The Epic Rap Battles of History YouTube page has almost two billion views and 12 and a half million subscribers. The concept of two historical icons taking part in a rap battle is absolutely ridiculous, but for some reason it works extremely well. The online show is one of the most unique and well produced shows on the internet, but how would it translate into a successful live show? This question brought me and a few hundred other people to SPA’s event starring the duo of Epic Llyod and Nice Peter, the masterminds behind the online sensation.

The show began with an opening act that worked the crowd into an absolute frenzy. The Jackpot Golden Boys epitomized everything that an opening act should be. Jim and Alex commanded the stage, injecting excitement into the crowd. Students crowd surfed and echoed the chorus as Alex instructed them. The performance lasted roughly 40 minutes.

By the time Peter and Lloyd took the stage it was midnight, but the crowd was anything but tired. From the opening lyrics of their first rap battle to their last, the crowd remained absolutely enthralled. By the time I got home at 2 a.m., my cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much.

With minimalist costumes, the performers made their rap battles come to life. Sure, I couldn’t understand every word they said, but I could say that about any rap music I listen to. I did, however, miss the helpful subtitles featured in the videos.

When I say “rapped along,” I’m not kidding. The ERB team brought numerous students on stage to take part in their battles. Nothing excited the crowd more than when a student eloquently rapped a verse of the rap with little to no help from the rap’s creators.

Another highlight of the night was when Peter asked the audience to give him two things to make an impromptu rap battle out of. The first was a rap battle between Beyonce (Peter) and Shia Labeouf (Lloyd). The second was a rap between Penn State and the Buffalo Bulls, although that rap was cut short after Peter rapped a few sick burns about Penn State’s “many controversies.”

Overall, it was the showmanship of Peter and Lloyd that made the event one to remember. Their ability to translate their larger-than-life online presence to a live performance is one to be marveled. The SPA organizers were also key in the night’s success.

It was a night which, ultimately, can only be described in one word: epic.