Bodied

Adam Merkin, a graduate student at Berkeley, dedicates himself to researching the use of the term 'nigga' in battle rap. His academic pursuits reflect the contentious nature of the topic, revealing both personal and societal implications of language in hip-hop culture.

Adam attends an exhilarating rap battle featuring prominent rappers X-Tract and Behn Grym, bringing his girlfriend Maya for moral support. During the event, Maya becomes uncomfortable with the overt sexism in the lyrics, prompting a conversation about the impact of rap on gender dynamics.

After the battle, Adam tries to interview Grym about his lyrical choices but is quickly ridiculed for his academic approach. This moment highlights the divide between the world of battle rap and the academic realm, emphasizing Adam's struggle to fit in.

When a confrontation arises with a young white rapper named Billy Pistolz, Adam steps in and delivers a compelling freestyle against cultural appropriation. His spontaneous performance impresses Grym and marks a turning point in Adam's battle rap journey.

Adam's father, Professor Merkin, dismisses his thesis topic as trivial, further fueling Adam's determination to make a mark in battle rap. This rejection intensifies Adam's internal conflict between academic expectations and his passion for performance.

Responding to a challenge from promoter Donnie Narco, Adam battles Korean rapper Prospek for the first time. After a rocky start, he shifts strategies to humor and wins the crowd over, claiming his inaugural victory in the battle rap scene.

During a dinner date at a vegan restaurant, Adam attempts to explain his obsession with battle rap to Maya. However, his words backfire, leading to an argument that concludes with Maya evicting him from the place, signifying the growing rift in their relationship.

Following a successful evening where Adam and his friends win their matches, they celebrate at a party hosted by Megaton. Tensions arise when Che's flirtation with Megaton's girlfriend ignites a feud, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Adam seeks advice from Behn Grym, who reveals his life beyond rap as a video game designer and a father to a severely ill child. This revelation adds depth to Grym's character and shows the complexities of balancing fame with personal struggles.

While Adam grapples with his choices, Maya uses footage of his battle to support her own academic thesis, leading to severe backlash against him at Berkeley. Adam’s betrayal by Maya and the resulting fallout deepens his feelings of isolation.

After much internal conflict, Adam ultimately accepts a lucrative challenge to battle Behn Grym for a grand prize. This decision reflects his desire to reclaim control over his narrative and confront the consequences of his actions.

In an electrifying battle against Grym, Adam employs personal revelations about Grym’s family struggles in his performance. This intense showdown not only captivates the audience but also serves as a cathartic release for Adam.

Post-battle, Grym expresses discomfort with Adam's approach, believing it has crossed a line into cruelty. Grym's departure highlights the emotional rift that has emerged between the two, leaving Adam to grapple with the repercussions.

In a desperate attempt to win Maya back, Adam proposes marriage, hoping to mend their fractured relationship. However, Maya responds with a scornful rejection, cementing the painful distance that has grown between them.

After witnessing Megaton humiliate Che in battle, Adam confronts him in a dramatic turn of events. Despite facing personal injury, Adam's resolve leads to a surprising victory, symbolizing his growth and resilience in the face of adversity.