The Cipher

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12: Grand Daddy I.U. Aug 21, 2012

Show notes

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.

11: Art of Rap and Zack O'Malley Greenburg Aug 14, 2012

Show notes

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.

10: A.G. and O.C. Aug 07, 2012

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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.

9: Talib Kweli Jul 27, 2012

Show notes

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.

8: Nas Jul 20, 2012

Show notes

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.

7: 4th Pyramid Jul 14, 2012

Show notes

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.

6: Pharoahe Monch Jul 06, 2012

Show notes

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.

5: Invincible Jun 29, 2012

Show notes

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.

4: Kool Keith Jun 19, 2012

Show notes

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.

3: Soul Khan Jun 12, 2012

Show notes

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.

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