| Type | Web series |
| Title | Epic Rap Battles of History |
| Impact | Introduced many viewers to key moments and figures from history, literature, and mythology through an engaging musical medium |
| Fanbase | Devoted worldwide |
| Founders | |
| Launched | Late 2000s |
| Controversies | Cultural representations |
| Notable features | High production values • Catchy original music • Educational takes on historical/mythological figures |
Epic Rap Battles of History (ERB) is a popular web series that features elaborately-produced rap "battles" between famous historical, literary, and mythological figures. Launched in the late 2000s, the series has become renowned for its catchy original music, creative visuals, and educational takes on its featured personalities and eras.
ERB was created in 2008 by Peter Shukoff (also known as "Nice Peter") and Lloyd Ahlquist (also known as "EpicLLOYD"), two veteran improvisational comedians and musicians. Inspired by the growing popularity of both rap music and internet-based sketch comedy, they developed the concept of having renowned figures from history, literature, and mythology face off against each other in freestyle rap battles.
The first ERB video was released in 2009, pitting Napoleon Bonaparte against Napoleon Dynamite. Over the next few years, the series gradually built a devoted online fanbase through its creative, high-production musical numbers featuring an eclectic mix of historical figures, from William Shakespeare to Rasputin, Jane Austen to Muhammad Ali.
While early ERB videos often featured more modern pop culture figures like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, the series quickly shifted its focus primarily to historical, literary, and mythological personalities. This allowed the creators to blend their love of rap music with a desire to educate viewers about notable individuals and eras.
Some of the most popular and acclaimed ERB "battles" have included:
By exploring the lives, accomplishments, and personalities of these diverse figures, ERB has aimed to spark viewers' curiosity and teach them about history, literature, and mythology in an engaging, musical format.
A key aspect of ERB's appeal is its high production values. Each episode features elaborate costume designs, set pieces, and visual effects to transport viewers to the appropriate historical or mythological setting. The original rap songs composed for the battles blend various musical influences, from classical and folk to R&B and heavy metal.
The creators have also become known for their creative approach to casting - often featuring lesser-known or up-and-coming performers to voice the different figures, rather than relying on celebrity impersonators. This allows for more historically-accurate and nuanced portrayals.
Despite its success and positive educational impact, ERB has faced some criticism and controversy over the years. Some academics and cultural historians have questioned the series' representations of certain figures, arguing that they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or fail to provide adequate historical context.
Debates have arisen, for example, over the show's depictions of indigenous leaders like Pocahontas and Sitting Bull, as well as its portrayal of women and people of color more broadly. The creators have worked to address these concerns, consulting with experts and making efforts to offer more culturally-sensitive and historically-grounded portrayals.
Despite these occasional challenges, Epic Rap Battles of History has grown into a global phenomenon, with tens of millions of subscribers on YouTube and fans around the world. The series' blend of catchy music, creative visuals, and educational content has struck a chord, introducing many viewers to key figures and moments in history, literature, and mythology that they may not have otherwise encountered.
ERB's influence can be seen in the rise of other history-themed musical/comedy web series, as well as the increasing prominence of educational rap and hip-hop content. The show's innovative approach to bringing the past to life through the lens of contemporary pop culture has cemented its status as a uniquely 21st century educational and entertainment experience.
