RICHMOND HIP-HOP SHOWS ITS BRILLIANCE IN WORLD EMCEE CYPHER: RADIO B, EASALIO, NOAH-O, JOEY GALLO, ILLA STYLES, PRODUCED BY NAMEBRAND

In many ways, hip-hop serves as a microcosm of life. Reputations are earned, and over time, reputations have to be defended, or elevated, depending on the situation.

In hip-hop, specifically, for an MC, reputations are earned one way, and one way only: rhyming. As an MC, you can’t just say you’re nice. You can’t earn a reputation of being a dope MC by rhyming one, two, or even 10 times. MCs earned a reputation by being hungry, by taking advantage of every opportunity to grab a mic and bring the house down. Being a dope MC, with a well-earned reputation, is about showing a proving, and doing it over and over again.

Which brings me to Richmond, RVA Rap Elite, and this latest World Emcee cypher. This video is why I love Richmond hip-hop. The video represents some of the best, most credible, most active MCs in Richmond doing what MCs do best: rhyming.

The World Emcee cypher was kicked off by RVA Rap Elite founder (AGM’s own) Radio B, who delivered one of his best-recorded performances to date (and that’s saying a lot coming from me. I’ve seen a lot of top-notch performances from Radio over the last decade). Easalio followed Radio B. I call Eas the “Cadence King” because his flow is so unique, and his cadence always finds a pocket that allows him to hypnotize you with his words. Charged Up Ent. founder Noah-O took the mic after Easalio and proved why he’s been one of the most elevated MCs in the Cap City over the last 10 years. BCG’s own Joey Gallo stepped up to the mic following Noah and went right for the witty wordplay. He continues to show why Richmond MCs can’t be pigeonholed into any specific box. His wordplay fits nicely across many spectrums of hip-hop. Closing out the display of seasoned Richmond MCs was Illa Styles. Styles’ bars are a little more grimey, but the authenticity is undeniable.

When you put Radio B, Easalio, Noah-O, Joey Gallo, and Illa Styles together, and you add an original beat produced by NameBrand, you get hip-hop magic. Hip-hop magic that can be displayed from Richmond to the world. These particular MCs all have earned their reputations as among Richmond’s best, but they are not resting on their reputations. They are still hungry. They are still looking for every opportunity to grab a mic and bring the house down.

Cypher filmed by the amazing BC Music 1st at the Darkroom in Richmond, VA. #WESEEIT