KCSS is hosting a Cypher Competition for independent rappers to collaborate on. This is a first-time event for the station but is similar to the famous Freshman XXL format, except on a local scale.

Nearly a dozen unsigned rappers from across California each sent in a recording of their own lyrics to the same beat. The five finalists with the strongest most original verses will be featured in a video, sponsored by KCSS, where each will get their own opportunity to show off their skills. The five finalists are Zay Dilla, A~G, Darien Fields, Revol, & R3MEZ

Conceived by the station’s Hip-Hop & Mod rock Music Director Nevin Shoker (senior, Communications) the idea behind the project is to “utilize both campus and local resources” by taking advantage of the Stanislaus State’s own music studio and its students to record and edit the entire competition.

The sound engineer for the video is KCSS’ own broadcaster and Audio Engineering student Christian Stallworth (junior, Communications.) Shoker’s motivations for the project are a desire to help artists network and mobilize while also expanding his and KCSS’ portfolios in the industry. “There’s a lot of potential here in the valley but nobody really thinks about it because the industries are in the Bay Area or in LA… I know what it’s like to be an artist and not have anybody listening, with a platform like a radio station behind you, pushing your music for you it gives these artists a whole new opportunity” says Shoker.

The beats for the cypher were locally sourced by Stan State student Kevin Mosqueda (Junior, Music) also known by his Producer/DJ name “DEDUXION“. Mosqueda says, “Music has been slowly opening up doors in my life and I couldn’t be more grateful and excited for what the future holds. I’m honored that KCSS allowed me to make music for this contest… I’m all about helping one another and if there’s a chance for me to give back this early in my music career, I’ll take the opportunity every time.” 

All audio engineering has been completed and the video will be shot on campus the week before finals. The final version will finish production around mid-December and be available for viewing by the end of the month on KCSS’ Youtube channel and social media pages.
For more information on the Cypher or future KCSS projects contact Nevin Shoker at [email protected] or on Instagram @ibeshocker