The Black Market Cypher brought together emerging artists and college students from across Tallahassee on April 15, debuting a new platform for local talent at the weekly College Social Wednesdays‘s event hosted at Potbelly’s.
Curated by Winners Circle Forever, the event featured nine up-and-coming musicians, primarily representing hip-hop and R&B, and drew a crowd of more than 150 attendees.
Hosted by Jasen Glanton, the cypher created an energetic and interactive atmosphere, with crowd participation. With a presence of diversity amongst demographics, students from Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College were in attendance. There was a presence of rock, hip-hop, soul, and alternative rap that catered to music lovers of all spaces.
“This event brings artists from all over the city to come and put their music in front of a crowd, we want to create something that highlights the overlooked creatives,” said Xavier Yancey, Director of Winners Circle Forever.
The Black Market Cypher displayed a growing demand for inclusive music spaces where artists can gain exposure and connect directly with audiences. With some artists sharing their feelings of being misunderstood, spaces like this provide an environment for them to share their message and get listeners to understand who they are.
“I’m a very deep person…a critical thinker. I analyze myself a lot and a lot of times it comes off as stand-offish,” said Jason Berry, a performing artist and junior broadcast major at Florida A&M University. “Really I just be processing and that’s what I do with my music…when I talk it’s a piece of my mind and that’s what I really want people to know.”
Yancey also shared that the success of the debut event signals strong potential for continued growth. College Social Wednesdays will persist throughout the academic year, offering a consistent platform for performers each week. Event planners aim to expand participation and continue drawing talent from across the region.
By blending performance, community engagement, and cross-campus collaboration, the Black Market Cypher has positioned itself as a promising fixture in Tallahassee’s live music scene.
