop music, of which Chippewa Valley has no shortage. Hip-hop enthusiasts are loyal to small-town sounds, as Chippewa Falls’ own Breakneck the Mage triumphs in the battle for best hip-hop act. The local emcee has gained notoriety over the last two years performing his original lyrics in western Wisconsin and Minneapolis; rapping about everything from coffee shops to Hollywood. Growing in popularity since 2003 is the ever-evolving Frozen Tundra.  Now five-strong, this collection of performers from around the country has found its niche in Eau Claire, attracting followers with high-energy performances and angelic R&B vocal strains. EFFIT Records, standing for Entertainment for Free Independent Thinkers, follows as a culmination of locally-adored artists, Eff’d Up, The Suppliers, Duce, and Smoke Tricks. Tied with EFFIT is battle-rapper Romes. He’s got a way with words, slinging disses at lightning speed; Romes leaves spectators delightedly confused, caught between offense and admiration. – Carrie A. Weiss