The 2021 Hennessy Artistry Cypher just concluded, and boy did we feel the heat! The artistes all brought their A-game and hit us with 3 episodes of undiluted Artistry.
As expected, MI, Ycee, Vector, and LadiPoe delivered on the lyrics at the Hennessy Artistry Cyphers 2021, but it was the new kids on the block who caught the attention of viewers. Going by this year’s Cypher, it is safe to say we have a strong crop of rap stars in the making, ready to take Nigerian Hip-Hop to another level.
The cyphers kicked off in style as Alpha Ojini, Psycho YP, Barrylane, and Legendary Styles took the stage and got us off to an exciting start in episode 1! Alpha Ojini got things underway and set the pace with his storytelling style. The Fresh Prince of Nigerian Rap, Psycho YP was up next. His punchy flow complimented his style, and he certainly did not disappoint, varying between Trap, Rap & Grime with ease. BarryLane was up next and with his KDot-inspired style, and he certainly set the bar high and took the cyphers to a whole new level with his content, flow, and delivery! Legendary Styles performed next, staying true to his Afro-Drill rap style infused with the right dose of humour ending episode 1 of the cyphers on a high!
Watch Episode 1 – 2021 Hennessy Artistry Cypher
Episode 2 included the finalists of the Hennessy Artistry VS Class; Season VII Winner Matosan, and Runner-up Escore Gatti, alongside 2019 winner of Hennessy Artistry VS Class, Laud Reyes, and her runner-up, Preacher Kingz. Escore Gatti maintained the momentum from episode 1, hitting us with punchlines galore. Another fan’s favourite, Preacher Kingz was up next and he was a vision of Nas reincarnated on this year’s cypher. His calm and collected flow were on full display. The only female artiste on this year’s cypher, Laudreyes graced the mic next. She came correct with her alpha female energy, accompanied by her flow and lyrical versatility. She certainly held her own amongst a male-dominated cypher and left us all wanting more. Wrapping up for episode 2 was the incredibly talented Matosan. As the reigning king, viewers expected a lot from Matosan, and yes, he came with the heat!
Watch Episode 2 – 2021 Hennessy Artistry Cypher
The finale episode was everything viewers hoped for. Led by LadiPoe, and followed by verses from MI, Vector, and rounded off by Ycee, this episode left us definitely wanting more and reminded us why these people are the superstars that they are.
Watch Episode 3 – 2021 Hennessy Artistry Cypher
I think we can all agree that this year’s cypher had it all! The content, the flow, the delivery, the style, and the range gave everything a Cypher should and this will undoubtedly set the bar higher for next year’s cypher.
Hennessy continues to promote Nigeria urban culture, serving as an incubator for budding and gifted rappers through the Hennessy Artistry platform while serving as a springboard for their careers.
Catch the 2021 Hennessy Artistry Cyphers on YouTube @HennessyNigeria. For more information on Hennessy Artistry 2021, join the conversation using #HennessyCypher2021 and follow Hennessy Nigeria on YouTube and Facebook.