The U.S (American) Cypher is a nationwide Cypher that will showcase the talent of 50 individuals who will represent their state of residence. Each artist will have the chance to record a 30-40 second freestyle at a recording studio. Each Rapper will later record a video performing their verse live. The finalized video will showcase all 50 rappers in one compilation. The slots are occupied on a "first come, first served" basis. It is possible that there may be multiple people who wish to represent the same state. There can only be one rapper per state. In cases such as this, the individual who has reserved their spot first will represent their state of preference. If there are any open states not currently being represented at that time, the individuals who were unable to receive their state of preference will be able to choose from the states that are still available.
Those under the age of 18 years old who wish to participate can still apply to be in this year's Cypher, however, there will be an additional form that will be emailed to you. This supplementary form needs to be signed and dated by a Legal Guardian. If you are over 18 years of age, please disregard this portion of the application.
The American Cypher will certainly bring exposure to many rappers who are still trying to make a name for themselves. If you have received an email stating that we discovered you on instagram or Tik Tok, it means that our scouts have heard atleast one of your songs and feel you will be a great fit for the Cypher. There will be no audition process for this project. If you wait until the last minute to reserve your spot and all states are filled, you will unfortunately not be considered for this Cypher and will have to wait for the 2023 Cypher to reapply. If this is a project you are interested in, please be pro-active in the application process.
OPPORTUNITIES ALL CYPHER RAPPERS WILL RECEIVE:
1. You will be seen on Worldstarhiphop and your social media info will be included on the video.
2. You will get to attend the Foreign Music Awards Show this June.
3. Amongst the 50 Cypher rappers, 6 rappers will be chosen to be the face of the Hulu Reality Show, Foreign Music Records.
4. The Label's artists will be touring in select states this October-November and all 50 Cypher rappers will be able to join the tour. All rappers who tour will be compensated. Compensation varies from state to state.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
There are several requirements that must be met in order to secure your spot in The U.S Cypher. You should know that the track you will be recording your freestyle on will be given to you, along with details of where you will be filming at. Before applying, please read the following. Please be sure to email the agent who contacted you with any questions you may have.
1. Fill out the application. (Only fill this form out if you intend on following the whole process through.) Wait patiently to hear back from a representative. You will receive a follow up email within 3-5 days from the time of your submission.
2. For the U.S Cypher, there will be a fee of $100.00 per rapper or group. Groups can divide the fee so each member is paying a smaller part of the $100 fee. If you choose to do this, please ensure that there is only one payment from your party. Please do not have every individual in your group submit a deposit.
What the $100.00 deposit covers:
o Unlimited Studio time to make alterations to your freestyle
o Professional Videographer/Video Crew
o Post-Production Crew
o Performance Set/location for the video shoot
o VIP admission into the FMA (Foreign Music Awards) in June
3. The full $100.00 is not due until the end of May, but the $25.00 security deposit, which will go towards your $100.00 deposit will be due May 25th. After the $25.00 security deposit has been submitted, you are free to begin your studio session as early as the following day. The song you record in the studio must be completed and submitted by May 30th. The sooner you complete the studio recording, the sooner you can begin the video production. Please ensure that your freestyle is completed and submitted here, with the subject line reading "Freetyle-Cypher-(Name you want on WSHH)." There must be 2 versions submitted simultaneously. The first version should be your lyrics with the background track, while the second version should be only your raw vocals. Do not mix or master your freestyle, only raw vocals will be accepted.
4. Although you will be able to record vocals prior to the full deposit being submitted, you will not be able to shoot the video for your freestyle until the full amount is submitted. After the deadline of June 2nd at 11:59 pm EST, you will no longer be able to shoot the video. In addition to this, the $25.00 security deposit will not be refunded. Please plan to make arrangements to ensure all deadlines are met to avoid a situation such as this.
5. Rules for the American Cypher are that you are allowed to curse or use profanity, but limit it if at all possible. It is mandatory that whatever state you are representing be mentioned in your Freestyle. If the state is not incorporated, your freestyle will not be used in the official track or video.
6. The window for the time of video shoot to time of video shoot submission is very short. If you wish to have a wider time range, please be sure to meet the prior deadline even sooner.
7. We can help speed up the process by getting the freestyle cypher and finalized video from the respective individuals directly if we see that time becomes a factor. We would just need to know in advance what name you wish to use for the Worldstarhiphop video and for the FMA.
8. Information regarding touring, the awards show, and the reality show will not be discussed in great detail here, as the information here is mainly focused on the application process for the American Cypher. Specific information regarding these additional opportunities will be sent on a later date to the 50 rappers who will be participating in the Cypher.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 25- Deadline for $25.00 security deposit (goes towards the final balance)
May 30- Deadline to submit your freestyle (Do not mix or master it)
May 30- Deadline for full $100.00 deposit (Can pay in up to 4 installments upon request)
June 2- Deadline for your finalized video to be submitted
June 6 - Date that the official video will launch on Worldstarhiphop Social Media.