The Underappreciated Cypher In Hip-Hop Music

First written July 28th, 2014

Earlier today, I started watching random cyphers from mainstream and underground artists on YouTube, and after a while, I looked up and realized the day had passed me by.

For those unfamiliar with the cypher, it is a space, an opportunity, where hip-hop emcees get together, a DJ sets up tables, and emcees take turns free-styling. In an industry today that seems more concerned with making money than making great music, it is good to see this space where artists worldwide still come together embracing an important pillar of hip-hop culture: emceeing.

The battling, freestyling, storytelling, and expression used to be as essential to success as a “rapper” as it was one of the ways artists got their names out there and developed a fan base. When Kendrick Lamar dropped his “Control” verse that named several rappers as targets that he was hunting and trying to destroy, he was embracing the hunger and dedication to emceeing that lyricists often showcased in these cyphers.

In the spirit of celebrating real hip hop emcees, I wanted to pick some must see/must hear performances in my opinion, that really showcase lyrical ability, unique style, and passion.

12. ‘True School’ Cypher

Jean Grae, Sarkodie, Ab-Soul Talib Kweli

This cypher makes it onto the list purely off the lyrical mastery of Mr. Talib Kweli. He comes in immediately dropping knowledge about hip hop…