Ryan James continues to fly hip-hop’s flag locally.
“One thing about hip-hop, I still feel like we’re trying to get through the door (in Mansfield),” he said. “If we don’t force this, nobody is going to say they want to do something like this.”
James is referring to his Cypher City Hip-Hop Festival, taking place this year from 3-10 p.m. July 25 at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Like last year, the Youth Hall will host the event. The cost at the door is $10.
Now in its third year, Cypher City will move to the Brickyard in downtown Mansfield next year.
“We’re going to go out with a bang,” James said. “For me, it’s a motivational-type year. There’s been a lot going on preparing for this festival.”
He has lined up about 30 acts to perform, including 22 from the area. Cypher City is also drawing artists from Cleveland, Columbus, Lorain, Elyria and Pittsburgh. David Yaney is a main sponsor.
DJ Dro Jackson returns as the DJ. His off-stage name is Derrick Feagin.
“He will always be my DJ,” James said.
Also returning are Jamison and Tika Milteer, better known as Thuh Koz. They hosted last year, and James is giving them free rein to do what they want this time around.
There also will be a few changes, including the format. James plans to give each act a set time of 10-12 minutes.
“We’re not going to stretch out these long sets,” he said. “Last year, a lot of artists missed out.”
James doesn’t want to see that happen again, noting Cypher City is a big supporter of independent artists.
Cypher City Hip-Hop Festival provides audience for independent artists
For a number of performers, Cypher City could be their biggest platform of the year.
“I always encourage people to bring their fans,” James said.
He talked about how organizers went about picking the performers for this year’s show.
“What we kind of did was go online and research what they have, see how many followers they have, see their videos, how many streams they get,” James said. “By doing that, we can see how much they’re working on their craft.
“When we think about the desire there is to be on the Cypher City stage, we know that we’ve started something. It was important that we give the top-notch independent talent a chance.”
Some of the local artists will include VaunDoom, Zuc and Devy Kay.
James noted some other changes to make this year’s festival the best yet.
“We’re going to create a more elaborate stage, bigger sound, better lighting,” he said, adding the Youth Hall is a perfect venue.
In addition, James hopes to have two or three food trucks at the venue. V&M will return. Vendors for clothing, cosmetics and more will also be there for $15 a table.
While focusing on independent talent, James also has his eye on making connections with more established “legend” artists in the genre.
Last year, Krazie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony attended the afterparty. The Cleveland-based rap act is best known for the song “Tha Crossroads” in the 1990s.
James said he was in touch with the management of Cassidy, who first garnered attention for his freestyles and competitions as a battle rapper in the late 1990s and formed the Philadelphia-based hip-hop collective Larsiny by the end of the decade.
“We couldn’t get the logistics together, but I made some good connections,” James said.
It’s all part of making Cypher City even bigger. He said the festival will be family-friendly and feature security from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
James said he is still breaking down stereotypes for how some people view hip-hop. He is looking for help.
“I would love to have more of the city (officials) back these events like they do some of the other events,” James said. “Until then, we’re going to keep doing what we do.”
Mark Caudill can be reached at 419-521-7219 or via X at @MarkCau32059251.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: James bringing back Cypher City Hip-Hop Festival for 3rd year
Reporting by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
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By Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal | USA TODAY Network
