Cipher Kenni Presents Crimes Against Humanity: An Animated Hip-Hop Adventure

If you live in the Atlanta area and frequent the Little Five Points (L5P) area, you have probably whizzed by him, as he sits quietly along the storefronts of Euclid Avenue. There are a whole lot of 'rappers' in Atlanta. Cipher Kenni (pronounced: Ken-EYE') happens to be one of the underground scene's most prolific hip-hop artists. Striking and intense in his demeanor, one might wonder how he remains so far under the radar.

But don't let the civilized demeanor fool you. If you happen to be one of the many local MCs who has attempted to try Cipher Kenni in a battle of verbal wits, you're probably still off somewhere licking your wounds. As is evidenced in one of the artist's many on-stage MC battles, Kenni is no-holds-barred on the microphone-using his razor sharp diction to shred oversized egos.

Take one listen to his CD, Crimes Against Humanity, and you'll be privy to Cipher Kenni's animated world of rhymes. The Buffalo, NY native offers what could be called "the listening man's hip hop"-sturdy lyrical phrasings set against brooding musical samples and sound bytes.

"Do you know what nemesis means? A righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent..."

These words were uttered by the infamous Brick Top in 2000 hit action-thriller, Snatch. But Cipher Kenni has found an even more appropriate manifestation for the sample-in Crimes Against Humanity's 3rd track, "What Nemisis Means." By the time you've reached the album's 4th track, "The Worker", you have been well tenderized by Cipher Kenni's direct lyrical style. "Hip-hop's about to start a fight with rap..." Kenni utters on top of "The Worker's" deliciously oily vintage musical sample. And there's much more where that came from. He avoids rapping through a "mouthful of marbles", his delivery at once lightning-fast, but amazingly (and thankfully) coherent.

As you listen to the CD, you get the impression that you've been thrust into a really cool urban anime cartoon. Perhaps this is because Cipher Kenni has also placed his visual stamp on all of his work-a collection of shrewd cartoon characters and caricatures that he creates and duplicates himself. Kenni is a long-standing card-carrying member of Atlanta's underground scene, making himself a literal brand of the hip-hop that his music and art represents. But don't take my word for it. Trek on down to Little Five Points and pick up a copy for yourself...

Cipher Kenni
Storm Troopa Productions
For bookings or info call:
(404) 680-0148