The Cipher

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42: Michael P. Jeffries May 29, 2013

Show notes

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.

41: R.A. the Rugged Man May 14, 2013

Show notes

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.

40: Milk Dee of Audio Two May 01, 2013

Show notes

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.

39: Mystikal and Kevin Gates Apr 16, 2013

Show notes

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.

38: ItsTheReal Apr 02, 2013

Show notes

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.

37: Sene Mar 19, 2013

Show notes

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.

36: Mr. Len Mar 05, 2013

Show notes

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.

35: Adam Mansbach Feb 26, 2013

Show notes

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.

34: Dante Ross Feb 19, 2013

Show notes

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.

33: Meyhem Lauren Feb 12, 2013

Show notes

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.

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