Them's fighting words

Scribe and Savage's joint tour has the pair going at it song-for-song and letting the audience decide the night's winner. Photo / Supplied

They've billed it as the battle of the century - an 11-round showdown between the biggest voices in New Zealand hip-hop. Scribe and Savage's joint tour has the pair going at it song-for-song and letting the audience decide the night's winner.

The tour sprang from their double-act on the I Love the Islands Samoa benefit tour, though of course they first traded lines back in 2003 on Scribe's Not Many the Remix.

Savage's forthcoming reality show Hip-Hop High features Scribe in its first episode. But for now the pair are going head to head on stage, so in the spirit of verbal combat we thought we'd get them to sound off about themselves and their opponent ...

Savage

Also known as: Tha Bodysnatcher, aka Bodyslam, your favourite MC.
All the way from: South Auckland.
Representing: DKONZ, Dawn Raid, Horseman Family.
Weighing in at: Clocking scale like I clock street fighter!
Fighting out of the : Auckland Blue corner.
Wearing: The fresh new kicks and Coogie from the waist up!
Estimated wins against opponent in previous encounters: Flawless victory.
Opponent's main strengths: Pretty boy looks.
And their weaknesses: Not Many The Remix.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" was how champ one described himself. In terms similar terms, you are: Pimp Hand Waaaaaaaay Strong!

And if your opponent was David Tua instead, how would your tactics change? Now why would I do that? I'm happy with the way my face looks, I wouldn't want to go rearranging it any time soon. David Tua our future heavyweight champ. South Auckland represent!

Scribe

Also known as: The Fire From Hampshire, The Crusader.
All the way from: Christchurch city.
Representing: NZ hip-hop by way of east Canterbury.
Weighing in at: 110kg and 1.93m.
Fighting out of: The red and black corner.
Wearing the: All-black trunks with red trim.
Estimated wins against opponent in previous encounters: Ten wins by way of knock-out.
Opponent's main strengths: Voice.
And their weaknesses: Over-confidence.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," was how one champ described himself. In similar terms, you are: The Dan Carter of Rap, Sonny Bill with the Flow.

And if your opponent was David Tua instead, how would your tactics change? I wouldn't change a thing. I'm treating this like I am going against David Tua.

LOWDOWN

What: Scribe vs Savage tour
Where & When: No. 8 Wired, Timaru, Friday April 23; Bedford, Christchurch, April 24; Colosseum, Tauranga, Apr 29; Sessions, Gisborne, Apr 30; Sideline Bar, Napier, May 1; Republic Bar, Auckland, May 7; Flow, Hamilton, May 8; Royal Hotel, Palmerston North, May 13; Waikanae Hotel, May 14; Sandwiches, Wellington, May 15; Twin Peaks, Kaitaia, May 21