Before they were superstars, rap gods including Eminem and Big Daddy Kane got their start on the battle-rap circuit.

Now a fresh batch of MCs hopes to follow in their famous footsteps. As part of Honda’s “16 Bars” series, up-and-comers including Lotta Zay, Danny Myers, and Swave Sevah flexed their skills as they faced off in front of a live audience.

Battle-rap ambassador Poison Pen co-hosted the event, which capped off with an exhilarating performance from Black Thought. The Roots wordsmith ripped through his guest verses including Statik Selektah’s “The Imperial” and Truck North’s “Band of Au,” leaving the audience in awe.

Watch the new school meet the old school.

Presented by Honda