Token Torches The BET Hip-Hop Cypher While DJ Premier Cuts The Record (Video)
The 2016 Hip Hop Awards are airing on BET on Tuesday, October 4, and with them come the annual Cyphers. While this year’s Cypher participants have not yet been announced, several details have surfaced about the show which was taped in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, September 17.
Snoop Dogg Is Finally Being Recognized For The Hip-Hop Legend He Is
While Snoop Dogg has been the show’s host for the last few years, DJ Khaled took over the responsibilities for 2016. Snoop was not left out, however, as he was chosen as the recipient of this year’s “I Am Hip Hop Icon Award.” For Snoop, who has never won a Grammy Award despite 17 nominations, this will be one of his most high profile accolades. Performers on the show include Big K.R.I.T., Isaiah Rashad, T.I. and more
Without a doubt, however, the most excitement for the show typically centers around the Cyphers. In year’s past, artists like Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj. Logic, Rapsody and more have made names for themselves with the platform, as it is often afforded to MCs who have garnered acclaim on the underground circuit, but who have not yet been exposed to mainstream artists. Typically, BET releases a “Digital Cypher” in advance of the show, and now this year’s has arrived. Levi Carter, Don Flamingo, District 21 and Mr. Paradise join Token, who leads things off.
Token Explains His Journey As An MC & How Music Saved His Life (Video)
As he did with a cypher on Sway In The Morning last Spring, Token looks to steal the show, even referencing the standout performance on Sway, saying it wasn’t good enough. DJ Premier resumes his traditional position of holding down the 1s and 2s, as Token goes back and forth from a syncopated flow to a full on blitzkreig double-time attack. It’s been an intense couple of weeks for the Salem, MA MC, who also released Eraser Shavings, his first full-length project, last mont.
Token Looks To Leave A Permanent Mark On The Rap Pages With His Eraser Shavings (Audio)
Mr. Paradise follows Token with a verse that is fully in Spanish. He, Levi Carter, Don Flamingo and District 21 all hold their own.