3 Years Strong... From its humble beginnings in the summer of 2009 on the Queen Street sidewalk in front of KOPS Records, The Cypher has come a very long way. Starting out with the simple idea of giving hip hop emcees an outlet to get some mic time, The Cypher is now looked to by many artists as the place to sharpen and hone their talents and skills, network, have fun, express themselves, practice their rhymes, and has become a staple event in Toronto’s hip hop community. For the past three years, The Cypher has continually grown and evolved both in scope and size, providing a plethora of opportunities both for creators of hip hop music and fans of hip hop music and culture alike. From monthly events where anyone in attendance is free to join the cypher and pass the mic around, to cyphers and jams in parks and street festivals around the city, to organizing and promoting large concerts showcasing the likes of J-Live (Triple Threat Productions), Jeru the Damaja (Gang Starr Foundation), and Stalley (MMG), The Cypher continually stands for the manifestation and proliferation of hip hop as an idea, a cultural movement, and an art-form. The addition of lyricist and freestyle competitions as well as artist features at regular events has given artists opportunities to be recognized and stand out among their peers. The Cypher is also continually expanding its reach beyond Toronto, with past events in Chicago, Hamilton, and Guelph. __________________________ Music will be provided by DJ Xplisit as well as a live performance by The Cypher Crew. All artists in attendance will have the opportunity to get on the mic and perform in the cyphers, in which emcees pass the microphone around and take turns rapping. Lyricist and/or freestyle competition will also occur. The Cypher is taking place on the top floor of The Central, doors at 9pm. Free admission before 10pm, $5 cover after 10pm. |
