CHAMPION BREWING, HOME OF RVA RAP ELITE, TO CLOSE AT THE END OF AUGUST

RVA Rap Elite, the open mic proving ground for Virginia hip-hop artists, is losing its home at the end of August. Champion Brewing, the Charlottesville-based brewery, has announced that it will not be renewing its lease in Richmond and will close its doors in Richmond on August 31st.

Champion has been a good partner for Richmond’s independent hip-hop scene (particularly following the closing of Strange Matter), hosting RVA Rap Elite and, at least one, Southpaw Battle Coalition rap battle, both of these events are under the leadership of Radio B. “We appreciate Champion and our time there. We take great pride in the events we held there and are looking forward to the next chapter for RVA Rap Elite,” said Radio B.

While the loss of Champion is significant to Richmond’s hip-hop community, I can’t say that there is too much of a loss for Richmond’s craft brewing industry. Richmond Biz Sense reported that there are 5 breweries within 2 miles of closing Champion. #WESEEIT