Roc Nation ups the ante with Jadakiss-hosted Set the Bar cypher sessions

New York, New York - Roc Nation music label debuted the first of its kind cypher session to showcase the label's star-studded group of up-and-comers.

Roc Nation debuted its Set the Bar cypher sessions, which were hosted by Jadakiss and Young Guru.
Roc Nation debuted its Set the Bar cypher sessions, which were hosted by Jadakiss and Young Guru.  © Courtesy of Roc Nation
In a showcase that rivals XXL's Freshman Class freestyle cypher sessions, Roc Nation has rolled out a session all its own to put their emerging stars at center stage.

The Set the Bar cypher sessions was filmed on the rooftop of Roc Nation's HQ in Manhattan and was hosted by two legends in Jadakiss and Young Guru.

The cypher included Roc Nation's very own artists in Brooklyn's very own HDBeenDope, North Carolina rapper Reuben Vincent, Milwaukee rapper Huey V, Philadelphia rapper KUR, and Rapsody, who each laid down respective freestyle verses over one of Jay-Z's signature beats to bring things full circle.

Rapsody, who signed with Roc Nation in 2016, kicked the session off with the first freestyle over a beat from the Blueprint track Renegade, and she set the bar quite high with the verse, "I give a f**k about a list/There’s more important things, we still pouring out for Nip."

Taylor Swift drops viral behind-the-scenes clips from Fortnight music video
Taylor Swift Taylor Swift drops viral behind-the-scenes clips from Fortnight music video

In a statement, Rapsody described his inclusion in the first-ever Set the Bar cypher sessions as "special," adding that it's "something I hope will continue year after year as we celebrate and welcome new Roc family. When you see the Roc you will connect it with community. That’s what Hip Hop is and what we represent."

Legendary DJ Young Guru echoed Rapsody's sentiments and added some complimentary words of his own: "To watch these young rappers lead the evolution of music today spitting some of the hardest bars I’ve heard over true classic beats is humbling."

Check out the full cypher, which was executive produced by Cheyenne Anthony and Teanna Thomas, above.

Cover photo: Courtesy of Roc Nation

More on Music: