For some time now a lot of us have been asking who is today's top war sound hailing from Bronx, New York. This is a question that has proven to be very difficult to answer.  Despite Bronx being a major contributor to the dancehall culture in New York and with a legacy that stems back to the glory days of sounds like African Love and Down Beat the Ruler; venues like Stardust Ballroom, Act III and Parkside Plaza, today there is no new Bronx sound the reigns supreme.  After the Down Beat era, the only Bronx sound that temporarily carried the 'war/juggling' torch was a sound called King Barker.  King Barker reigned for a number of years and was a major competitor throughout New York; facing off with some of the best sounds/selectors at that time which would include: Tony Matterhorn (King Addies), Stereo Fish (LP Int'l) just to name a few.  Since the absence of King Barker over 15 years ago, no one has occupied the throne which has not been a good look for the Bronx.

Nevertheless I am a firm believer in the saying, 'nothing happens before the time'.  This summer in an effort to fill the void and lack of representation by the sound system community in the Bronx, two of today's popular Bronx names have agreed to face off.  Blunt Posse vs Young Hawk!!!  This clash is more meaningful than many seem to understand.  Both sounds have been around for years thriving to clinch fame outside of their local community but have never face off in the clash arena.  This should be a very interesting and exciting clash and I'm urging clash fans not to miss it.

Zooming in on these two contenders, this is how I view it - Young Hawk has achieved more than Blunt Posse because of their ability to both clash and juggle.  Over the years, they have been frequent travelers making their mark in both the juggling and clash arenas outside of their community.  Their major clash victory was scored a few years back when they won the Irish and Chin's US Rumble securing a spot at both World Clash NY and UK Cup Clash in London.  What amazes me about Young Hawk is, when compared to many of the other sounds in their league, they have a limited dub plate arsenal but nevertheless they use it lethally.  As a bonus Jamie, the selector/mic man of the sound is very witty and knows to get himself out of situations.
To date I will argue that Blunt Posse is one of, if not the most equip sound system in New York.  Their dub plate arsenal is ridiculous and they love the war.  Tune wise Young Hawk could never stand up to Blunt Posse.  Young Hawk's fame is one thing but at the end of the day steel haffi clap and dub haffi talk.  Blunt Posse is also a frequent traveled sound.  Over the years, they have secured performances in the international sound clash arena but have not yet clinch a title which would grant them bragging rights. They do juggle but their popularity solely lies in clashing.  As I have stated publicly in the past, I credit Blunt Posse's mic man, Ajax as New York's top MC.  I admire the fact that in addition to his mic skill he shows the necessary aggression and willingness that does not allow him to be intimidated by his opponents.  At the end of the day this clash will come down to popularity vs tune and wit vs aggression.  May the best man win!

Source: Chin