“Next time you see a brother down, stop and pick him up, Cause you might be the next one stuck.”
Grand Puba
The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Professor Lamont Holden also known as Letter L Beats is the mastermind behind the Campus Culture Podcast that has turned into Campus Culture Digital.
Campus Culture Digital is a multimedia entertainment platform that was created to showcase local artists’ talents and to present Hip Hop/ African American culture to the campus in a unique way. Due to the transition of a podcast to a multimedia entertainment platform Holden had to figure out ways to capture the media’s attention. To do this he pre-recorded the first Cypher for Campus Culture Digital on March 5, 2023. This Cypher isn’t only the first for Campus Culture but possibly for Smith Memorial Hall on the University’s campus also.
Artists you can find in the first Campus Culture Digital Cypher are:
Notorious Tre
“It was a great opportunity to sharpen my skills against some of the best MCs and Artists from our region. Seeing as how ‘iron sharpens iron’, every time Professor Holden has an opportunity to showcase my talent, I feel like I leave a lot better than when I came.”
Jayy B
“This cypher felt like home. A mini cypher setting with lights and cameras and live recordings felt like UIUC mini BET award cypher intermission. It was so dope to see homies on stage as well as the roles stage handlers and photographers s played a part in as well. More good vibes and creativity forever
Nayiaa
“My campus culture digital cypher experience was a 10/10 for me. Working with L is always magic. My favorite part is seeing how each of my peers portrays and expresses the art of rap and how our music is so different from the next but equally as powerful. To say we’re the original crew on the platform is an honor and to be chosen just means I’m doing something right. I’m super excited to see where L takes the platform. His vision and drive are unmatched !”
Nelly Jae
“It was empowering to see so much talent in one room. Once I was on stage, I had a new confidence. It was all about having fun, catching the beat, and vibing out with everyone else.”
$imba P
“Being a part of the first Campus Culture Cypher is exciting because it is very needed in the community of Champaign due to artists not receiving the recognition they deserve due to how small the town is. L creating these types of platforms for artists to show their talent in music gives so much more opportunity to the city it’s an amazing experience. I appreciate L doing that for Champaign.”
Delobe
“It was an honor to be a part of the first campus culture digital cypher I feel like everyone who participated is going to have a big year musically and open many doors for the CU area. I can’t wait for the next one.”
Holden is no stranger to breaking down the door and thinking outside the box. Though Campus Culture Digital is his latest project he has found ways to connect University students and the community through music. He does this by helping host Beat Battles and Hip Hop Open Mics within the CU area.
If you are a Hip Hop lover and a fan of the Illini it is suggested that you check out Holden’s attempts and the first Campus Culture Digital Cypher.
Cre8tives United 
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