IT was a day out from their classroom at Nightingale Infant School, Eastleigh when they visited Southampton Airport on a winter’s day in January, 1970.

OWNERS put almost as much effort into the performances as their pets for the Dog Ability Challenge staged at King's Somborne horse trials on April 23, 1990.

Venue: Iwaki Auditorium. Time: 2:30pm.

Venue: Sir John Clancy Auditorium. Time: 8pm.

The Federal Government has announced a package of $17 million to support regional and Indigenous arts, and a sum of $10M to the charity Support Act to support people in the music industry. 

Today, the AMC is proud to announce the names of the artists who will deliver the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address in 2020, as well as declaring open expressions of interest for 10 opportunities, also under the banner of the prestigious Address.

To support independent artists and small to medium arts, screen and cultural organisations impacted by COVID-19, Create NSW is implementing a number of measures. This includes accommodation assistance, new support for creatives to engage with online platforms, and a suite of initiatives that provide employment and development opportunities, and audience engagement and skill-sharing for arts, screen and cultural organisations and individuals across the State. > More detail (Create NSW)

The leader of an MS-13 clique on Long Island pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy charges this week. The gang member was charged with ordering the murder of a 15-year old, which was then carried out. He was also charged with planning the murder of an alleged fellow MS-13 gang member for being disloyal to the group. The defendant admitted that he reported to gang leadership in El Salvador and the United States. He is expected to be sentenced to 24 years to life in prison in 2020.

A panel of appeals court judges has ordered Suffolk County Police to release the 911 call that led authorities to discover 11 bodies near Gilgo Beach a decade ago.

Momentum building around one of Europe’s largest regeneration schemes in Solihull.

Gaz & Liam are still recovering from the Blues Kitchen’s 10^th Birthday celebrations…

In this week’s episode, there is an exclusive live recording from The James Hunter Six performance at The Blues Kitchen last month, alongside classics from Howlin' Wolf, Ray Jay, The Arcs, Bob Dylan, Albert Washington, Buffalo Springfield & Aretha Franklin.

To see the James Hunter Six performances in full, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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 away this week, Liam hosts this week’s episode on his lonesome...

There’s an exclusive acoustic performance from Tyler Ramsey, who’s new LP ‘For The Morning’ is one of the albums of the year so far.

We also have a live performance from Daptone Afro-beat legends, Antibalas - recorded exclusively at The Jazz Café earlier this year.

You can also expect some classic blues, rock & soul from The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Leon Russell, Lonnie Mack, The Rustix, Canned Heat & The Sheepdogs.

To see the Tyler Ramsey & Antibalas performances in full, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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…

After a week of gigs in London including none other than Neil Young, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Amadou & Miriam & Bob Dylan, Gaz & Liam debrief alongside some classic cuts from Bobby Bland, The Markeys, Bill Wilson, Memphis Minnie & The Vampires.

There’s also an exclusive acoustic session from Frankie Lee, who’s new LP, Stillwater is available now via Loose Records. 

To see the Frankie Lee interview & performances in full, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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…

Tune in this week for some classic Blues, Soul & RnB from Junior Wells, Freddie King, Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm, Barbara Perry & Little Beaver & The Rocketeers.

There’s also brand new music from Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Americans & Rayland Baxter.

** Please Note ** - The Blues Kitchen Podcast is taking a two week summer break. Liam & Gaz will be back with the next episode on Monday 26^th August.

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 Gareth & Liam are joined by a live audience for a very special recording at The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch, London. 

The audience were invited to bring their own vinyl records & curate the show... 

Some of their excellent contributions included music from Merry Clayton, Fleetwood Mac, The Teskey Brothers, Lou Reed, Edgar Jones,  Ada Richards, JJ Cale, O.V Wright, Delaney & Bonnie, Pastor TL Barrett & The Youth for Christ Choir.

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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…

Gaz & Liam celebrate the 50th anniversary of massive albums from Sly & The Family Stone & Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

There's also new music from GA-20 alongside some classic cuts from Stirling Magee, Omega, Earl Hooker, Willie Nelson & an exclusive live session with Charley Crockett. 

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 & Liam bring you new music from The Menahan Street Band & Monophonics.

There’s a whole host of classic cuts from BB King, Chuck Berry, Ted Taylor, Bill Withers, The Black Crowes & an exclusive live session from The North Mississippi Allstars – playing the title track from their new LP, ‘Up & Rolling’.

---------------------

Be sure to join the guys at:

The Blues Chronicles

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

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50th Anniversary of Abbey Road

The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/

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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’s episode see’s new music from The Teskey Brothers & The Hanging Stars.

Gaz and Liam also dig out and some epics and lost gems from Speedy Cal, East of Underground, Next Exit, Labi Siffre, Linda Rondstadt & The Allman Brothers.

Be sure to check out:

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road [Live]
The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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, Liam & Gaz bring you new music from Marcus King & The Wood Brothers.

There’s also classic blues Jesse Fuller, Northern Soul from Jo Ann Henderson, Rock N Roll from Tom Petty, RnB from Ted Taylor and Southern Soul from Stax legend Eddie Floyd.

UK Americana legend and Rock N Roll pianist, Geraint Watkins is in session this week – playing a version of ‘I Ain’t Got Nothing But The Blues’ originally by Duke Ellington.

Be sure to check out:

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road [Live]
The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/

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 & Liam start the celebrations for Tom Waits’ 70^th Birthday (imagine being at that party?!).

There’s also new music from Yola alongside classic rock n roll, blues & soul from Muddy Waters, Leon Russell, Goree Carter, Tom Waits, Frank Sinatra & a Blues Kitchen session with Ian Siegal.

Be sure to check out:

Tom Waits 70th Birthday Celebrations (with Ian Siegal & The Braindogs)
Jazz Cafe London
Saturday 7th December

https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/ian-siegal-braindogs-play-tom-waits/

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road [Live]
The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/ 

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 James Hunter Six, Khruangbin & Leon Bridges.

Gaz & Liam dig out some classics from Earl King, Hound Dog Taylor & an ace version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘So Long Marianne’ performed by Courtney Barnett.

There’s also an exclusive Blues Kitchen live session track from Wilder Woods.  

Be sure to check out:

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road [Live]
The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/ 

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 penultimate episode of 2019, Gaz and Liam bring you new music from Paul & The Tall Trees & The Como Mamas, whilst digging out some classics from Howlin' Wolf, Soul & Inc, America, The Rolling Stones & Patti Page.

The next episode of The Blues Kitchen Radio will be released on Christmas Day - 25th December 2019. Celebrating 10 years of The Blues Kitchen alongside 20 blues, soul and roots artists that defined the decade. 

Be sure to check out:

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road [Live]
The Jazz Café - London
Thursday 19th December 2019
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/beatles-abbey-road-50th-anniversary-celebration-3/ 

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 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 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…

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…

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 show, we bring you Umar bin Hassan of The Last Poets. Umar is a long-running and key member of the legendary group, and we talk to him about everything he’s seen. From his youthful adventures as a shoeshine boy to being forced out of his hometown on pain of death; from being a veritable prince of Harlem to his battles with drug addiction; from Gil Scott-Heron to Miles Davis — we travel through it all.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/51/ for full show notes and comments.

We talk to author Robert Greene, who’s famous bestseller, The 48 Laws of Power, took ideas from students of legends like Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, and distilled their teachings into simple principles anyone can follow. The book became beloved by rappers like Jay Z, Kanye West, and even 50 Cent, who loved Greene’s work so much that the two ended up writing a book together.

Greene’s latest book, just out in paperback, is Mastery. It focuses on how one can discover and excel at their “life’s work” — the skill that one is uniquely good at. Greene engages with problems in modern day society, thought, and practice through a multi-disciplinary approach, taking each issue on a variety of playing fields — this multi-faceted perspective is part of what makes his opinions so hard-hitting. We talk that magical 10,000 hours moment when the master bypasses logic, the similarities between Napoleon Bonaparte and 50, the decline of empathy in today’s society, his feelings about that famous Richard Sherman interview, and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/61/ for full show notes and comments.

Saul Williams is man who can wear many hats: actor, rapper, poet. For Williams, the line was never cut between fields; instead, he was always trying to blend, to collaborate, to draw from one medium to influence another. In third grade, Williams was rapping in Shakespearean English and French — simply because that’s what he was learning in school. By the time he was 16, he was writing one of the first hip hop operas — or “hip hopera”. Williams most recent role sees him taking on the legacy of Tupac Shakur in the Broadway musical, ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’, based on the songs of the legendary MC. The musical doesn’t shy away from tough topics, tackling 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.

We talked to Williams about the influence Pac had on him, his role in ‘Holler’, rhymes, racism, home grown terrorism, when comes the time to stop “turning the other cheek”, and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/71/ for full show notes and comments.

From Broadway stars to legendary DJs to the best of the battle rappers, OTL has hosted a spectrum of voices — each with an individual story to tell. This episode takes us through the very best of OTL — its highs and lows, its most memorable soundbites, and its most resounding voices. Join us as we take you through Part 1 of OTL’s best.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/74/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, we have a truly great conversation with Sage Francis. Rising up out of the battle-rap and poetry slam scenes in the late 1990s, Sage first came to many fans’ notice with his incredible 2002 debut album Personal Journals. That started a non-stop grind of running his own record label while putting out five albums and doing countless tours over the next eight years. After 2010’s Li(f)e, he took a four-year hiatus from recording and touring — one that ended with this year’s Copper Gone.

We talked to Sage (who was in the midst of a European tour) about what he does and doesn’t owe his fans, how he makes ideas rhyme, what it took to get through hard times and make a comeback, and tons more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/81/ for full show notes and comments.

Our 2nd annual Christmas episode features former Def Jam exec and noted Christmas music obsessive Bill Adler. We discuss the 30th anniversary edition of his yearly Christmas mix (available EXCLUSIVELY from us — visit here) and his part in the new holiday music documentary Jingle Bell Rocks.

We also find time to talk about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, protest movements past and present, and plenty more. Happy holidays from The Cipher! Again, you can listen to Bill Adler’s 30th anniversary Xmas Jollies mix ONLY on our Soundcloud page.

P.S. We’re honored to have been chosen as one of Slate’s “Best Podcasts About Music” this year. You can see the complete list here. And, as mentioned in the show’s introduction, you can find Cornell University’s online exhibit of Bill’s Def Jam materials on the university’s website.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/86/ for full show notes and comments.

Robert “Rocky” Ford Jr. got his start at Billboard in the 1970s. A busy nightlife (and a chance encounter on a Queens bus) led him to Russell Simmons and NYC’s burgeoning hip-hop scene. Rocky gave the genre its very first mainstream coverage with his 1978 article “B-Beats Bombarding Bronx.” From there, it was a quick move to writing and producing hits for Simmons’ good friend Kurtis Blow – and then for Full Force, Hi-Five, and even Tom Hanks!

We talk to Ford about writing hits like “The Breaks,” his relationships with Simmons and one-time roommate Nelson George, and why he cast Full Force as House Party’s villains. Ford did it all in the 1970s and 80s, and shares his story here.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/91/ for full show notes and comments.

We speak to the rapping team at the head of the powerful rap/rock group ¡Mayday! – Ben “Wrekonize” Miller and Bernardo “Bernz” Garcia. Since the early 2000s, the band has been delivering powerful music to a growing legion of fans. That fan base was dramatically increased when the Miami group teamed up with Tech N9ne’s Strange Music label a few years ago. The most recent album released by the hardworking collective is a joint project with West Coast legend Murs called, appropriately enough, Mursday.

Wrek and Bernz talk about their career and songwriting process, but also find time to discuss their famous relatives, partying with Lil Wayne, and which group member is best with a slow cooker.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/93/ for full show notes and comments.

“Prince” Paul Huston is one of hip-hop’s most notable producers. He began in the mid-1980s as a teenage DJ with Stetasonic, “the hip hop band.” But his career really took off in 1989 when he produced De La Soul’s classic debut 3 Feet High and Rising.

Paul helmed the group’s first three albums, and went on from there to release a wide variety of projects under his own name, as a producer, and as part of a group. Just a short list of his collaborators reads like a who’s-who of musicians and comedians: RZA, Queen Latifah, Bernie Worrell of P-Funk, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Big Daddy Kane, and even Cat Power, to name only a few.

In the first half of our conversation, we talk about Stetsasonic, De La Soul, his relationship with a pre-Wu-Tang RZA, his surprising-sounding 2003 solo album Politics of the Business, and much more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/98/ for full show notes and comments.

Our special 100th episode finds us with a flood of special guests. We have Metermaids, an NYC rap duo signed to Sage Francis’ Strange Famous label. Their newest album We Brought Knives is a powerful examination of fatherhood, legacies, changing times, and the awesomeness of Bruce Springsteen.

They’re followed by Gabriel Roth. Roth is the co-founder of Daptone Records, a Brooklyn-based label that has released some of the finest soul, funk, Afrobeat, and other roots music of this generation. The band he leads, The Dap-Kings (who normally back the powerful singer Sharon Jones), played a key part in one of the most popular records in recent memory, Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black.

This being an anniversary party, we start the show with a special surprise guest.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/100/ for full show notes and comments.