Just Do It

The Art of War Lyricist Competition

by Holly Otterbein

Fri., Aug. 31, 8 p.m., $5-$7, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-908-8153, www.myspace.com/mcartwar

Just as the summer reaches its humidity-drenched slowest, the merciful gods of entertainment are giving Philly The Art of War Lyricist Competition, a literary battle royal that pits slam poets against traditional MCs.

Think you're too hip for poets? We aren't talking beatnik bullshit or angsty teenage girl venting here. Spearheaded by experimental hip-hop artist Jalima Shani (pictured), Art of War sticks 32 competitors into the ring and drags every last one of them through four rounds that would give Sylvia Plath an anxiety attack. The top combatant must pose a quadruple threat of originality, ability to "play in the moment," stage presence and writing skills. Judges include Cee Knowledge (aka Doodlebug of Digable Planets), and the first-place winner takes home a not-too-shabby $1,000 prize. Should the bouts prove too gory, a breakdancing troupe and a mini art exhibition will provide a li'l respite from the fight.