The two rappers' feud is ignited after Meek throws a jab at the Mexican star, who just releases a new single, and his snitching scandal prior to his record-breaking Instagram Live session.

Making his first official public appearance since his early release from jail, the 'Gooba' rapper slams ex-manager Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan for plotting with gang associates to have him killed.

Inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Young people are often portrayed in the media as being feral creatures up to no good. A Birmingham Press reader offers the alternative, and more common, view of children just enjoying themselves in the holidays.

Help and advice for new businesses.

A Birmingham-based donkey riding charity is calling on the fun loving public to adopt a donkey this Valentine's Day to help raise vital funds

Nature Valley Classic brings the best to Birmingham.

Rufus Wainwright, Roddy Woomble and more to play for free.

Monika aims to become international Face.

Richard Lutz queries just who benefits from ever-newer levels of digital technology.

Expansion at city centre barbers.

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.

Our interview with the enigmatic Divine Styler starts with him present, via his DJ father, at the very beginnings of hip-hop. He then became a part of Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate crew, which included a pre-House of Pain Everlast. His second album, Spiral Walls Containing Autumns of Light, drastically expanded the range of what a hip-hop artist could do with its spoken word-industrial-rock hybrids.

His latest record Def Mask comes after a 15-year hiatus. From NYC park jams to getting arrested the day after signing a record deal to having a front-row seat for “Jump Around“‘s massive success to pushing musical boundaries to making pilgrimages to Mecca, Divine Styler shares his whole fascinating story.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/88/ for full show notes and comments.

Jermaine Dupri got his start in hip-hop very young. As a pre-teen, he was a dancer on the Fresh Fest tours of the mid-1980s. He went from there to rapping himself, but quickly found that his real talent lay in writing and producing hits for others.

J.D. had his first real success with the group Kriss Kross, who he discovered in 1991. He formed So So Def Records, where he guided the careers of Xscape, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, and Bow Wow. He also had many hits as a producer with the likes of Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, and Usher. Dupri is now a key part of two unscripted TV shows, The Rap Game and Music Moguls.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/167/ for full show notes and comments.

Divine, as he is fond of saying, has gone “from crack to rap to tech.” His wild and inspirational story starts in Newport, Rhode Island, where he started dealing drugs just as the crack epidemic took hold—and also as hip-hop was starting to blossom.

It wasn’t until years later, as he was finding his way out of the criminal life, that Divine let his passion for music take hold, and began his career as a rapper. But a chance meeting over Twitter with venture capitalist Ben Horowitz would take him on a whole new adventure.

Divine is now a coveted speaker at tech events, a startup founder himself, and still an emcee, as anyone who has listened to his 2014 album Ghetto Rhymin’ will attest.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/211/ for full show notes and comments.

jim Florentine, Comedian, actor and host of the "Comedy Metal Midgets" podcast and "Metal Midgets" on Siriuss XM Channel 38, joins Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt live in studio.

jim Florentine, Comedian, host of the "Comedy Metal Midgets" podcast and the author of the new book "Everybody is Awful (Except You!)," joins Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt live in studio.

"Birmingham's business community has lost a quiet hero," says Mayoral candidate.

Thousands of lifesaving face masks donated to city hospital.

Campaign results in victory for local politicians.

Recruitment firm announces series of leadership development events.

New jobs aid West Midlands' "world-class" reputation.

Coventry University and its successful spin-off firm Microcab are set to show off their zero-emission vehicle expertise at the 2013 Automotive Engineering Show at the NEC in Birmingham next week.

First-year theatre students create online DIY drama classes for parents and children.

Legends, icons and groundbreakers will head to Moseley this summer.

Foodie heaven at canalside venue.

New York Sounds: Dizzy's Club And The Iridium

Classic films and new releases to feature at state of the art development.

Film season sees visitor numbers increase in entertainment centre.

Light House asking for ‘Magnificent’ partners to ride to the rescue.

Light House urges 'Virtual Attendance' during temporary shutdown.

Don't put next generation of manufacturing talent on lockdown says Make UK.

Innovative augmented reality feature released.

Award-winning singer joins stellar line up for 2020 Fest.

Waterboys, Richard Hawley, The Wonder Stuff and many more to mark anniversary.

A musical rainbow in the Cotswolds.

Elmhurst Ballet School teacher keeps dancers on their toes during lockdown.

Birmingham dance company launches new, free online dance classes for children and families.

Chance to watch programme from dance company.

Agency celebrates contract win by spending two weeks driving electric.

Euan's guide aims to help boost spirits and share ideas during isolation.

Richard Lutz reports on a step forward in opening the Moseley/Kings Heath train line.

Pioneering digital engagement provides for hundreds of young people across the West Midlands.

Matt Lindley writes about recognition for the Central Library.

The Lewisham swings into action at Dartmouth golf course.

"We're praying for you all ... you're all heroes." Continue reading…

Businesses in the region are being encouraged to find out more about the importance of the growing digital economy at a free event taking place at Coventry University in January.