Battles or dance-offs are head-to-head confrontations between individuals or groups of dancers in order to see who can out-dance the other. There are two types of battles, the cypher and the organized, both of which are an integral part of the hip hop culture. A cypher battle occurs when a group of b-boys or b-girls form a circle, and individuals take turns showing their moves in the middle to the cheers and jeers of those around them. Often times these battles are unplanned, friendly and social. Organized battles differ in that they are planned, often publicized events, with set rules and judges. Lil Rays takes his shot at the title of an organized battle, challenging the reigning King of NY, Assassin. More: artsedge.kennedy-center.org/cultureconnect