We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shantelle Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shantelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Cypher Warz is in memory of my best friend Essie “Spody-G” Hill. Spody was known for his barz, punchlines, delivery and metaphors. Spody will battle rap at the Barburian Arena and SRL known as Southern Rap League located here in Jacksonville Florida. I came up with the name Cypher Warz on the phone with my home girl and we did alot of thinking. We needed something catchy but something that would stand out and it did just that. In a Cypher there is no Winner, it’s just a flow round where everybody just vibe and everybody is safe. When you mention Warz that’s when we get to battling, it could be an artist going off the dome (freestyle) or just bringing they best 16 barz. I tell all Artists remember “YOUR SWAG IS YOUR DELIVERY AND YOUR DELIVERY IS YOUR SWAG”

Shantelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into this industry because i was an artist at one point but now I just want eyes on MY CITY. The problems I solve with the artists is I give them exposure. In which most promoters or clubs want people who already have “MOTION” “MONEY” or a “BIG CROWD” my biggest event was working with Scott Morris with Quality Control we brought the whole city. To be honest any event I threw it was lit and packed out. For any Artist looking looking for exposure my events was the place to be. You will learn to network, build relationships and get more engagement by locking in with other artists. I had Reps from Roc Nation , 300 ENT , Quality Control and Atlanta Records in the building that night. I’m proud of how my Brand took off and how far my fan base expanded in other city’s. I was also nominated twice in the Tri-County Hip-Hop Awards this year for Brand/Label of the year and promoter of the year, so therefore that says a lot about my brand, even to get eyes on it. My city has so much talent but the most of the Artists are slept on. I’ve worked with artists such as MK Shotzz, Mike White, Certified Certa, TMK, Bertdawg, Jiggaman, Black Jack, Goatmouf, Moe Gutta, 1441 Maxx, Nina Raw, Phe Dirt, Heavy Shaw, Famlyfe Co, Trauma, Baby D, Big Baby, Bossaliny, Sammy Sosa, Trelly T3llz, Persowna, Jairaq, Sean P, Cha Cha Slide, Pat Gee Gee, Clyde Jones, Ygm Ouija (Madison Florida) Fts Smokey, London “2TURNT” (R.I.P) and many more. S/O the Djs In my city such as , Dj Pretty Nastii (Dj of Quality Control) he does a lot of corporate gigs, Dj Mailman, Dj Rack$ (have the littest house party’s) and Dj Tyco, They all  play a major role in my events. Far as Engineering and producing  Arron Hertz over at Shock Boy Studios is HIGHLY RECOMMEND ️️️️️ if they need good quality in sound, mix and mastering that’s one of the best studios in the city. When it comes to music video I highly recommend NoLiesFilmz, Paper Trailz, Greg Bell, RedX Visuals and Ab TheVisionary. Basically my brand does a lot of networking and building relationships in this industry. I’m also working on a project for Big Yavo in which an Artist will be the headliner and opening act for his concert. My biggest project right now is getting the Artist Loco Los signed with Grizzley gang, I also plan on bringing Mama Grizzley to Jacksonville Florida sometime this year if not the beginning of next year.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on all platforms (social media) such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Far as marketing I built me I don’t buy FOLLOWERS so it’s gone take me a lil longer because I’m not cheating to get in the game. I beat my feet even down to me putting in footwork getting in the streets passing out flyers for my events. I PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE!! My audience have reached other city’s and states since February of last year 2023. It’s not easy but the best advice to those who are just starting out “KEEP GOING CONSISTENCY IS EVERYTHING”  Least but not last “ Be Careful who you tell your plans too you maybe educating the enemy”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The most valuable lesson I learned this year was who to invite in my circle when it comes to the business side. You got some people who genuinely care and some people who are in it just for the money. No matter what make sure your paper work is up to date and on point. Be sure to read contracts and I MEAN READ THEM THOROUGHLY. Your support system mainly comes from out of town far as your fan base. I swear they show more love. I had to learn how to practice patience, be patient and stay professional when it comes to conducting business. Nobody wants Bad Business!!! Everything will run smooth if you follow those steps and interact with your clients. Most Artist don’t believe in themselves and scared to step out on faith, that’s where I come in at to guide them on the basics in this industry. You got to build your foundation and make sure everybody is on the same type of time as you. If it ain’t helping you GROW MOVE AROUND IT!! Remember 50% watching, 40% hating and 10% supporting.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Cypher Warz
• Youtube: Cypherwarz