Name: 14th Annual Gathering of MCs (Night 2) $1,000 Freestyle Rap Comp., $500 16 Bar Comp. + Showcase
Start: 2026-04-24T19:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-04-25T01:00:00-06:00
Location: Launchpad

14th Annual Gathering of MCs (Night 2) $1,000 Freestyle Rap Comp., $500 16 Bar Comp. + Showcase

Tickets: https://holdmyticket.com/tickets/457661
The 14th Annual Gathering of MCs returns on April 23rd & April 24th, 2026 for a two night event at Launchpad!
4/23:
Intertribal Rap Showcase
$500 Beat Battle
Gathering of MCs Single Release Party
Vendors, Giveaways + more

4/24:
Intertribal Rap Showcase
$1,000 Freestyle Rap Tournament (sign ups open)
$500 Best 16-Bar Competition (sign ups open)
Vendors, Giveaways & more
MEET & GREET 6PM-7PM AT LAUNCHPAD VENUE
7pm-1am
21+
$20 Advance ea
$30 Door ea
$50 VIP + MEET & GREET
📍 618 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
In 2010, Def-i founded an intertribal rap competition & music showcase known as the 'Gathering of MCs' to create a platform that serves our Indigenous communities by promoting positive self-expression in the arts of poetry, song writing, and storytelling. The 'Gathering of MCs' is an annual music festival which unfolds within the traditional, unceded territory of the Tiwa people. Located in Albuquerque, this internationally curated event is in the heart of one of the most culturally diverse parts of New Mexico. The 'Gathering of MCs' aims to cultivate the community deeply rooted in Hip-Hop music by providing a creative space where artists and voices can gather together to express themselves through a collective love of music and cultural exchange. The event itself is curated to build two nights of positive energy for attendees to become immersed in an all inclusive showcase and competition that is committed to uplifting others, especially Indigenous voices. Since 2010, it has grown each year and is now one of the largest events of its kind. Indigenous voices and artists at the 'Gathering of MCs' are able to showcase their written compositions/songs while promoting his/her/their tribal identities in front of large live audiences & online afterwards. This musical event integrates values and ways of life that are shared between popular Hip-Hop culture and our traditional cultural heritages to form mutual understandings & connections between Nations. Through this cultural exchange with an emphasis on building a global community, the 'Gathering of MCs' amplifies the modern Native storytelling experience & preserves the art of lyricism through music while promoting self-improvement & empowerment to all generations. Various organizations have also attended previous 'Gathering of MCs' events discovering many up and coming & established Indigenous artists throughout the years. The 'Gathering of MCs' also aims to help sustain and support a growing native economy, native owned businesses, vendors and artists who are able to network amongst another in-person during this special event.
To sign up for competitions: purchase a ticket & show confirmation to Def-i. Sign ups for $300 Beat Battle closes on 4/23 at the event upon announcement & sign-ups for the $1,000 Freestyle Rap Tournament+ $500 Best 16 Bar competitions close on the night of event 4/24.
More Sign-Up Info:
• To enter the $500 Beat Battle (4/23), purchase a ticket, show confirmation and you're signed up for the event. Registration closes after the official announcement on 4/23 during the event.
• To enter the $1,000 Freestyle Rap Tournament or the $500 Best 16-Bar Competition (4/24), purchase a ticket, show confirmation & you're registered for the event. Sign-ups close the night of 4/24.
• Participants must show proof of ticket purchase, provide their MC name, and specify which competition they're entering.
• Producers & MCs: Competition or Battle format will likely be 45-second or 1-minute rounds depending on turnout with usually two rounds per match unless a third round is needed as a tiebreaker. If over 16 sign up, there will be a preliminary round.
• Randomized name draws and coin flips will decide order. Judges are credible and not from the local area to ensure fairness.
• Sending beats ahead of time is preferred or bring them via USB early at soundcheck or BEFORE event begins.
• The winner usually plays about 8-14 beats over the entire competition depending on turnout. MCs & Producers must be ready and on-call. Due to time constraints, we cannot wait if someone isn't there ready to showcase or compete so please be attentive and courteous to everyone's time slots. Have fun and be supportive of one another!