Eminem helped take the competition of Battle Rap and make it mainstream almost 15 years ago with his semi-autographical film 8 Mile. As Battle Rap’s popularity has grown, it often appears to live in the underground (rather proudly) as names like Loaded Lux, Hollow Da Don, and even Jae Millz appear largely segregated from the Tuesday-to-Tuesday Hip-Hop consumer crowd.

Eminem may the one to change this.

With a trailer, Em’s announced “Total Slaughter.” This is Shady Records’ new Battle League (competing with SMACKURL, and the like). To set things off in a major, major way, Joe Budden (who emerged in the late ’90s New Jersey scene that included guys like PaceWon and Young Zee), will take on Hollow. The same boxing-style night-event will include a rematch between Murda Mook and Lux.

Stay tuned to WatchLOUD.com to see how amateur battlers can compete to be an under-card at this historic event, and look out to see when to block off your calendar and watch the verbal square-off live.

Do you think Craig G vs. Supernatural is still Hip-Hop’s most famous competitive battle? Maybe it’s 1981’s Busy Bee vs. Kool Moe Dee? Or do Mook and Lux already hold this title?

Read Rolling Stone’s full exclusive with Paul Rosenberg on the platform and the significance of the inaugural event.

Do you think this will further elevate Joe Budden’s profile?

Related: Joe Budden – Last Day ft Juicy J & Lloyd Banks (Audio)