THE CYPHER | HARLEM ART HOUSE COLLECTIVE
🎤 THE CYPHER S2E1 AT HAHC
Season 2 kicks off! Join us for THE CYPHER - a monthly series where Harlem's emerging artists gather to perform, connect, and build community.
This is where artists become family.
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WHAT IS THE CYPHER?
Rooted in hip-hop tradition, a cypher is where artists come together to freestyle, support, and elevate each other. At HAHC, we extend this tradition to ALL art forms - poetry, music, spoken word, comedy, storytelling, and more.
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SCHEDULE
DOORS OPEN & DJ SPIDEY: 7:30 PM
OPEN MIC & FEATURED PERFORMANCES: 8:00 PM
DJ SET & MIXER: 10:30 PM
Open mic slots (5 min each) are first-come, first-served. Arrive by 7:30 PM to sign up.
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FEATURED ARTISTS
🎤 'MARI`KAMAU (@himharmonic)
Harlem-born, 'Mari`Kamau is a musician, composer & producer. From a young age, music has always stood out to 'Mari, even at a subconscious level. As he grew older and became exposed to live music, the appreciation for music turned into a passion.
While looking at artists like Bob Marley, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder & Burning Flames, he founded the eclectic band "SweeterBlend", who plays a variety of genres with includes (but not limited to) Soca, Reggae, Pop, Kompa, R&B, & Zouk.
With his solo endeavors, 'Mari`Kamau ventured out on a new journey to share original songs that will break barriers of fear and spark inner joy & innovation.
WHAT TO EXPECT: 4-5 songs that won't waste their time.
🎤 ACE B (@ac3__b)
My name is Ace B. I'm from Brooklyn, New York. I'm a Hip Hop artist who fell in love with and started rapping at 4 years old after I saw "8 Mile" for the first time. I'm inspired by a whole host of different artist and sounds that help me make my sound and be versatile as a creative. I make all genres of Hip Hop. Boom Bap, Pop, Backpack, Trap, Conscious, etc. I have something for everyone and that's what makes me, Ace B. I want to be the greatest artist of all time, not just Hip Hop… all music period, and I will be and you'll get to see why at The Cypher. See you there!
WHAT TO EXPECT: A range of different sounds and vibes, possibly some unreleased music and/or freestyles.
🎤 BLAQ MX (@blaqmx)
Blaq Mx of MxCity Enterprises LLC. Initially a independent label & over time developed into a Multifaceted Business Enterprise - 1/3 ChromaZoneZ Music Group alongside $hizzal Fashion & Karma Morningstar!
I love creating art of any form. Gotta give gratitude for countless wonderful ways for individuals and communities to express themselves.
I co-organize an event series in Brooklyn called 77. We do shows on the 7, 17, & 27. We started within the 40th District and we are constantly expanding. We are also building an app and seeking entrepreneurs for testing. If you're interested in performing on our platform this upcoming year please tap in with me.
I have two projects out right now - An EP I dropped March '24 called Sooner Than Later and December '24 I dropped a mixtape called MxTapez Vol. 1. I'll be performing track 3 from the first MxTapez called Babe: Damn. I partnered with a producer by the name of Masked One and we had a lot of fun building together. Definitely stream/download/purchase if you rock with me like MJ.
I operate a cleaning business. We service apartments, homes, lofts, studios, offices & more. And finally I created a 21 day Calisthenics program for anybody looking to lose some extra weight, seeking a workout buddy or just looking to increase the intensity of their exercise routines!
Joined by special guests: @Stephhstackss__, @karma.morningstar, @shizzal.fashion
WHAT TO EXPECT: Crowd participation! Audience Engagement!
🎤 QUOTE THE MC (@QuoteTheMC)
Quote The MC is a hip hop musician from Harlem and The Bronx. He uses MC'n as a way to influence critical thinking, effect change, and uphold and uplift Black culture. Quote has graced stages such as SOB's, Shrine, The Delancey, Highline Ballroom, The Black Lady Theater, UConn, and Black Veg Fest to name a few. He launched "The RapOut" in July of 2021 an initiative to unify Black and Brown communities by performing in those neighborhoods around NYC. He even curated his first ever solo concert birthed from "The RapOut" initiative with this show being dedicated to celebrating Black Men in June of 2022. Quote has many layers to his craft, but what drives him most is a passion for hip hop and inspiring his people. Holding onto the 5th element; "knowledge" is the key to true freedom and you can "Quote The MC" on every lyric recited being truth.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Be ready to freely think and embrace your own truth.
🎤 AB THE ALCHEMIST (@abthealchemist)
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WHO THIS IS FOR
Emerging artists, creatives, and community members in Harlem and NYC who want to:
• Share their work in a supportive space
• Connect with other local artists
• Be part of a creative community
• Find their tribe
All experience levels welcome. Whether this is your first time sharing your work or you're a seasoned performer, The Cypher is your space.
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FAQs
Q: What time should I arrive for an open mic slot? A: Doors open at 7:30 PM. Sign-up is first-come, first-served, so arrive early.
Q: Are there refreshments? A: Light snacks and beverages available for purchase while supplies last. VIP ticket holders get one complimentary snack and beverage.
Q: What should I bring to perform? A: Whatever you need for your 5-minute set. All art forms welcome.
Q: What's the vibe? A: Community-first. Supportive. Real. This is a space where artists uplift each other and the audience becomes family.
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🌍 WHEN YOU PERFORM HERE, YOU HEAL THERE
This event is part of the HAHC Fund Event Series, raising essential funds for the August 2026 Medical Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic.
Every ticket purchased directly supports:
• Essential medical supplies
• Community healthcare services
• Sustainable care initiatives
HAHC events between January-June 2026 help bring critical healthcare to underserved communities in the DR. Your presence at The Cypher makes a difference both here in Harlem and abroad.
Learn more about the mission: tinyurl.com/DRMedMissionInfo
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ABOUT HAHC
Harlem Art House Collective is dedicated to building community, empowering artists, and changing the (art) world. We create accessible platforms for BIPOC artists through exhibitions, performances, and community programming.
HAHC is a pending 501(c)(3) charitable organization. (Please note: donations may not be tax-deductible until exempt status is formally granted.)
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CONNECT WITH US
📱 @harlemarthousecollective