This episode, we bring you a career-spanning conversation with DJ, radio personality, and comedian Cipha Sounds. Ciph is best known for his on-air position at NYC’s Hot 97 but, as you’ll hear, he’s had a wide-ranging career that goes from the depths of the underground scene to the heights of 90’s blinged-out maximalism. In between, he somehow found time to have a key role in one of the greatest TV series of our time, The Chapelle Show. We talk to him about all that and much more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/44/ for full show notes and comments.
This episode, we talk to Bill Adler. Bill is best-known for his time as director of publicity for Def Jam and Rush Management from 1984-1990. During that period, he helped to guide the careers of some of hip-hop’s most legendary artists, including LL Cool J, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and more. He shares stories about many of those groups with us today.
In addition to his work at Def Jam, Bill has written several books, worked on TV documentaries, ran an art gallery, and, in his early years, worked closely with the famous hippie leader John Sinclair. We talk about all of that and more in this epic conversation.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/43/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we bring you a convo with Michael P. Jeffries, author of Paint the White House Black: Barack Obama and the Meaning of Race in America, a fascinating examination of how we think about race in a supposedly “post-racial” America.
Jeffries is also a huge hip-hop head, and has written about rap music and culture for The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more. We talk to him about Tupac and “thuggin’,” Rick Ross’ controversial “U.O.E.N.O.” lyrics, the changing meaning of being multi-racial, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/42/ for full show notes and comments.
This episode, we talk to R.A. the Rugged Man. The underground hip-hop legend has been making great music (and pissing off record labels!) since the 1990s. We talked to him about his brutally honest lyrics, his friendships with Biggie and Norah Jones, his biggest inspirations, and tons more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/41/ for full show notes and comments.
This episode, we talk to Milk Dee. Along with his brother Giz, they formed the Audio Two, an influential duo whose biggest hit, “Top Billin’,” has been sampled or interpolated by pretty much every rapper alive. We chat with Milk about the Audio Two, his successful production career (he was behind Eamon’s monster hit “Fuck It”), and the work of his sister, the legendary MC Lyte.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/40/ for full show notes and comments.
This all-Louisiana-everything episode has two special conversations from South by Southwest. First, we talk to Mystikal, and go through his whole trip from his early days in New Orleans to stardom to his James Brown-inspired comeback.
Then we have an incredible chat with Kevin Gates. Gates is a Baton Rouge native whose powerful, open, emotional style and lyrics have him on a rapid rise to stardom. He is also perhaps the most captivating and unique personality we’ve come across at Outside the Lines, and we’re proud to share our talk with you.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/39/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to hip-hop comedy duo Eric and Jeff Rosenthal, better known as ItsTheReal. The brothers began by making hilarious sketch comedy videos, moved on to podcasting, and now have just released an actual mixtape, Urbane Outfitters. Their on-point humor, which makes fun both of and with rappers, has remained constant throughout.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/38/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to one of our favorite rising stars, Brooklyn rapper Sene. His first big leap into notoriety was with 2009’s A Day Late & A Dollar Short, a collaborative album with Blu. That was followed by 2012’s superb Brooklyknight. He has since turned into a whirlwind of activity, releasing solo material and doing albums with projects like Recess and Denetia & Sene. His vast musical imagination and fearless spirit have turned him into one of our favorite artists.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/37/ for full show notes and comments.
This episode, we talk to DJ and producer Mr. Len. Len is best known for his work with underground rap heroes Company Flow. In addition to his DJ duties there, he also has two superb solo projects to his name (including the upcoming Marvels of Yestermorrow), and continues to DJ for a wide variety of hip-hop artists, including Jean Grae.
Len is joined by special guest MeLa Machinko, a superb singer who has been on the hooks of some of your favorite rap songs. Her upcoming album is called Hov Said It Best.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/36/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to author Adam Mansbach. While Mansbach is best-known for the satirical childrens book Go the Fuck to Sleep, his novels like Angry Black White Boy and The End of the Jews examine some of the thorniest issues in American life — race, culture, family, and the paradoxes and conflicts in all of them. His latest novel is the “graffiti revenge” story Rage Is Back.
We have two special guests for this show. DJ J. Period accompanied Mansbach to our studio. J is a well-respected mixtape DJ, and he created an excellent companion tape to Rage Is Back that features songs from artists like Black Thought and Talib Kweli. We were also joined by Dresden Dolls drummer Brian Viglione, who entered our conversation when it turned to his favorite drummer, jazz legend Elvin Jones, for whom Mansbach worked for almost six years as a drum tech.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/35/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we have a conversation with A&R man, producer, and all-around Renaissance man Dante Ross. Ross has had an instrumental role in the careers of acts like Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Busta Rhymes, Brand Nubian, Everlast, De La Soul, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, KMD, and tons more. We talked to him about the highlights and wild times of his extensive career.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/34/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to one of our favorite up-and-coming rappers, Meyhem Lauren. Lauren’s rapping agility, style, sense of humor, and love of a gourmet meal have moved him way up on our list in just a handful of year. Along with his friends and frequent collaborators Roc Marciano and childhood friend Action Bronson, he is leading a resurgance of New York rap. We talked to Lauren about his career, his beef with Pitchfork, and lots more!
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/33/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to a man who needs no introduction, Big Daddy Kane. Kane tells us about his legacy, dissing Erick Sermon, who really produced his first album, and tons more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/32/ for full show notes and comments.
We talk to the amazing Sadat X, known for both his seminal work with Brand Nubian and his plethora of high-quality solo work. His unique, off-kilter voice and style have kept the hip-hop nation entertained since his group’s seminal 1990 debut One for All. His latest album, out this past December, is called Love, Hell or Right.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/31/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to DJ Muggs. Muggs is best known for his work with Cypress Hill, but he also has a long and storied career as a producer for such mega-hits as “Jump Around” and “Check Yo Self.” He has also put out a ton of solo albums, as well as collaborations with the likes of Ill Bill, GZA, and Sick Jacken. His latest, just-released solo album is Bass For Your Face.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/30/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we have a two-part extravaganza. In the first half of the show, we have a conversation from this past fall with rising star Dee-1. We chat with the New Orleans native about his city, his music, and why the “Stop Snitching” movement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. After that, we talk to r&b star Bilal about his songwriting process, how to avoid being “corny” when writing love songs, and his memoires of super-producer J. Dilla.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/29/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we have a conversation with Freddie Foxxx, a.k.a. Bumpy Knuckles. Since his 1989 debut album Freddie Foxxx Is Here, he’s been known for his great rhymes, but also for his frank talk about the state of the record business, especially on his Industry Shakedown album. He’s worked with some of the most legendary figures in hip-hop, including Eric B., KRS-One, DJ Premier, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/28/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to Reggie Osse, better known as Combat Jack. Reggie is a blogger and a host of The Combat Jack Show on PNC Radio. Before that, though, he was a successful music lawyer with his hand in almost every hot rap and r&b song of the 90’s. We talk to Reggie about his past, present, and future — and about a little website he had a recent run-in with called Rap Genius…
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/27/ for full show notes and comments.
We talk to one of my personal favorite emcees, Boots Riley of The Coup. He’s been putting out funny, politically engaged music since 1991 and is, in my opinion, one of the best rappers working today. In addition to leading The Coup, Boots is also a member of the group Streetsweeper Social Club with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. The Coup’s latest album, Sorry to Bother You, is in stores now.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/26/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to Peter Rosenberg, DJ at NYC’s legendary Hot 97. Peter is a co-host of the popular morning show and also has a Sunday night underground program. He’s the host of the game show Hip Hop Squares, runs the popular Noisemakers interview series, and has his own Juan Epstein podcast. He talked to us about his history, the Summer Jam controversy, his definition of “real hip-hop,” and more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/25/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to Buckshot, the creative force behind the classic group Black Moon and the co-founder of the seminal underground label Duck Down Records. He recently released The Solution, a duo project with producer 9th Wonder. We spoke to him about that great record, as well as his classic work with Black Moon. His candor and unique outlook led to a fascinating conversation!
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/24/ for full show notes and comments.
The inimitable Brownsville representer Sean P gives us a rundown of his long-awaited album, Mic Tyson.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/23/ for full show notes and comments.
This episode, we sit down with the fantastic Styles P. Best known for his work with The Lox and D-Block, Styles has been mixing street content (not for nothing is his latest album called The World’s Most Hardest MC Project) with hopeful messages and deep lyrical gems since the mid 90’s. He is also perhaps rap’s best collaborator, responsible for superb duets with Jadakiss, Fabolous, Beanie Sigel, and lots more. Styles is also a published author — his debut novel Invincible came out in 2010, and he is currently at work on a second book. His aforementioned new album was released just last week.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/22/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to a man of many names. Deric Angelettie is best known for his work with Bad Boy Records’ production squad The Hitmen, who took over the radio in the mid-90’s. In addition to producing hits like “All About the Benjamins” and “Hypnotize,” he served as Bad Boy’s comic id, The Mad Rapper.
Prior to all that, though, he was a rapper named D.O.P., who released a superb record as part of a duo called Two Kings in a Cipher, with future Hitmen partner Ron Lawrence. We chatted with Angelettie about his whole career and the large collection of top-tier rappers he’s collaborated with or produced.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/21/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to two of our favorites here on Outside the Lines, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae, about their exciting new projects. We start with a song-by-song preview of Pharoahe’s upcoming new album PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We’re honored to bring you what is so far Pharoahe’s only in-depth chat about these songs. In the second half of our show, we talk to the amazing Jean Grae about her new single, “Kill Screen a.k.a. Steve Wiebe,” and her upcoming Gotham Down album.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/20/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we bring you a very special talk with Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets. We chatted with him about his extensive and fascinating life and work. We’re very proud to bring you this incredible bit of living history.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/19/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to a true Brooklyn original, Skyzoo, on the occasion of the release of his new album, A Dream Deferred. We chat with him about his new record, Bill Cosby, that time he met Total, the secrets of the world’s best sandwiches, and lots more!
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/18/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to the incredible poet, emcee, actor, and musician Saul Williams. Williams, who had been an emcee since his teenage years, first rose to prominence on the slam poetry circuit, winning acclaim in the mid 1990’s. He was a co-writer and star of the award-winning 1998 film Slam, which increased his profile and led to him getting a record deal.
Williams’ first album, 2001’s Amethyst Rock Star, was a mind-blowing melding of poetry, hip-hop, and rock. That record and its follow-up, a self-titled 2004 album, were in part jeremiads about the state of hip-hop from someone who loved it but was severely disappointed in what it had become. Williams has released two more albums and four books of poetry over the years, and his latest work is a “literary mixtape” called Chorus.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/17/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we sit down with Brother Ali. Ali, whose new album Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color comes out this week, has long been one of our favorite artists. His fantastic rhyming skills are matched by lyrics that are both intensely engaged with the larger world, as well as by a sense of humanity and empathy that is all too rare amongst artists of any kind.
Then, after our talk with Ali, we have a short but revealing chat with Miss Haze of the Bay Area group 40 Love. The innovative group meshes dreamy, electronic production with smart, positive lyrics to create an ode to dreams and their possibilities. We talk to Miss Haze about chanting for world peace, alchemy, and why she loves the Bay.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/16/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to one of the foremost thinkers in hip-hop, Professor Tricia Rose. Rose, who teaches at Brown University, is the author of two seminal books about rap. The first, Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America, was published in 1994 and was the first book-length scholarly work about hip-hop. Its extremely influential ideas helped create a framework for writing and thinking about this still-new music.
Professor Rose’s 2008 book The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk About When We Talk About Hip Hop — and Why It Matters was a critique of the music she loved, which she argued had been warped by corporate influence.
Rose continues to write and speak about hip hop and other topics, in addition to her teaching duties.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/15/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to two new and exciting artists. In the first half of the show, we sit down with Kid Static, an exciting rapper who mixes hip-hop with electronic sounds to create a blend all his own. Then, we talk to Harlem’s Ghetto Millionaires. Ahk 2Gs, Baby Thad, and Cita Monroe came out to the RG office to discuss their extensive industry histories, their music, and that time ODB ate food right out of the garbage.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/14/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to Jorge Alvarez, better known as Kurious. The New York-based emcee released his classic debut album A Constipated Monkey in 1994, following several years of singles and guest appearances with the likes of 3rd Bass and Del the Funkee Homosapien. Since that album, he continued to appear on record with friends like MF Doom and MF Grimm, but it was almost 15 years until he released a follow-up album, II, which showcased a newfound maturity and artistry.
We talked to Kurious about the ups and downs of his career, the vast differences between his albums, and a hip-hop transformation to which he had a front row seat — when his friend Zev Love X of KMD turned into the legendary MF DOOM.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/13/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to pioneering emcee Grand Daddy I.U. The Long Island-based rapper was discovered by Biz Markie and signed to Cold Chillin’ Records in 1989. His 1990 debut album Smooth Assassin is rightfully regarded as a classic of hip-hop’s Golden Age. He also wrote songs during that era for some of his label’s top artists, including Roxanne Shante and the Biz himself. Since that stunning debut, I.U. has released four albums, with a fifth due in just a few weeks. He has also produced for artists such as KRS-One and Ice-T.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/12/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we have a two-part treat! In the first half of the show, we talk to hip-hop stars old and new at the NYC premiere of Ice-T’s documentary The Art of Rap. Guests include Marley Marl, Fabolous, Raekwon, and Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg. In part two, we have an extended chat with Jay-Z biographer and Forbes hip-hop writer Zack O’Malley Greenburg about Hov’s business mind, hip-hop branding good and bad, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/11/ for full show notes and comments.
On this episode, we talk to two members of one of rap’s most formidable collectives. A.G. and O.C. of the Diggin’ in the Crates crew join us for a memorable chat. Topics include their new LUV NY project, their classic debut albums, their memories of deceased crew member Big L, the effect of the esoteric and influential 5 Percent Nation of Islam on their work, the oddest shout-outs they’ve ever gotten, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/10/ for full show notes and comments.
An in-depth interview with rap icon Talib Kweli. We talk to the veteran emcee about Black Star, similes, the Occupy movement, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/9/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we have an in-depth interview with a legend who needs no introduction, Nas. We talk to him about his new album Life Is Good, his most puzzling lyrics, his relationship with Amy Winehouse, and more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/8/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to rapper/producer 4th Pyramid, whose new album The Pyramid Scheme was one of the best new releases we’ve heard in quite some time. We discuss his history with Def Jux, which Wu-Tang member gave him the biggest surprise, and how working for a car company was the best career move he ever made.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/7/ for full show notes and comments.
On this episode, we have a fascinating chat with Pharoahe Monch. Pharoahe has been spitting some of the most intricate and meaningful lyrics in all of rap since his first release in 1991 with the duo Organized Konfusion. He took the polysyllabic rhyme style pioneered by Kool G. Rap, combined it with a political critique reminiscent of early-90’s Chuck D and Ice Cube, and added his own unique poetic imagination to create a style unlike anything before or since. We talked to Pharoahe about writing for Diddy, his feelings about Michael Bloomberg, and why he’s obsessed with right angles.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/6/ for full show notes and comments.
This week we talk to one of our favorite emcees, Detroit’s Invincible, about the Middle East, their memories of Proof, and why a great rhyme is like an eclipse.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/5/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we talk to the legendary Kool Keith. Both with the Ultramagnetic MCs and as a solo artist, and in a wide variety of personas and guises, Keith has long been one of rap’s most innovative and extraordinary voices.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/4/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we sit down with Soul Khan. Khan first made his name as an extremely successful battle rapper. Since his retirement from that scene, he has recorded a number of EPs and one full-length album, Soul Like Khan. His smart, political, and, yes, soulful rhyme style has garnered him tons of attention. We sat down with Soul Khan for a wide-ranging conversation that encompassed his thoughts on his new EP Wellstone, his feelings on battle rapping, why he hates the Electoral College, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/3/ for full show notes and comments.
This week, we sit down for a fascinating chat with Robert “The RZA” Diggs, mastermind of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. We talk to him about why he never had any fun as the Clan was getting famous, finding inspiration in ancient Persian poetry, and lots more.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/2/ for full show notes and comments.
For the first edition of The Cipher (then known as Outside the Lines) we brought you a talk with one of our favorite rappers, Jean Grae. Jean’s sophisticated flows and rhyme schemes, hysterical wordplay, and good-old-fashioned violence has kept her at the top of our list since her debut with the group Natural Resource in the 1990s. Her latest release was Cookies or Comas, available free on jeangrae.com, and her album Cake or Death came out later in 2012.
See http://theciphershow.com/episode/1/ for full show notes and comments.
Airlines and airport operators in the United Kingdom are not waiting for the British government to publicly confirm their fears. Already, the groups representing major players in the U.K.'s air travel industry are pushing back on a proposal that would require travelers to quarantine after arriving from outside the country. A spokesperson for Airlines UK — a trade body with British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair as members — says the group understands from government officials that plans for a quarantine are in the works, but that details remain scarce at the moment. "We need to see the detail of what they are proposing. Public health must of course be the priority and we will continue to be guided by Sage advice," the group said in a statement emailed to NPR, noting that support measures will be necessary to ensure "that we still have a UK aviation sector once the quarantine period is lifted." "We will be asking for assurances that this decision has been led by the science and that
Updated at 1:55 p.m. ET Little Richard, the self-described "king and queen" of rock and roll and an outsize influence on everyone from David Bowie to Prince, died Saturday. He was 87 years old. Wayne Chaney, his longtime bandleader and tour manager, tells NPR that Little Richard died at his brother's home in Tullahoma, Tenn., after a battle with cancer. Rolling Stone was the first to report on his death. With his ferocious piano playing, growling and gospel-strong vocals, pancake makeup and outlandish costumes, Little Richard tore down barriers starting in the 1950s. That is no small feat for any artist — let alone a black, openly gay man who grew up in the South. He was a force of nature who outlived many of the musicians he inspired, from Otis Redding to the late Prince and Michael Jackson. His peers James Brown and Otis Redding idolized him. Jimi Hendrix, who once played in Little Richard's band, said he wanted his guitar to sound like Richard's voice. The late David Bowie was 9
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Updated at 9:44 a.m. ET As a young woman growing up in a poor farming community in Virginia in the 1940 and '50s, with little information about sex or contraception, sexuality was a frightening thing for Carole Cato and her female friends. "We lived in constant fear, I mean all of us," she said. "It was like a tightrope. always wondering, is this going to be the time [I get pregnant]?" Cato, 78, now lives in Columbia, S.C. She grew up in the years before the birth control pill was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on May 9, 1960. She said teenage girls in her community were told very little about how their bodies worked. "I was very fortunate; I did not get pregnant, but a lot of my friends did. And of course, they just got married and went into their little farmhouses," she said. "But I just felt I just had to get out." At 23, Cato married a widower who already had seven children. They decided seven was enough. By that time, Cato said, the pill allowed the couple to