Patience is a virtue, but waiting can be the death of any artist’s career. Brooklyn native Ciph Diggy has waited long enough. He’s waited for a break, he’s waited for his group the Sleepwalkas to release an album, and most of all he’s waited for others to respect his craft. But now in the year 2010, a year where everyone’s slogan is “off that” and “on to the next one”, Ciph Diggy has constructed a new plan. With the help of executive producer Coole High and plethora of New York’s brightest and best unsigned talent, Ciph Diggy has crafted an album that is by far one of the best hip hop albums of the 2010 1st quarter. I got a chance to chat with Ciph Diggy at the Bowery Poetry Theater to discuss his journey and newfound ambition to take matters in to his own hands.

iHD: People who have been closely related or heard your debut album have said that it’s a certified classic. How do you feel about the overwhelming response people have given it?

Ciph Diggy: It’s a beautiful feeling when you’re appreciated for your art by your peers.

iHD: Do you agree with everyone’s response/reactions?

Ciph Diggy: It’s real humbling to me because I experimented with certain songs and they were embraced the most. I love the album. I get a lot of the same responses, “I can play it from beginning to end, without skipping” and “each time I play it, I hear something new”. I’ve gotten all good feed back so far.

 iHD: What was your process of making this album?

Ciph Diggy: Well, I mentally got ready by detoxing from weed, your mind & body needs to be disciplined for focus. I also selected the beats I wanted to use and just zoned out when ever I had “me” time. I thought of blueprints of classic albums and all in all just didn’t try to be anyone else but me.

iHD: How did you go about linking up with these producers and artists that are featured on this album?

Ciph Diggy: Well, I met just about everybody from this dope NYC underground community. Doing shows, networking and just vibing out supporting each others grind. There are plenty of people who didn’t make the album, that’s just how the motion went.

iHD: How long have you been emceeing?

Ciph Diggy: About 15 years, but only 5 years of seriously going hard.

 iHD: What does Ciph Diggy mean?

Ciph Diggy: It’s derived from CYPHER & DIGABLE, a digable cypher, fun comforting surrounding, a good all around feeling. Me!

 iHD: I understand you a part of a group Sleepwalkas, and most people know you as being a part of that group more than they do as a solo artist.
As you know I’m a big fan of your group work. Most groups release group albums before branching off and doing their solo work. You
however have chosen to do the opposite. Can you explain the decision?

Ciph Diggy: Sleepwalkas is made up of different personalities & aspects. I just showed one side. The side where I’m from is just introducing the Sleepwalkas movement. I just gave the fans a taste while the Sleepwalkas album is in the works. I didn’t want to leave them hanging.

 iHD: You have one of the best NYC DJs in underground, DJ M-tri, working with your live performances. Can you explain how you two linked up.

Ciph Diggy: The same NYC underground. We shared a couple [of] show bills. We are building a good chemistry. And he is officially a Sleepwalkas as well as the d.j. He also is a dope emcee. Check out his album MAX TALKIN REAL ISM.

 iHD: How did you decide on the number of tracks on this debut album?

Ciph Diggy: Well my manager (and exec. producer) Coole High set up some end dates and I kept making solid songs ‘til we reached them. The album was done in two months, focused.

 iHD: Any last words?

Ciph Diggy: I love what you’re doing jess, and enjoy the UNTITLED WAVE; I made a positive well rounded album. I hope it makes you feel good.

Catch up with Ciph Diggy click here and make sure to support!

Check out the live footage of Ciph Diggy ft. Top $ Raz below:

Check out Ciph Diggy ft. K. Gaines and DJ M-Tri below: