In a time when viral trends often overshadow raw talent, Red Bull Spiral Freestyle is keeping the art of lyrical sparring alive. Kicking off Season 3 of the hit freestyle series, Big Sean, Ab-Soul, and Joey Bada$$ remind hip-hop fans what it means to go bar-for-bar, showcasing the essence of a true cypher.
A Coast-to-Coast Cipher: Midwest, West, and East Unite
Shot in one seamless take, this new Spiral Freestyle episode represents a geographic trifecta. Detroit’s Big Sean reps the Midwest, Ab-Soul brings the West Coast flavor from Carson, and Joey Bada$$ holds it down for Brooklyn and the East Coast.
Their presence alone set the tone: this isn’t about gimmicks — it’s about skill, wit, and wordplay.
Big Sean Fires First: Aimed at Internet Critics
Opening the cypher, Big Sean delivers a verse that takes direct aim at social media trolls and keyboard critics. With razor-sharp lines, he raps:
“You goin’ nowhere fast but from your view you could never tell,
No wonder ‘cause you live your life based on a carousel,
You bums could prolly teach a masterclass on takin’ L’s,
Truth is, if you wake up hatin’ life, then you hate yourself.”
Sean’s delivery sets the competitive tone, balancing introspection with slick disses, all while maintaining his signature flow.
Ab-Soul’s Complex Wordplay & Loyalty to TDE
Next up, Ab-Soul tips his hat — literally — to Sean before diving into a layered verse. Addressing past tensions involving Joey Bada$$, battle rapper Daylyt, and TDE labelmate Ray Vaughn, Soulo keeps it both personal and poetic:
“In which case, Joey, you put me in a sticky predicament,
I had to show solidarity to my syndicate,
Nah, you know anybody can get it,
In such a way that it will make any physician conflicted.”
Despite the competitive jabs, Ab-Soul reaffirms unity, spitting:
“Pro Era the masters, that ain’t ever incorrect,
But it’s still TDE ’til 3000 and forever.”
Joey Bada$$ Closes With Bars & Balance
Finishing strong, Joey Bada$$ addresses fan accusations that he’s fueling another East vs. West beef, following the buzz from his “The Ruler’s Back” freestyle. He makes his stance clear:
“Since ‘Ruler’s Back,’ they been tryna measure up,
Look, my name ain’t Rick, but I talk Slick, don’t press ya luck,
And I ain’t taking no words back, I’m with all that,
But this ain’t gotta turn to nothin’ else, let’s keep it all rap.”
He continues, shutting down misconceptions while asserting his lyrical dominance:
“First off, I could never hate the West Coast,
But since n—as comin’ for Joe, f— it then, let’s go,
N—as must’ve forgot what Dot said on ‘Control’,
There’s still a buncha sensitive rappers in they pajama clothes,
I guess this ain’t no East versus West,
I just think that I’m the best, as a matter fact, I know.”
Red Bull Spiral: Reviving Posse Cuts in Hip-Hop
As mainstream hip-hop continues to evolve, series like Red Bull Spiral Freestyle keep the roots of the culture alive. The show celebrates lyrical competition, regional pride, and creative expression — qualities that built hip-hop’s foundation.
With Big Sean, Ab-Soul, and Joey Bada$$ leading off Season 3, fans can expect more elite-level showcases of pure rap talent in the coming weeks.
