In a city where culture is often built in small, intimate spaces, one Hagerstown barbershop transformed into something much bigger: an incubator for sound, creativity, and connection. This month, Cape & Blade, owned by artist and entrepreneur Jay Berd, hosted The Cook Up, a producer-driven showcase that blurred the lines between barbershop, studio session, and live performance.
Marketed with the phrase “where fades meet drum breaks,” the event reimagined the traditional barbershop environment as a creative hub. The concept was simple but powerful: bring producers, artists, and the community together in one room and let the music happen. The space became a cypher — fluid, collaborative, and rooted in hip-hop’s foundational spirit.
What is The Cook Up?
At its core, The Cook Up was about producers, the architects behind the sound. An array of beatmakers took part, each bringing their own style and sonic identity, creating a layered experience that ranged from soulful samples to hard-hitting trap rhythms. Among the standouts was Street Scott, a producer who has become a favorite within the OUT40 ecosystem. Known for his textured, intentional production style, Street Scott’s presence elevated the night, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on craftsmanship and originality.
Producer showcases are often overlooked in favor of public-facing artists, but The Cook Up flipped that dynamic by placing beatmakers at the center and giving audiences a rare look into the foundation of the music. The night wasn’t limited to instrumentals. Featured performer Ullnevano, brought a raw, grounded presence that complemented the producers’ work.
Events like this highlight a growing movement across cities like Hagerstown, where grassroots creatives are building their own platforms rather than waiting for traditional venues or industry validation. And if the energy of that night is any indication, The Cook Up is less of a moment and more of a movement.
Watch clips here.
Photo-Video Credit: Cape & Blade, The CookUp