Edmonton Battle Rap League Owner Shabbott on Building Insult 2 Injury and Growing Canada’s Battle Scene

Hailey Bell
15 hours ago
5 min read

Name: Shelby Abbott

Location: Fort McMurray, AB

Talent Name: Shabbott

Business: No Caption

Instagram: @Shabbott

Category: Battle Rap League Owner / Artist

💬 INTRODUCTION

I’m originally from Newfoundland — Alberta has been my home for 23 years. I work for CN Rail in Fort Mac, and I’ve been a fan of battle rap since I was 16/17 years old. Within the last couple of years, I’ve been able to finally get myself into a position to battle and also run a league in Edmonton.

🔥 THE PASSION

There are many inspirations I have for hip hop and battle rap — Pat Stay, Shotty Horroh, TheSaurus, Illmaculate, Rum Nitty, Jey The Nitewing, Madflex, Arsonal, plus more!

Music-wise — MGK, Mac Miller, Chris Webby, T-Pain, A$AP Ferg, A$AP Rocky, Busta Rhymes, Eminem.

A lot of my friends that make music inspire me too — Str8 Tripp, JVG, K Listen, Poltergeist OD, Wize Guy. Tons of inspirational people in my life who’ve influenced me along the way!

Some of the battlers that stuck with me — Iron Solomon, Math Hoffa, Kid Twist, Hollohan, Pat Stay.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

Canadian creativity to me means creating something I can be proud of for Canada — something that is respected by Canadians within whatever community that art form belongs to.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

Standout moments for me — debuting into battle rap, owning and running a league, and buying a house a couple of years ago. But honestly, my son being proud of me for everything I do for him and myself — that makes me really proud.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

To be able to do a song with some of the many talented artists I know, and one day do a battle event collaboration with CRB, Beastmode, or Set The Bar.

💥 CLOSING

I’ll be working on the next events, battles, and venue with Spud and Poltergeist. Hoping to record some music this year, as well as focus on personal goals like getting in the gym and doing 2–3 battles by the end of 2026.

🔊 ANYTHING ELSE

Shoutout to Spud, Poltergeist OD, Alix, Hailey, Kaiser, JREDS, and all the sponsors that have been helping me achieve the ability to make these events happen.

A lot of them are friends or Fort McMurray-run businesses — they show love, respect, and support for me and my dreams.

🎤 COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: Going through something like the Fort McMurray wildfires isn’t small — what did that experience teach you that still sticks with you today?

SHABBOTT: Don’t take life and your belongings for granted. Memories are the most important thing you gain in life. When you're in complete chaos — breathe, stay calm, and focus. Make a plan and get it done. You won’t be in chaos forever, so appreciate your ability to navigate the fire and make it through.

COMET: You’re in and out of different cities a lot — how do you stay connected to your community while constantly moving?

SHABBOTT: I try to stay tapped in with people from all over Canada, no matter where I am. No matter what event I’m at, I have to travel for it being from Fort McMurray. Video calls, messages, and Facebook in general are how I stay connected with the community.

Battle rap events are like family reunions — no matter where I go, it’s always love and respect. Different cities and leagues, but the same community and the same goal everywhere we go: entertainment and having fun.

COMET: Has there ever been an event where you dropped everything just to be there?

SHABBOTT: Set The Bar’s Rivals event — Mike Wild vs. Illipsis.

It was a draft-style card where team captains picked their teams and matches. Illipsis was someone I had wanted to see battle live forever, and Mike Wild has been there for me since my debut. It was his biggest battle to date — I didn’t want to miss that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IwtnaCWyMo

COMET: How did you first get into the battle rap scene — and what kept you in it?

SHABBOTT: I made my way into battle rap by watching it for years, and the previous league owner in Edmonton gave me a shot to debut. I loved it. The people and friendships I’ve made, the rush of adrenaline, the nerves and excitement when I go to battle, enjoying seeing the fruits of my labor come to life, and being able to watch battle rap live and be in the moment — that’s what keeps me here.

COMET: What’s one battle that’s stayed with you?

SHABBOTT: Pathogenic vs. Madflex.

Being able to see a battle happen live with two guys I had only seen battle on YouTube was unreal. I’ve been watching so many battles over the years — being able to watch them live, meet them, and talk with them after is amazing. After it’s done, I just want more — it’s an addicting feeling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLTe7-O77RQ

COMET: What differences have you noticed across Canada’s battle scene?

SHABBOTT: There are differences province to province, but at the end of the day it’s the same job and the same goal — put on a performance that everyone will enjoy and be proud of myself and everyone else for killin’ it.

COMET: What do you miss most about home?

SHABBOTT: Newfoundland has tons of gems, hidden or not. Twillingate Island, where I lived, has iceberg tours. Gros Morne National Park is a beautiful spot. I could go on for a while about it.

COMET: What’s a goal you’re holding yourself accountable to?

SHABBOTT: Get in the gym and bulk up, battle a couple of times this year, make it out to CRB Ottawa and Beastmode in Toronto, and meet people and build connections.

COMET: If you could battle anywhere in the world?

SHABBOTT: Toronto — Beastmode / KOTD

Africa — I spent 3 months in Ghana volunteering when I was 17/18

UK — Don’t Flop was a huge part of my battle watching back in the day

🔥 LEAGUE QUESTIONS — INSULT TO INJURY

COMET: Why did Edmonton need Insult 2 Injury?

SHABBOTT: Edmonton needed something new, different, and more professional — a fresh start. Starting over is hard, yes, but once we build the foundation, what comes next will be unreal and something to be proud of because it was built from the ground up.

COMET: What does doing it “properly” mean to you?

SHABBOTT: Stability, support, accountability, understanding, and emotional intelligence. The community is full of people from all walks of life, which means different beliefs and ways of thinking. You have to be able to navigate that, stand on your own beliefs, and still put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Be able to give and receive constructive criticism without letting it affect how you treat people.

COMET: Do you feel a responsibility to the culture?

SHABBOTT: There is, yes. I just focus on doing my absolute best, with the support system we have and the respect from the community.