In the final episode of 2019, Gaz & Liam celebrate 10 years of The Blues Kitchen Podcast with a look back at the finest blues, soul, folk, roots and indie music from the last decade. 

Expect music from Charles Bradley, Leon Bridges, Mavis Staples, Gary Clark Jnr, Blind Boy Paxton, JD McPherson, The Arcs, Margo Price, Alabama Shakes, Dr John, David Bowie & much much more... 

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles
Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In the first show of 2020, Gaz & Liam bring you new music from Nathaniel Rateliff & James Hunter alongside classic blues, soul & funk from: Magic Sam, James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Al Green, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Feat.

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles
Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this week's episode, Gaz and Liam bring you new music from Early James & Pokey LaFarge.

There's also classic from Junior Wells, Howie Payne, David Porter, Pigmeat Markham, Band Of Horses and an exclusive live session with Pete Molinari.

Pete plays an acoustic version of 'Born To Be Blue' from his brand new album 'Just Like Achilles' out now on We Are Hear Music.

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles
Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Classic Blues, RnB, Folk & Soul in this weeks episode from Roscoe Robinson Frankie Miller, Sly Stone, Pops Staples, Steve Cropper, Albert King, Otis Rush, The Velvet Underground & John Prine.

There's also an exclusive Blues Kitchen live performance from Kelly Finnigan & The Atonements. 

Check out Kelly's new album, 'The Tales People Tell' on Colemine Records here: https://www.kellyfinnigan.com/ 

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles
Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Roscoe Robinson – You Don’t Move Me No More

Frankie Miller - You Don’t Need To Laugh

Sly Stone – Seventh Son

Pops Staples, Steve Cropper, Albert King – Big Bird

Kelly Finnegan – Since I Don’t Have You (BK Live Session)

Otis Rush – So Many Roads, So Many Trains 

The Velvet Underground - Sweet Jane

John Prine – Angel From Montgomery

In this week’s episode, Gaz and Liam bring you new music from The Monophonics alongside classic blues, soul, gospel and roots from: Buddy Guy, Odetta, The Lone Bellow, Earl Hooker, Hightower Brothers and Jackie Wilson.

There's also an exclusive Blues Kitchen live session with The Lone Bellow. 

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles
Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

This week, The Blues Kitchen hosts Nathaniel Rateliff. 

Nathaniel plays an exclusive version of ‘A Song For You’ originally written & recorded by Leon Russell.

There’s also tracks from Sea Level, Son House, Parliament, The Texas Gentlemen, Green Leaf Rustlers & The Grateful Dead.

For the full interview with Nathaniel Rateliff, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out:

The Blues Chronicles

Bush Hall - London
Thurs 27th 2020
Fri 28th Feb 2020
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this week’s episode there’s brand new music from the legendary Willie Nelson alongside classics from Iron Butterfly, Bo Weavil Jackson, Bonnie Dobson, Eric Clapton, The Supremes & Terry Allen.

There’s also an exclusive session with Union Duke. The band perform their wildly infectious ‘LaDiDaDiDa’ in session exclusively for The Blues Kitchen at this year’s AmericanaFest UK 2020

To watch the performance head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:

https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Thurs 27th 2020 [SOLD OUT]

Fri 28th Feb 2020 [SOLD OUT]

Mon 5^th Oct 2020

Tues 6^th Oct 2020

Weds 7^th Oct 2020

Thurs 8^th Oct 2020

Fri 9^th Oct 2020

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this week’s episode there’s new (ish) music from Brittany Howard & Markus King alongside some choice cuts from Bobby Charles, Detroit Junior, Delaney & Bonnie, Jimi Hendrix & Lee Fields.

There’s also an exclusive session with Nathaniel Rateliff, performing an acoustic version of ‘What A Drag’ from his new album ‘And It’s Still Alright’.

To watch the performance head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/
Mon 5th Oct 2020
Tues 6th Oct 2020
Weds 7th Oct 2020
Thurs 8th Oct 2020
Fri 9th Oct 2020

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Liam & Gaz play new music from The Lost Brothers alongside classics from Muddy Waters, Ruby Andrews, Supergrass, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Soul Inc & Al Kooper. 

This week, there is exclusive session with M Ward, performing an acoustic version of ‘Howlin' For My Baby’ originally by the legendary Howlin' Wolf. 

To watch the performance head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Mon 5th Oct 2020
Tues 6th Oct 2020
Weds 7th Oct 2020
Thurs 8th Oct 2020
Fri 9th Oct 2020
Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this weeks episode, the guys bring you brand new music from Jaime Wyatt & The Lemon Twigs. 

There's also classic blues, RnB & soul from Taj Mahal, The Meters, Sam Samudio, The Coral, The Spencer Davis Group & a Blues Kitchen archive session track from The Budos Band. Where hard Rock N Roll meets Afro-beat...

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Mon 5th Oct 2020
Tues 6th Oct 2020
Weds 7th Oct 2020
Thurs 8th Oct 2020
Fri 9th Oct 2020
Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

With Gaz in quarantine in the depths of East London, Liam is flying solo this week.  

There is new music from Swamp Dogg, Margo Price, Lee Fields, Los Yesterdays & The Monophonics alongside some classics from Elmore James, Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis. 

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Liam & Gaz are re-united & recording remotely while we all ride the next couple of months out in isolation...

With plenty of time on their hands, the guys dig out classic records from Muddy Waters, The Apostles of Music, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Funkadelic, The Temptations, Wilco & The Beach Boys. 

There's also an unplayed Blues Kitchen Archive session track from The North Mississippi Allstars.

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Liam & Gaz continue to record The Blues Kitchen Podcast from opposite sides of London...

There's new music from Mavis Staples, Jeff Tweedy & Arthur Ahbez alongside classics from Fleetwood Mac, Howlin' Wolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival & Gil Scott Heron.

There's also a special new 'Live Request' feature starting this week. 

Email your requests over to radio@theblueskitchen.com

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

A special episode of The Blues Kitchen Podcast to celebrate Pokey LaFarge's forthcoming LP - 'Rock Bottom Rhapsody'

The guys discuss the new album with Pokey who was kind enough to open up about his experiences & the emotions surrounding the recordings.  

Expect to hear 4 brand new songs from the LP - perhaps Pokey's finest work to date. 

** This is an additional Podcast - usual service will resume with our next episode being released on Monday 13th April **

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

New music on the show this week from Laura Marling & Alison Mosshart.

Liam & Gaz also pay tribute to John Prine who very sadly passed away this week. 

Expect classic tunes form The Rolling Stones, Otis Spann, Sam Cooke & a Blues Kitchen archive session track from The Texas Gentlemen, playing their version of 'The Shape I'm In' originally written & recorded by The Band.

Ciara Haidar closes the show this week, with one of our listeners requests, performing a version of 'St James Infirmary Blues'.

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

New music on the show this week from Howie Payne.

Liam & Gaz also pick out some classics from Little Walter, Cyl Johnson, Little Feat, The Little Shadows, John Prine & Lightnin' Hopkins.

Ciara Haidar closes the show once more, with one of our listeners requests, performing a version of 'Didn't It Rain'.

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Liam & Gaz play new music this week from Nick Waterhouse, The Texas Gentlemen & Orions Belte.

There's also a live Blues Kitchen Archive Session track from Nathaniel Rateliff alongside some classics from T Bone Walker, Magic & ZZ Top. 

Ciara Haidar continues taking listener requests this week, with a Bruce Springsteen cover.

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this week's episode there is new music from Neal Francis & Swamp Dogg.

Gaz & Liam also dig out some classics from Janis Joplin, Taj Mahal, Gillian Welch, Sonny Boy Williamson & Frankie Lee. 

The wonderful Ciara Haidar continues taking listener requests, with a special Neil Young cover.

When you've caught up with the podcast, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

Rare and unseen British TV footage to be shown at anniversary event.

Help Acorns - by order!

Birmingham's hidden industrial heritage saved from the skip.

Stephen Pennell gives the lowdown on another night in Digbeth.

Richard Lutz takes his pew for the Ben Johnson classic that caustically sends up his fellow Londoners of 1610.

Richard Lutz plunders his archive to remember what happened last week.....

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 episode, we bring you a talk with one of our favorite up-and-coming emcees, Awkword. This rapper and activist doesn’t just talk about social issues — he has an extensive history of social activism and charity work to go along with his dope, creative rhymes. We talked about all kinds of things, from his unusual rap moniker to his upcoming World View project, a 100% for charity album that has performers from literally all over the world

But even more than his good deeds, it’s his music that brought Awkword to the show. His beats and rhymes hearken back to a pre-Giuliani New York City, and it is this keeping-it-real vibe that has allowed him to collaborate with NYC stars like Joell Ortiz and Sean Price. We talked to him about music, politics, life, and all that good stuff.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/47/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, author Adam Mansbach (Go the Fuck to Sleep, Rage Is Back) returns to the show to talk about his new book, a thriller called The Dead Run. He’s joined by Chicago poet Kevin Coval who, in addition to his awesome poetry, also runs the largest youth poetry festival in the nation, Louder Than A Bomb. Join us as we talk rap, race, Judaism, Chief Keef, which KRS album is the greatest, and what “hackles” really are.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/52/ for full show notes and comments.

We have a very special episode of Outside the Lines With Rap Genius for you. It’s been one year almost to the day since Kendrick Lamar’s instant classic good kid, m.A.A.d city was released, and RG’s very own Nicole Otero sat down with K. Dot to get inside the record. Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on what inspired one of the most heralded albums of recent years, straight from the artist himself.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/53/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode of the Cipher, we bring you a talk with Brian Brater, co-founder of Rawkus Records. Rawkus was perhaps the single most important underground record label of the 90s, putting out singles and albums featuring artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow, Pharoahe Monch, Big L, Common, Eminem, and more

Brater tells us about the ups, downs, hits, misses, and the couple big ones that got away. So lace up your Timbs, grab your backpack, and join us as we talk to Brater about hip-hop’s last real golden age

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/54/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, we talk the best of old-school NYC life and hip-hop with two folks who know it better than almost anybody. MC Serch is best known for his work with 3rd Bass, but has also executive produced classic albums (including a little one called Illmatic), hosted TV shows, and more.

Blake “KEO” Lethem is a true hip-hop Renaissance man. From being an influential graffiti artist to arguably the first white rapper to designing album covers for the likes of MF DOOM, Blake has seen and done it all, and shares much of it with us here. We talk nightlife, stardom, graffiti’s TRUE relationship to hip-hop, and that time Hammer put out a hit on 3rd Bass.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/55/ for full show notes and comments.

KRS-One is a hip-hop legend beyond compare. He began his career with the classic Criminal Minded, arguably the album that invented gangsta rap. But after the death of his DJ Scott LaRock, KRS took a different turn and began educating and challenging his audience with classics like “You Must Learn,” “Why Is That?” and “My Philosophy.” KRS discussed his work past and present, Plato’s cave, vegetarianism, wants vs. needs, and tons more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/56/ for full show notes and comments.

Lance Scott Walker began his journey to document the Houston rap scene and surrounding culture with photographer Peter Beste in 2004, quickly discovering just how much there was to learn. But Houston rap - and the layers of community and culture that surround it - goes so much beyond the music. The book engages with the community surrounding the music just as much as the music and artists themselves, providing insight into the great changes brought upon some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods through gentrification and how those changes affect the city’s people.

In our conversation with Lance, we talked the significance of the local and national success of groups like Geto Boys, the long lasting influence of DJ Screw, the city’s obsession with syrup, gentrification overtaking old historical neighborhoods, and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/59/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, we talk to one of hip hop’s most honored rappers — Rakim Allah, the God MC. Rakim was only a teenager when he broke into the New York rap scene as part of famed Golden Era duo Eric B & Rakim, with Eric B sampling and mixing, Rakim as the MC. From the MC’s beginning, he was influential — credited with creating the technique of internal rhyming in rap music. While his Long Island neighbors in Public Enemy were setting the stage with black nationalism in rap, Rakim, a member of the Five Percent Nation of Islam, explored a mindful spirituality of his own.

Eric B & Rakim released 4 albums together, including Paid in Full, Follow the Leader, Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em, and finally Don’t Sweat the Technique. Their perhaps most famous album, Paid in Full, is credited with revolutionizing what old school rappers had done before them. Rakim led what one NY Times writer called “a quiet musical revolution, introducing a soft-spoken rapping style”. In 1993, he and Eric B. split up, Rakim changed record companies, and after four years of silence, he embarked upon a solo career, releasing 4 albums. His most recent album, released in 2009, The Seventh Seal grapples with many emotions: optimism about President Obama’s election, mixed with the struggles of people losing jobs and homes.

We talked to the legendary MC about some of his most famous lines, his experience growing up in a musical home, breaking into the NY rap scene from Long Island, triple stage darkness, writing rhymes in graffiti, and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/65/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we talk with Todd Kreidler, the writer behind the Broadway musical based on the life and music of 2pac, ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’. Kreidler was tasked with taking on the legacy of legendary MC 2Pac Shakur, an initially daunting prospect. Through his use of 2Pac’s songs, spirit, and description of the world around him, Kreidler crafted a musical that doesn’t shy away from tough topics, that tackles issues such as gun violence and racism head on — through the lens of a community that fights against outside pressure together, that feels its pains together. Kreidler saw the musical as a chance to take the “I” away from the music and take a look into the universe of characters that lived within 2pac’s songs. Comparing 2Pac to Shakespeare, Kreidler spoke of the worlds 2Pac created with his lyrics — ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’ gets the chance to give pieces of 2Pac’s dialogue and story to many characters, building a community around them similar to the one 2Pac himself got to experience and absorb in his own life

We talk with Kreidler about the process of writing the play, the similarities between Pac and Shakespeare, why certain songs were chosen and certain songs left out, and more

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/72/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we talk to Christopher Jackson, one of the lead actors in Broadway’s ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’, the musical based on Tupac’s legacy. When ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’ first hit Broadway, it was marketed as not just a story about Tupac’s music, but as a story about love — and that’s just what it is, a story about love within a world similar to that which Tupac lived, experienced, and rapped about. The play tackles issues such as gun violence, poverty, and racism head-on — all through the lens of a community that feels its pains together. ‘Holler’ is a play that fights against Broadway’s increasingly homogenized landscape, daring to tell a story that doesn’t fit into the cookie cutter Broadway mold.

We talked to Broadway vet Christopher Jackson, Vertus in the production, about Broadway’s changing landscape, the significance of co-star Saul Williams’ work as a slam poet and actor, the cultural relevance of Pac, and how ‘Holler”s reviews revealed an ugly truth about Broadway culture today.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/73/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, we have a two-fer. We begin with a really awesome interview with a true West Coast legend, DJ Quik. He has a new album, The Midnight Life, and we talk to him about that, his relationships with longtime collaborators Suga Free and guitarist Robert Bacon, “Hitler microphones,” that time Dr. Dre broke his speakers, and a lot more.

In the second half of the show, we introduce a new artist. Eric Biddines is a Florida-based rapper whose new project, Planet Coffee Bean 2, came to our attention recently. Eric’s futuristic, imaginative, and caffeinated music — and personality — are not to be missed.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/77/ for full show notes and comments.

Live from Bed Stuy’s Restoration Plaza, we bring you a very special event with Buddha Monk and Mickey Hess, authors of a new biography of the Wu’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Occurring only blocks from Dirty’s childhood home, this conversation features not only the authors, but also special appearances from the Wu member’s family and friends. Buddha Monk was Dirty’s close friend since they were children, and had a front row seat to the artist’s rise and fall. His book, co-written with Rider professor Mickey Hess, is The Dirty Version: On Stage, In the Studio, and In the Streets With Ol’ Dirty Bastard, published by Harper Collins. You can buy it here.

If you like this episode, be sure to check out our recent article on the Wu for Radio.com

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/83/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we have an epic sit-down with producer 88-Keys. 88 got his start as a teenager, choosing samples for groups like A Tribe Called Quest while working for a record dealer. He easily moved from there into production, and was a key voice in underground hip-hop during the Rawkus Records heyday. His work on albums by Black Star, Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey), and others helped cement the sound of the era.

88 has continued to make music for everyone from Beanie Sigel to Macy Gray, in addition to releasing his own solo album, The Death of Adam, in 2008. In recent years, his name made headlines again when he produced the hit song “No Church in the Wild” for Jay Z and his longtime best friend Kanye West.

We talked to 88 about his past, present, and exciting future, including his Locksmith Music label.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/84/ for full show notes and comments.

Most people know author Adam Mansbach from his 2011 “children’s book for adults,” Go the Fuck to Sleep. It became a sensation and led to readings by Werner Herzog and Samuel L. Jackson, a movie deal, a popular GTFTS-themed Obama ad, and countless morning show appearances. Now he returns with a sequel, You Have to Fucking Eat — a funny and realistic take on a whole new parenting challenge.

Regular listeners know that Adam does much more than write books with curses in the title. We discussed his literary novels and life in jazz in our first talk. This time, we talk screenwriting, thrillers, middle grade books, and the best child rappers of all time.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/85/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we sit down with Harlem’s own Smoke DZA and Bluntsmoker, a member of his R.F.C. crew. They’ve just released an album called The Outsiders. Talking in a studio just down the block from DZA’s native “911” (Harlem’s 119th Street), we discuss how Harlem has changed, the overlap between pro wrestling and hip-hop, how his style and voice have mutated over the years, and tons more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/89/ for full show notes and comments.