2nd Annual - All City Cypher Freestyle
Event Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Location: Sub-T Lounge 2011 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL.
On a chilly Wednesday night, December 17, 2014, the heart of Chicago’s hip-hop scene gathered under one roof — the legendary Sub-T Lounge, tucked away at 2011 W. North Ave in Wicker Park. What went down that night wasn’t just another local showcase — it was a cultural moment, a celebration of lyricism, rhythm, and the relentless pulse of the city’s underground.
The event, known as #HELLOHIPHOP: The 2nd Annual All City Cypher, brought together some of the most passionate and raw emcees from across Chicago. It was more than just a freestyle session — it was a reminder of what keeps hip-hop alive: authenticity, creativity, and community.
A True Hip-Hop Gathering
The lineup was a testament to Chicago’s diverse hip-hop DNA. The mic passed from veteran lyricists to fresh-faced spitters, with every verse pushing the energy higher. Encyclopedia Brown came through with his signature intellect and precision, Julian Xtra brought dynamic delivery and crowd command, and Menoover 13 (RIP) left the room buzzing with bars that hit deep and stayed real.
Sam I AM delivered sharp rhymes laced with wit and consciousness, while the one and only Sharkula, a true icon of Chicago’s eccentric hip-hop underbelly, made a surprise appearance that set the crowd off. Each emcee brought their own flavor — yet together, they painted a complete picture of what Chicago hip-hop represents: raw honesty, relentless hustle, and fearless individuality.
Capturing a Moment in Time
To have this event filmed and documented was crucial. In a culture built on fleeting moments — cyphers that live and die in a single breath — capturing that raw energy on video means the legacy continues. The footage stands as a time capsule of Chicago’s hip-hop scene circa 2014 — a reminder of the city’s unfiltered creative power and the importance of giving local artists their shine.
Remembering Menoover 13
Among the night’s most memorable performances was that of Menoover 13, whose presence, wordplay, and passion left a lasting mark. His passing adds a bittersweet note to the memory — a reminder that while artists may leave us, their words, energy, and impact live on through moments like this.
Legacy and Community
#HELLOHIPHOP wasn’t just an event — it was part of a larger movement keeping the Chicago hip-hop community connected and inspired. Spaces like Sub-T Lounge have long been safe havens for creativity, where the underground meets the main stage, and where emcees can find both respect and family.
Ten years later, the energy of that night still resonates. The 2nd Annual All City Cypher remains a snapshot of Chicago hip-hop at its finest — unfiltered, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
