What is a Cypher?

A Definition

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Excerpt from Wisdom of the Cypher

“In Hip -Hop culture, the Cypher represents 360 degrees, completion of thought, the continuum, the giving and exchanging of energy or information. Whenever you see a gathering of artists in a circle or semicircle formation, whether they are rapping, dancing, telling stories or sharing the spoken word, you are witnessing a Cypher. The architects of the culture, like legendary pop master, Fabel, note that people have been Cyphering for centuries. Humans have danced in Cyphers, prayed in Cyphers, drummed in, and eaten in Cyphers. The Cypher is the circle. As stated by ethnomusicologist Dr. Kyra Gaunt, “[the Cypher] is a universal formation that symbolizes everything and nothing (0) at the same time.” Toni Blackman

Get your copy here: Wisdom of the Cypher

Photographer: Alexandre Coric