Thanks to a recently leaked production schedule from BET, Tech N9ne is all but confirmed to appear at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards in a Cypher segment. Taking part in what is labeled as Cypher 5, Tech N9ne will be joining the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Big K.R.I.T., B.o.B, and Kendrick Lamar. Each MC is a shining example of both new and veteran skills in the rap game. Hailing from the Midwest, South, and West Coast, there is no telling just what each of these MCs can bring to the Cypher. Everybody knows that the name of the game is to outshine your peers and spit the hardest flow out of the Cypher. Considering the names in this Cypher, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Tech N9ne – Proclaimed as the Kansas City King, Tech N9ne has redefined the structure of independent music.
Years of touring and recording have given him an independent empire and a following like no other in hip hop. 2011 saw Tech N9ne hit the Top 5 on Billboard with All 6’s And 7’s, and also gave way to his appearance on the best selling album, Tha Carter IV. Known for his rapid fire delivery, Tech N9ne can also bend words to his liking and create percussive elements with his flow. A mean streak and taste for unorthodox delivery will no doubt give Tech N9ne an advantage as he looks to lay down his claim as a God of music.
Kendrick Lamar – Handpicked by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Game to carry on the torch of their legacies, Kendrick Lamar has become a shining beacon of hope for an entire coast.
As a member of Black Hippy, Kendrick Lamar has created an entirely new style of West Coast music. Personally picked by Dr. Dre to work on his forthcoming Detox album, Kendrick Lamar has quickly risen to be one of the most promising MCs in music today. His multisyllabic rhymes and precision timing have made him a formidable foe. Gangsta rap, conscious rap, party rap – Kendrick can do it all.
Machine Gun Kelly – Brash and unapologetic, this 21 year old MC maneuvered his way through the hip hop circuit in Cleveland,OH until his recent signing with Bad Boy Records.
Armed with furious flows, MGK is most known for his speedy and high energy raps. Another product of the do-it-yourself work ethic, MGK earned his place through several mixtape releases. His rhythmically impressive timing separates him from other speedy rappers, giving him a lead that he won’t soon lose. It’s time to Lace Up.
Big K.R.I.T. – Hailing from Mississippi, Big K.R.I.T. made a splash on the mixtape scene with his self-released and self-produced projects.
His introspective and next level lyricism have made him a favorite with critics everywhere. Changing the face of Southern hip hop, K.R.I.T. continues to flex his elite production skills with soulful music rooted in the heart of the South. K.R.I.T. also enjoyed massive exposure through XXL as one of their 2011 Freshmen. A love for real wordplay and thought provoking rhymes support this MCs Cypher agenda.
B.o.B – Arguably the most recognizable name to jump into the Cypher, this Atlanta based MC has enjoyed enormous success in the mainstream industry.
His number one selling album, The Adventures Of Bobby Ray, featured the smash singles “Nothin’ On You” and “Airplanes”. Praised for both his production skills and songwriting style, B.o.B has proven to be able to step away from his Pop persona and deliver hardcore verses, most notably on Tech N9ne’s “Am I A Psycho?” from All 6’s And 7’s. Currently on a good streak of vicious flows, Bobby Ray will be looking to crash through the Cypher like a heavyweight superstar.
The 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards are scheduled to air on October 11 at 8 PM/7 PM CST.
-Victor Sandoval, Assistant Editor Strange Music
Follow Victor on Twitter: @VicMSandoval