Pro Era Members Joey Bada$$, Nyck Caution & More Flex Cypher Skills for DJ Enuff’s ‘The Hot Box’ [VIDEO]
These days, it seems like the hip-hop cypher has been replaced by rappers dissing each other in songs. Quite frankly, the two couldn't be any more different. That's why it's so refreshing to hear new acts take on the art of rhyming in a group without insulting each other, which is pretty much the crux of battle rap. Brooklyn's own Pro Era recently showcased their cypher skills on DJ Enuff's show 'The Hot Box.'
Although 16 members are in the Pro Era crew (the collective formed in Brooklyn's Edward R. Murrow High School), just six stopped by to take part in the Hot 97 DJ's weekly show -- CJ Fly, Dessy Hinds, A La $ole, Kirk Knight, Nick Caution, and of course, the first one to receive more mainstream recognition, Joey Bada$$.
After the six-man team introduced themselves, they immediately spit passionate verses over classic beats, including Jay Z's 'Breathe Easy (Lyrical Exercise),' and each member presented a different style, which is hard to do when a group of friends rhyme together.
And although each Pro Era MC sets the microphone ablaze, it's Nick Caution that steals the show with a precise flow and impressive lines that force the listener to pay attention.
"Murder anything you heard about / Urban legend puffing herb / Herbs take it personal / Cut your throat and curb your mouth / Courage I be bursting out / Work until I purchase this crib I'm going in / That's why I keep it versatile," spits the Brooklyn lyricist.
Before they cypher, Joey Bada$$ breaks down the meaning of Pro Era for those who don't know. "It's short for the progressive era," he explains. "Just positive energy all around. Just progressing everyday. We put that on to our listeners a lot and heavy, because we want to see our generation progress and be the best they can be."