Knockout Night, a rap battle series will kick off at The Annenx, March 4 at 8 p.m., where emcees will take part in a freestyle competition to win a $2k grand prize.

Golden Token Music organizer and emcee Ireon Rich started the Knockout Night rap battle series to promote nonviolence and unity within the Louisiana hip-hop community. It’s a strategy she has seen hip-hop communities in other Southern cities like Houston, Atlanta and Memphis but less so locally.

“New Orleans doesn’t know how to stick together,” Ireon said, “Golden Token wants to be that spot for [rappers] to be comfortable supporting something different than what you have going on.”

Ireon started out as a freestyle rapper and hopes to bring a new generation into the fold to show them how collaboration and community are key.

“I want the juveniles to get involved,” Ireon said, “So the young talent can see it’s possible to make it out… It’s not just about the rap. It’s about [reaching] potential fans from your city because if your city don’t love you, it’s hard to get anyone else to love you.”

The event will also feature some local celebrities such as the host and comedian Mario Da Comic, rapper Kidd Kidd, bounce artist Elm Boy Peg, DJ Corey and Jackpot.

NOPD will be present at the event.

To learn more about Knockout Night, visit Gold Token Music’s Facebook page.

The following dates for the Knockout Night rap battle series across Louisiana are listed below:

Baton Rouge – April 1

Lafayette- May 6

Shreveport – June 6