RVA Rap Elite: Before the Cypher — Episode 64
An emerging group of emcees has joined the elite, bringing sharp lyricism and dedication to the craft.
by E. Jackson
March 22, 2026 | 11:15am
Vagabond, a 400-person venue sits quiet before the cypher began, earlier this month.
RICHMOND, VA — Richmond really raps. Statements like that hold weight because of platforms like RVA Rap Elite that carry the proof. Episode 64 takes place next Sunday, March 29, at Vagabond, and classic competitor banter has already led a few emcees to go at their opponents ahead of the event, with the use of humor and fake-news style highlights. This comes as no surprise, as the Season 8 Premiere of Episode 63 delivered high energy and high-level bars.
Nine-time and Season Premiere Champion, Tre Awthenicc makes his return this month, but he’s not the only one. Emcees like BDM, YRI, and Kid Deceptive, who placed third in the 30-emcee cypher during the Season Premiere, are back to challenge Awthenicc’s current champion run.
‘The love. The atmosphere’
But it’s not just the competitive spirit that brings these emcees back time after time, says Kid Deceptive. It’s something more.
“The love. The atmosphere,” he says. “The ability to really push my pen and rap. Everyone out here really knows how to work the pen. They push you to rap better every time.”
RVA Rap Elite doesn’t skimp on bringing newcomers into the fold. With a completely different lineup each episode, the energy is expected to exceed the episode previous, each time. Anytime there’s new talent on stage, the crowd’s support is top-tier.
One of the biggest moments during the Season Premiere on Episode 63 was the Richmond Brave 2 Cypher, which featured Tone Redd delivering a relentless performance, severing the beat without remorse. This month, RVA Rap Elite continues to showcase the best of the best.
Read more on the Season 8 Premiere.
Who’s Up Next?
God Goldin, CJ the Profit, Preme, Era Hardaway, and Introverse, all phenomenal lyricists, will be part of a Live Cypher. The event will also feature a cypher set from Radio B., Cane, Lew Gilly, Artillery the God, and Vintage A, a seasoned vet with a strong track record, returns to the stage.
A sound clash between Just Cam and Uno will also take place, with each performing a song while the crowd decides the winner.
BDM at RVA Rap Elite Season 8 Premiere, is a Sound Clash Champion unyielding.
Styck the Scribe is building a career debuting in Southpaw, coming as the 2025 Multiverse Champion.
BDM, current Sound Clash Champion said in a quick interview with TRS, that she needs a second Flag on the Moon. She says, “I’m still running Sound Clash until somebody come get my throne, but I’m not coming up off that.”
The Southpaw Battle Coalition has also announced an event for April 12, which will feature a River City Championship match, with Roc Raw defending his title against Era Hardaway.
In a recent Instagram post, depicting Era Hardaway “in memorial,” Roc Raw took aim at his opponent, claiming fans would be coming out to pay their respects.
Era responded, “s*** mad corny.”
Face-offs for that event will also take place during Episode 64 on Sunday, March 29.
You don’t want to miss the growing excitement!
Tap In: How Much Did You Catch?
This question comes from a recent Seen article. Click an answer and read the full story.
The 30 Emcee Cypher played like a shuffled playlist, each artist with a different sound, flow, and varying levels of energy and experience. There were beats like the classic Nas’ Made You Look, Jay-Z’s Lucifer, while the winner set fire to Tony Yayo’s I Know You Don’t Love Me. Habeeb, Styck the Scribe, and Just Cam were some of the emcees that had the crowd in an uproar all presented elite lyricism, but Tre Awthenicc took home the win after a 6-way sudden death against Styck The Scribe, Kid Deceptive, Key Speech, Juanski and AyeYillah.
How many emcees participated in the sudden death?
Thank you so much for reading. We’ll see you next Sunday!
We’d love your feedback. Please email thoughts and suggestions to info@therichmondseen.com
Support Local. Stay On Scene. Subscribe to The Richmond Seen.
The Richmond Seen is a vibrant digital news outlet dedicated to highlighting the Richmond scene—both the scene and the unseen. We cover everything from Hip Hop culture and culinary delights to the diverse stories and experiences that connect our community. Our mission is to celebrate the rich tapestry of Richmond’s creative energy and the voices that often go unheard.
Purchase our newspaper HERE.
Help us continue the work by donatingHERE.
Follow us on Instagram.
