Second Annual Cypher City Hip-Hop Festival Unites 30+ Artists at Fairgrounds

A New Era for Local Hip-Hop

Alldreianna Braggs, known in the rap scene as Yung Shotta, has always preferred performing in environments that are free from negativity and drama. This preference was perfectly aligned with the atmosphere of the second annual Cypher City Hip-Hop Festival, which took place at the Richland County Fairgrounds on Saturday. The event brought together a vibrant mix of local and regional talent, offering a platform for artists to showcase their skills.

The festival, organized by local promoter Ryan James, featured 40 artists across its lineup. James expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, stating, "Things are going good. This is more than I anticipated, but I was ready for it. I'm so excited. It's just bringing everybody out." The event marked a shift from last year’s selection process, where artists were handpicked, to this year’s open submission format, which allowed new and emerging talents to step into the spotlight.

Expanding Opportunities for Artists

This year’s festival saw a diverse group of performers, many of whom had never taken the stage before. James emphasized the importance of showcasing the thriving local hip-hop scene, saying, "I want people to understand that the local (hip-hop) scene is thriving." For some artists, the event represented more than just a performance—it was an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.

Kevin Reed, known as Kev Larr, traveled from Atlanta to Mansfield to support the festival. As a native of Mansfield, he felt a strong connection to the city and wanted to witness the new talent emerging there. "It's an outlet for the local talent to network," he said. His presence highlighted the growing interest in Mansfield’s hip-hop community, both locally and beyond.

A Community-Focused Event

The affordability of the event also played a significant role in its appeal. Tickets were priced at just $10, making it accessible to a wide audience. Brayah Manns, another local attendee, expressed her excitement about the festival, noting that she and her friend had just arrived and were eager to see the performances. "This is something to do and it's cheap — just $10 for all these artists," she said.

For Theresia Hardin, the event held personal significance. Her son, Kash Kasino, was among the performers. While she described herself as more of an R&B fan, she acknowledged the value of the festival. "I'm mostly an R&B person. I'm a '70s baby," she said, showing her support for the next generation of artists.

A Celebration of Talent and Unity

Several performers shared their experiences of the event, highlighting the positive energy that filled the fairgrounds. Isaiah Slone, known as Y&B Zay, spoke about his set, saying, "I feel like it went pretty good. It always feels good to get on a stage." He also appreciated the supportive environment, noting, "It's a great event, everybody kind of supporting everybody."

Kye Bowman, known as BigKye Boogie, was another key figure at the festival. He documented the event with his crew and used the opportunity to promote his podcast, Kye Talk 2 'Em. "Mansfield itself is a hidden gem," he said, echoing James’ sentiments about the city's potential.

Behind the Scenes and Beyond

James received support from several local figures, including DJ Derrick Feagin and hosts Jamison and Tika Milteer, who also performed as Thuh Koz. The event continued even after the main performances ended, with an afterparty planned at Kash Co. Pourhouse in Ashland. The afterparty featured a special guest appearance by Krazie Bone of the Cleveland-based rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, known for their hit "Tha Crossroads."

The festival’s success was determined by fan votes, with the top two performers scheduled to perform for Krazie Bone. When asked about the differences between this year’s event and last year’s, James said, "It's bigger: more artists, more turnout. It's like last year, but we took it up a notch."

Looking Ahead

James has big plans for the future of Cypher City, hoping to eventually bring the festival downtown. In the meantime, he expressed gratitude to the sponsors, including Ohio Premier Distributing, Mansfield City Councilman-at-Large David Falquette, the Mothership, and the MMB Development Center. "I want to thank the Mansfield community for really embracing this event," he said.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration in the world of hip-hop.