Dimapur-based hip-hop crew ‘8MICs’ has released the city’s first ‘Rap Cypher’ music video, currently available on Google’s video-sharing website YouTube.
Recorded at New Life and Reckless Films & Production, it was filmed and edited by Kohdi Jings films, informed the crew in a press release.
Formed this year in April, its objective to bring hip-hop artists together and uplift its culture in the city, the crew said.
The 6-member crew comprises of Echognize (Ronald Kachari), an Engineering student at Mumbai University, who already has released two songs, ‘mustafa’ and ‘spot calls’; Akhrie Slim, the winner of Urban Jam 2017 in Kohima; C Young (Chingyang Phom), who draws inspiration from artists like Eminem, Big Sean, Jay-Z, Nas, Moob Deep etc; Sudu Rhax (Suduvezo Rhakho), currently a student of Tetso College and 8 singles songs under his belt; Psycho K4 (Hiboka Chishi), the finalist of Voice of Nagaland Season ll, 2015; Tensawati (Tensawati Lemtur), currently working in Delhi with a single, ‘Too young to make Forever’; and MC Olen (Paolen Kuki), a former participant of the Kids for Fame Season 2.
Sudu Rhax, Psycho K4 and MC Olen had previously collaborated for the song, “Don’t Let Go,” a rap song against drugs and depression.
According to the crew, the Number 8 in the name ‘8 MICs’ represents a karmic number which signifying the phrase, “We Reap What We Sow” and the ‘MICs’ represent the culture itself.
Primarily focusing on improving themselves and the hip-hop scene in the city, while being hopeful to make a mark on bigger platforms, the crew’s first ‘Rap Cypher’ was published on YouTube on October 12.
A cypher or cipher is described as an “informal gathering of rappers, beatboxers, and/or break-dancers in a circle, in order to jam musically together,” and falls under the category of freestyle rap.
