New Jersey has been home to arguably some of the most influential recording artists including rap legends Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Redman, Treach of Naughty by Nature and more. However, after the earlier 1990s, the state’s buzz slowly started to fade out until now. The West Side Plaza Cypher Series are forcing rap fans around the world to pay attention to the Jersey’s rising emcees.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with the founder of West Side Plaza Cypher Series, Young Emeljay, about the mission behind the movement, the battle rap culture, New Jersey’s thriving music scene and much more. Check out the full interview below.
What made you found the West Side Plaza Cypher Series? What is the mission behind the series? What to you hope to achieve with the West Side Plaza Cypher Series?
That’s an interesting question really and many might not expect this answer. See around May 2015 at 301 Jackson Street about 15 individuals were arrested for drug-related crimes. The area they were arrested at is actually called the West Side Plaza, a collection of restaurants and stores at Third and Jackson street. I feel like the violence and crime that has occurred over time has caused the city of Hoboken, New Jersey to view this area in a more negative light. I believe it has even made this town anti-Rap/Hip-Hop because anything associated with the genres is automatically related to violence and drugs rather than the art form. See I live in the downtown area of the city, an area often worst part, known as the Andrew Jackson Garden projects. So about a year ago, this idea sparked in my mind to create this series revolving around the name of the infamous plaza and how I personally wanted to change people’s opinions of the area I call home. I wasn’t too sure on this idea until this year actually. I took on the name because I want to show that the area known for negativity can be known for something more positive, something that shows love, art, peace, and unity. The objective of my series is not only to show the real art of Rap/Hip Hop in its rarest form but to also showcase the most underrated talent in the Tri-State area starting with my own town. I’m an artist myself and I believe in my product 100 percent, this can be that next big platform for all artists including myself. I’m hoping I can get this series to be the next big brand like TeamBackPack, XXL Cyphers, or URL but for a more independent sort of artists. I believe in the underdog and I believe there is a lot of talent in my town alone that is not recognized and this is the series for it. On this first episode, I hand picked growing talent including myself. On the next few editions, I plan to spread out into different cities throughout the Tri-State area. I mean that is indeed the plan, to spread out to the masses and let them be aware of the ongoing and growing movement.
Some people in the industry believes the art of rap is slowly resurfacing due in part to BET Hip-Hop Awards cyphers and radio DJ Funkmaster Flex bringing back his freestyle series. However, battle rap movements like URL, Team Pack Back, and others have always been around. What do you think is the real reason behind the push for real bars was?
I believe the real push is because of the lack of lyricism and creativity we hear on an everyday basis. I think the creative system of artistry has changed for most artists in this industry today. People are tired of hearing the same concept, the same talk about sex, guns, lies, and drugs. The casual listeners wants a story, something compelling. Commercial music is great at times. We as the listener need a little turn-up music to get on with our day but not everyday. Commercial music does sell don’t get me wrong but I believe more so with singles, not album sales. I had seen that J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar who pushed a Hip Hop album went gold or platinum within the last two years. To me, that just shows me that Hip-Hop indeed sells maybe even more than commercial. As an artist, I understand the industry and the need to sell music. See I personally can’t classify myself as a Mc that can provide just Hip-Hop music because I like to do both. I like to make commercial music with more of a lyrical gritty edge and I like to do Hip-Hop music as well, I guess I can classify that as a rap artist. With this series, I intend to show that even commercial artist have bars as well.
How do you feel about the current state of Hip-Hop overall? In New Jersey?
I feel it’s in a great state because in my eyes even if it seems dim it’s resurfacing right before our own eyes. Due to the influx of commercial music, Hip-Hop is now in demand. The Hip-Hop community sticks together, it’s one movement that can never disband. I have a love for all music so I can never discredit anyone doing their thing but Hip-Hop is coming back. New Jersey is filled with extraordinary talent and I believe one of the biggest areas has to be Jersey City, NJ. I’ve seen nothing but the essence of Hip-Hop grow in Jersey City from the art to the music. Artists of all kinds have suddenly gathered together and show the unity I want my series to show. I think New Jersey may be one of the front-runners for upcoming talent. Artists such as Fetty Wap and Jersey City native Albee Al have paved the way for New Jersey artists of all kinds. The ball is in our court and all eyes are on Jersey and what we got to offer.
When is the next live West Side Plaza Cypher Series event?
Possibly within the next two weeks, I don’t have an exact date. I had a couple technical difficulties but I’m currently organizing the next few episodes from the locations to all artists involved.
How can artists interested in being a featured artist in the series reach out? Is there an audition process?
There is currently no audition process as of right now. Every artist participating will be hand selected by me. I have to be exclusive to my brand I’m building and by doing so I call the shots. Everything comes at a cost from production to filming. I’m doing a lot for this brand from the video editing to graphic design work to the marketing. Its a lot of work from an artist of my caliber but I believe in talent and I want to showcase it. Eventually, though I intend to create a process in which I can create a system that handles artist requesting to be in the series.
Stay connected with the West Side Plaza Cypher Series on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Check out the first installment of the West Side Plaza Cypher Series below and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
