MANSFIELD – Fairhaven Hall at the Richland County Fairgrounds came alive on Saturday as it hosted Mansfield’s first-ever Cypher City Hip Hop Festival.
The event, organized by Ryan James of U.P.N.O. Music, showcased a vibrant array of local and regional hip-hop talent.
The festival featured live music, food trucks, business vendors and thrilling DJ and beat battles.
The festival highlighted performances by numerous artists, such as Akron’M, Amari Moore, Blazy Bois, Deimos, Devy Kay, Don Kartel, Dutch Stillwell, Ebanee Bond with spoken word poetry, Henry Rich, Thuh Koz, CV$H, Ken Rife, Kench, Kevlarr, Lil Stee, Rizzi Rae, Ruff-Rugged INT, Sadboy DAE, Sempel, Vaundoom, Young Trimble, and ZUC.
DJ Dro Jack kept the energy high, spinning tracks throughout the day.
Special guest Mickey Factz, a renowned battle rapper and CEO of Pendulum Ink from the Bronx, headlined the festival.
James expressed his satisfaction with the festival’s success, noting its impact on the local and regional hip-hop scene.
“I feel this festival served its purpose; we shined the spotlight on this city’s talent and the talent throughout Ohio and the Midwest, and we did it with class all while celebrating the culture. Thank you, Mansfield,” James said.
Looking ahead, James is already planning for next year’s festival.
“We are currently in planning for next year as we speak, and people are reaching out about performing or being a vendor,” James said.
“Possible venue change, I don’t know. The fairgrounds did us justice. Would love downtown [Mansfield] to open up, giving access to more people in the city to join the celebration,” he added, hinting at potential expansions and enhancements for future editions.
The festival not only celebrated hip-hop culture but also fostered a sense of community and showcased the city’s potential as a cultural hub.
With the success of its inaugural event, Mansfield’s Cypher City Hip Hop Festival has the potential to become an annual highlight in the local music calendar.
Check out the photos from Cypher City
Photography via Rob Stroul
