The Cypher Committee released its first-ever 319 Cypher this week. The video is a joint collaboration among primarily Cedar Rapids-based rappers, though it’s packed with plenty of shout-outs (The Hawkeyes are a big hit), so there’s quite a bit to bite on if you’re a navel-gazing Iowan like myself. The group encourages viewers to jump in and let them know — via Youtube comments — who had the best verse.
For those unfamiliar, a cypher is a rap session where participants take turns contributing a verse in a freestyle (or freestyle-esque) format. The definition varies, of course, but you can always hit up Urban Dictionary if you’re looking for a bit more nuance, right?
We puttin on for an area that doesn’t really have a voice in HipHop music #319Cypher
— FOOCH the MC (@FOOCHtheMC) October 17, 2013
In the order of appearance, participating emcees are Fooch, Gangsta Child, Bloke C, K.I.D. Black, Notti Boy, Jose G, Jahkusto, Imperfekt, Bill Thousand and Slice. Each one offers a bit of their own flavor, from the backpack rapping of Imperfekt to the fast and loose flow of Jahkusto. Note: If you’re the type to be easily offended by rap lyrics, these guys (no women are involved, unfortunately) might not be your ideal entertainment option.
For such a homegrown operation, the production quality throughout the cypher is impressive. Iowa-based Hip hop aficionados might even feel a tingly pride-like sensation well up from within. The group created a behind-the-scenes video as well, which you can watch here.
