They relevance of the "Cypher" today has it's origins in Ancient Africa. Ever since ancient times, storytelling in African culture has been a way of passing on the traditions and beliefs of a particular society from one generation to the next. It has also been used as a means of passing on traditions and codes of behavior, as well as maintaining social order. African tales are told and retold under the shade of a tree or around a village campfire, passing on the history, philosophy, and moral laws of the people. Although writing had not been developed in ancient Africa, there were still existing means for Africans to record their thoughts, beliefs and feelings. These means included various forms of African art such as artifacts, myths and ceremonies. The tradition of storytelling is one of the most ancient in African culture; this tradition is rich with many stories, songs, poems, and religious and tribal customs due to the diversity of people living in this vast continent. Entire complex cultures have been carried down through the centuries by the spoken word.

A "Cypher" is a circle and all complete circles contain 360 degrees where each point has an opposing point. In the Urban lexicon a "Cypher" is a term generally used to describe Hip Hop Artisans sharing their talents to the whole of the Cypher. In the case of "eMCee'ing" artist are, as in the way of old African tradition often telling tales. the traditions, and the street code of conduct. So no matter how far we've gone.. the CYPHER remains complete.

Cultural diffusion is the spreading of ideas or products from one culture to another. Direct diffusion of culture occurs when two distinct cultures are very close together. Over time, direct contact between the two leads to an intermingling of the cultures. Historically this occurred through trade, intermarriage, and sometimes warfare because members of the various cultures interacted with each other for long periods. 

An example today would be the similar interest in Hip-hop and cyphering all throughout New York City. Cypher Sessions brings it all together.