Emcee Network began its cypher series in September, 2016, with the goal of creating an opportunity for local artists to showcase their sonic talents with visual accompaniment. This year’s offering is no exception, featuring a beat from DDS; lyrics courtesy of Hotel Seprino, Philup Banks, Courtney Bell, and B-Free; and visuals from none other than Diego Cruz with the help of Emcee co-owner Taylor Dall.
After a short musical intro, Hotel Seprino starts it off with a melodic and elongated delivery, hanging onto each word with self-assured emphasis. Then enters Banks, who adds strength to lines like, “can’t call yourself a boss until your team’s up.” Bell follows with an energetically choppy flow, exhibiting dexterity in rhyme schemes and style. Finally, B-Free comes through with a well-suited finale, beginning with a calm and confidence that evolves into assertive microphone prowess by the end of the song.
As he’s demonstrated in previous work, director Cruz’s knack for matching sounds to images is exemplified in the video, which uses subtle choices in positioning and lighting to produce subliminal clues that add depth to each artist’s style. The overall vibe matches well with the beat, and gives the piece a visual consistency that juxtaposes well with the variety presented by each artist.
You can view the video below:
Broccoli is a creator focused on hip-hop and experimental performance. His work and writing combine unconventional concepts of identity and experience to engage with audiences through a variety of mediums. His passions include healthy eating and constructive discomfort. He is a contributor to Emcee Network.
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