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    <title>The Cipher</title>
    <link>http://theciphershow.com</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:26:00 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    <copyright>Shawn Setaro</copyright>
    <description>The Cipher is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth conversations with the most interesting figures in Hip-Hop and culture</description>
    <itunes:summary>The Cipher is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth conversations with the most interesting figures in Hip-Hop and culture</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>In-depth conversations with the most interesting figures in Hip-Hop and culture</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>The Cipher</title>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com</link>
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    <itunes:author>Shawn Setaro</itunes:author>
    <managingEditor>shawnasetaro@gmail.com (Shawn Setaro)</managingEditor>
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    <itunes:keywords>genius,hiphop,interviews,rap,rappers</itunes:keywords>
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    <item>
      <title>167: Jermaine Dupri</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/167/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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, <em>The Rap Game</em> and <em>Music Moguls</em>.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/duprisig.jpeg" alt="" title="Jermaine signs the piece book"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/167/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/167/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From The Fresh Fest all the way to The Rap Game, the life and career of a real music mogul.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>jermaine dupri, rap game, music moguls, so so def, jd, atlanta, mariah carey, destiny's child, tlc, hurby luv bug, fresh fest, xscape, jagged edge, silk tymes leather, janet jackson, keith haring, bow wow, samples, cey adams, my boo, atlanta bass</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>166: Scotty Hard</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/166/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>Scott Harding, better known as Scotty Hard, is a producer, engineer, and musician who has been behind the scenes for some of the most notable and boundary-pushing albums in hip-hop and beyond. He has worked on seminal albums by the Gravediggaz, Wu-Tang, the Brand New Heavies, Ultramagnetic MCs, Prince Paul, BDP, Tim Dog, De La Soul, and many, many more — and that’s not to mention his work with jazz, rock, and unclassifiable acts like Medeski, Martin and Wood, the Crash Test Dummies, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and tons of others.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/166/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/166/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>He helped make some of the most important rap records of the era, from Wu-Tang to Black Sheep to Ultramagnetic. Now, hear his side of the story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>scotty hard, prince paul, producer, production, engineering, engineer, beatmaking, Vernon Reid, Chung King, De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, Gravediggaz, recording studios, NYC, Black Sheep, Ultramagnetic MCs, Ka. Yen Lo, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcas</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>165: Jarobi White</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/165/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>Jarobi White is the mysterious fourth member of A Tribe Called Quest. He was a founding member of the group with his childhood best friend Phife Dog. Jarobi appeared on the group’s debut album <em>People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm</em>, introducing the world at large to the group’s revolutionary vision. After that, his role in the group was intermittent - contributing ideas in the studio, showing up for some performances, and generally keeping people guessing about what he was up to.</p><p>During that whole period, and continuing until today, Jarobi was also pursuing his other passion, food. He is an experienced cook who has worked as a private chef and in Michelin-starred restaurants. He currently runs an events company called <a href="http://www.eatsrhymesandlife.net/">Eats, Rhymes &amp; Life</a> that brings together his passions for food and music in live events.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/165/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/165/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The most mysterious member of Tribe tells his side of the story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:22:26</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>164: David Banner</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2016 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/164/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>David Banner is a Jackson, Mississippi-raised rapper who started in the duo Crooked Lettaz, but first came to most peoples’ attention with his 2003 solo hit “Like A Pimp,” and the record that contained it, <em>Mississippi: The Album</em>. That LP, which also contained the hit “Cadillac on 22’s,” cemented Banner’s name and style in the minds of rap fans nationwide.</p><p>But there’s a whole lot more to Banner than a couple of hits. He is an accomplished producer who has made beats for T.I., Trick Daddy, RZA, and Lil Wayne. He’s also an actor who has been in the films <em>Black Snake Moan</em> and <em>This Christmas</em>. He has even recently hit the lecture circuit with his “God Box Lecture Series.” But most importantly, he has continued to challenge himself and his listeners with thoughtful, important music. His new album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-god-box/id1064139161"><em>The God Box</em></a> is coming soon.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/164/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/164/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The rapper, producer, and now lecturer shares his thoughts on his entire career.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:22</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>163: !llmind</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/163/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>!llmind first gained notice for making beats for some of underground rap’s best talent like Little Brother, Akrobatik, Heltah Skeltah, and two-time Cipher guest Skyzoo. But it didn’t take long for him to break into the mainstream, creating songs for Kanye West, Drake, J. Cole, Ludacris, and more.</p><p>!llmind also has a group of businesses aimed at helping aspiring producers, from his B.L.A.P. beat battles to his Blap-kits drum sound packages to personal mentorships. In addition, he’s an accomplished educator, and now a label head with his Rosewood Music Group.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/163/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/163/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From underground to mainstream, from beat battles to businesses, !llmind shares how he's done it all.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:15:29</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>!llmind, illmind, producer, blap, beats, production, roseville, drake, kanye west, cruel summer, hip-hop, beatmaking, producer, sampling, jay z, black album</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>162: David Chino Villorente</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/162/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>David “Chino” Villorente is not only one of the foremost graffiti artists ever to pick up a spray can, he’s also a true historian of the art form. His work has been seen on television, in magazines, and in galleries. He has also written numerous books about different aspects of graffiti culture (including several with our <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/124/">Episode 124 guest</a> Sacha Jenkins) , and served a huge role in popularizing the culture as the editor of The Source’s influential “Graf Flix” column.</p><p>To see all of the art we talk about during this episode, check out this episode’s <a href="http://imgur.com/a/UVuCu">image gallery.</a></p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/chinoinsubwaycar.jpg" alt="" title="Chino (r) and friend back in the day"/></p><p>In addition, Chino gave us a very special playlist of music that inspired him during his writing days. You can check it out on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTWswQJTJKafa95alZkVd7AT3-1YIKg1">YouTube page.</a></p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/chinotagonly.jpg" alt="" title="Chino's tag"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/162/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/162/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>One of the greatest graffiti artists breaks down the history of the art form...and how to get food delivered to a subway car.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>david villorente, chino, chino byi, graffiti, street art, banksy, nyc, kojak, dondi, subway art, keith haring, 1980s, mpc</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>161: DJ Rob Swift</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/161/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>Robert Aguilar, a.k.a. Rob Swift, grew up in Queens, New York and was already DJing by the age of 12 thanks to the influence of his father and older brother. In 1991, he was recruited to join a prestigious Harlem-based DJ crew called The X-Men. In 1992, Swift won the prestigious DMC East Coast title, and gained recognition within the DJ community. He soon started recorded with artists like Fat Joe, Akinyele, and Chi-Ali.</p><p>The X-Men eventually changed both their personnel and their name. They became The X-Ecutioners and narrowed down to Rob, his longtime friend Roc Raida, and Mista Sinista. That lineup released successful albums like <em>Built From Scratch</em> and <em>Revolutions</em>, toured the world, and worked with artists like Linkin Park, Big Pun, Everlast, Rob Zombie, and even the Blue Man Group.</p><p>Since leaving the X-Ecutioners, Rob has continued his experimentation. He’s worked with jazz artists like Herbie Hancock and Bob James, released <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3YEx401efCLtustTbxA4WN">an album inspired by classical music</a>, and even started teaching DJing at the New School in New York City.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/161/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/161/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Fat Joe, Linkin Park, Rob Zombie, Aerosmith, and even Herbie Hancock have all worked with DJ Rob Swift. Find out why.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>160: Adisa Banjoko</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2016 23:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/160/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Adisa Banjoko is the founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, a non-profit organization that fuses music, chess, and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence. He has a new book about the history and philosophy behind the organization called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobby-Bruce-Bronx-Secrets-Hip-Hop/dp/1533684081/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1466436497&amp;sr=1-1"><em>Bobby, Bruce &amp; the Bronx: The Secrets of Hip Hop Chess</em></a>. The book was originally titled <em>Bobby, Bruce &amp; Bam</em>, but Adisa changed it – and very publicly resigned his years-long membership in the Zulu Nation – in light of the accusations of sexual abuse against Afrika Bambaataa.</p><p>With the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, Adisa has put on tons of workshops, seminars, and lectures to help children learn not only chess, but entrepreneurship, performing arts, and more. He has even worked with the World Chess Hall of Fame to put on one of their most successful exhibits ever.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/160/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/160/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Hip-Hop Chess Federation founder discusses RZA, leaving the Zulu Nation, and his new book.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:23:19</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>adisa banjoko, hip hop chess, rza, wu tang, chess, zulu nation, bam, afrika bambaataa, bobby bruce and the bronx, bobby fischer, graffiti, oakland, la riots, x-clan, rodney king</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>159: Ms. Jade</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2016 10:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/159/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Ms. Jade is a Philadelphia-based rapper who first came to most peoples’ attention as a protege of Timbaland. She, along with other artists including Tweet and Bubba Sparxx, were part of the producer’s Beat Camp collective. Ms. Jade also worked closely with another one of Timbaland’s frequent collaborators, Missy Elliott, appearing on several of Missy’s hits like “Funky Fresh Dressed” and “Slap Slap Slap.”</p><p>Shortly after the release of her debut album <em>Girl Interrupted</em>, Jade parted ways with Timbaland and released several mixtapes that showed her rapping with an aggression and power that wasn’t always there during her time in the spotlight. Ms. Jade has released a bunch of recent freestyles, and is finishing up a new album entitled <em>Beautiful Mess</em>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/159/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/159/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Philly spitter talks Timbo, Missy, and how she found her own voice.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:48</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Ms. Jade, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, hip-hop, Philly, Philadelphia, Scott Storch, Beat Club, Tweet, rap, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, Big Daddy Kane, Jay Z, interview, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>158: Nice &amp; Smooth</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/158/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Greg Nice and Smooth B came together to form a group in 1986. By then, the Bronx rappers already had music business experience that belied their young ages. But when they joined forces, things really took off. Their self-titled 1989 debut and its 1991 follow-up <em>Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed</em> are generally regarded as classics, and spawned hits like “Funky For You,” “Hip Hop Junkies,” and of course “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow.”</p><p>Nice &amp; Smooth are currently celebrating three decades as a group with a <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/o/nice-amp-smooth-30th-anniversary-tour-10633873678">30th anniversary tour</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/158/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/158/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The wild history of the Bronx's legendary hip hop junkies.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:34:53</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Nice &amp; Smooth, Nice and Smooth, Bronx, hip-hop, rap, bobby brown, t la rock, mantronix, 1980s, golden age rap, the cipher, the cipher show, podcast, interview, prince, ditc, diggin' in the crates</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>157: Mistah F.A.B.</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/157/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>F.A.B. is a Bay Area rapper who has been a key part of his region’s scene for well over a decade. His albums like <em>Son of a Pimp</em> and <em>Da Baydestrian</em>, as well as his successes as a freestyle rhymer and a battle rapper, have showed him to be an incredibly versatile artist. He’s equally at home writing tearjerking songs about his family, improvising for ten minutes at a time to whatever beat is thrown at him, or attacking an opponent with a vicious battle rhyme. He was also a key part of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement, which had a moment in the national spotlight in the mid to late 2000s.</p><p>Mistah F.A.B.’s brand new album is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son-of-a-pimp-pt.-2/id1106027496"><em>Son of a Pimp, Pt. 2</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/157/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/157/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The 'Son of a Pimp' talks ghost-riding, ghost-writing, and what exactly a "beaver duck" is.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>Mistah F.A.B., Too Short, Oakland, Bay Area, rap, hip-hop, son of a pimp 2, yay area, the cipher, the cipher show, podcast, interview, marshawn lynch, seattle seahawks, beast mode, 12th man</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>156: Keith Shocklee</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2016 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/156/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>Keith is best-known as a member of the Bomb Squad, the historic production team that changed hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 90s with their incendiary work for Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Slick Rick, Bel Biv DeVoe, and countless others – not to mention their hit remixes for pop stars like Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson.</p><p>But before Keith was helping to create some of the greatest rap albums of all time, he was part of a successful mobile DJ crew called Spectrum City, based out of his hometown of Roosevelt, Long Island. The crew consisted of most of the people who would go on to form the core of Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/156/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/156/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Bomb Squad member talks Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and that time someone wanted to fight his mom.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:41:25</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>155: Robert "Sput" Searight</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/155/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Sput is a drummer, keyboardist, and producer who consistently plays with the top acts in the world. Hip-hop fans have heard his work with Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, and Kendrick Lamar. But in addition to that, the Dallas native has played with everyone from Erykah Badu to Celine Dion to his main gig, the instrumental powerhouse band Snarky Puppy.</p><p>But back before all that, Sput got his start as a part of Kirk Franklin’s Grammy-winning group God’s Property, which he played in as a teenager - and whose lineup, incidentally, was a who’s-who of future star musicians.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/155/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/155/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From Kirk Franklin to Kendrick, Snoop Dogg to Snarky Puppy, we explore the life and work of a world-class drummer.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:21:14</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>154: Dame Grease</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/154/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Dame is a producer who has sold tens of millions of albums in his storied career. He got his start working with The LOX, and had his first big hit with their tribute to Biggie, “We’ll Always Love Big Poppa.” After giving The LOX several of the biggest songs on their debut album <em>Money, Power, Respect</em>, Dame started working with another member of the Ruff Ryders camp, DMX. He produced almost the entirety of X’s 1998 debut <em>It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot</em>, beginning a working relationship and friendship that continues to this day.</p><p>That album sold over five million copies, and moved Dame into the ranks of superstar producers. He made hits for Cam’ron, Nas, Noreaga, Freeway, and countless others. Then he moved on to a whole sound, helping Max B and French Montana define their “wave” movement. Today, he’s still making songs at a record clip – and we do mean that literally.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/154/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/154/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>DMX's favorite producer talks Ruff Ryders, Bad Boy, and the secrets to his multi-platinum style.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:12:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>153: Krizz Kaliko</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2016 13:29:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/153/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Krizz Kaliko first became known to hip-hop fans in the early 2000s as the ever-present hookman and onstage foil to Tech N9ne and other Strange Music artists, lacing tracks with both singing and rapping. His solo career would begin in 2008 with the album <em>Vitiligo</em>, and each record after that would reveal a diverse musical personality, equally comfortable with double-time raps, r&amp;b hooks, and even Sinatra-style crooning.</p><p>Krizz’ latest album, released this past April, is called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/go/id1087982907"><em>GO</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/153/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/153/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Strange Music's resident genius talks (and sings, and raps) about his life and work.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:15:13</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Krizz Kaliko, Strange Music, Tech N9ne, GO, Kansas City, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, interview, podcast, hip-hop, pop, r&amp;b, Genius</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>152: Elzhi</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/152/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Elzhi got his start as an emcee in the now-famous Detroit rap scene of the 1990s, going to shows and open mics alongside some of the city’s great talent like Guilty Simpson, Royce da 5’9”, Phat Kat, Invincible, Proof, Eminem, and Slum Village. In 2001, Elzhi would join Slum Village after J Dilla left the group. He would remain with them for nearly a decade, leaving in 2010 amidst drama with the other members and their record label.</p><p>In 2011, Elzhi released an album-length reinvisioning of Nas’ <em>Illmatic</em>, entitled <em>Elmatic</em>, which met great critical and popular success. His brand new album, inspired by his struggles with depression, is called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lead-poison/id1077297467"><em>Lead Poison</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/152/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/152/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Detroit's finest talks rewriting Nas, getting threatened with lawsuits, and creating 'Lead Poison.'</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>55:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Detroit, Elzhi, Elmatic, Slum Village, Eminem, Proof, Dilla, J Dilla, hip-hop, rap, The Cipher, The Cipher show, interview, podcast, Nas, Illmatic, Lead Poison</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>151: Allah B of the Nation of Gods and Earths</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2016 10:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/151/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Allah B is a longtime member of the Nation of Gods and Earths, formerly known as the Five Percenters.  He grew up in Harlem in the 1950s and 60s, a time when the Nation of Islam had huge influence thanks to its minister, Malcolm X. Clarence 13X Smith was an NOI member who became disenchanted with the group around 1963, and formed his own organization the following year. Clarence quickly became known as “Allah” or “The Father,” and most of his early disciples were teenage boys, Allah B among them.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/behinddesk.jpg" alt="" title="Allah B at the Allah School in Mecca, in front of a portrait of Allah"/></p><p>The group, originally known as the Five Percenters and now as the Nation of Gods and Earths, grew steadily until Allah’s murder in June 1969. It would have a rebirth in the 1980s and 90s, as many of the young children raised in the group’s beliefs would go into hip-hop and spread Five Percenter beliefs, slang, and practices far and wide.</p><p>If you’ve ever listened to Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, or the Wu-Tang Clan, said “Peace” or “word,” or stood in a b-boy stance, you owe a huge debt to the Gods and Earths, whether you realize it or not. Allah B has been there for the group’s whole history, and shares it with us in this interview.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/151/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/151/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Peace! We trace the history of the Nation of Gods and Earths – and its influence on hip-hop – with one of its earliest members.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:31:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>150: Fat Joe &amp; Remy Ma</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/150/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Fat Joe and Remy Ma are longtime friends and collaborators who have been making music together since the heyday of their crew The Terror Squad in the early 2000s. Their 2004 Grammy-nominated smash “Lean Back” was number 1 for three weeks and became one of the most popular songs of the decade.</p><p>But as any hip-hop fan knows, both of their stories go much deeper than that. Joe first came on the scene in the early 1990s as part of the powerhouse Diggin’ in the Crates crew. Joe’s first verses were on DITC member Diamond D’s classic 1992 debut <em>Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop</em>, and Diamond would produce most of Joe’s own debut record, <em>Represent</em>, the following year.</p><p>As Joe’s career developed, he started his own crew called the Terror Squad, which came to include Remy and her mentor, the late Christopher “Big Pun” Rios.</p><p>Pun’s death in 2000 took a toll on crew morale, and the group gradually split apart. By the time of Remy’s 2006 debut <em>There’s Something About Remy: Based On A True Story</em>, Joe and Remy had fallen out completely.</p><p>In July 2007, Remy was arrested for shooting an acquaintance outside a Manhattan nightclub. She served six and a half years behind bars, and was released in August 2014. A reconnection with Joe soon followed, and the two began working together again. Joe and Remy’s latest hit single is “All The Way Up,” and they have a duo album coming out very soon.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/150/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/150/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Terror Squad's dynamic duo takes us on a ride from the Bronx, across The Bridge Wars, and even to prison.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:38:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Love &amp; Hip Hop, Papoose, Bronx, KRS-One, Bridge Wars, Bambaataa, Zulu Nation, Stretch and Bobbito, Diggin in the Crates, DITC, Big L, Big Pun, Terror Squad, Bronx, hip-hop, hip-hop history, graffiti, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast,</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>149: Cambatta</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2016 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/149/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Cambatta was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He decamped for Florida at 18, and quickly released several successful mixtapes, <em>The Visionary</em> and <em>The Visionary 2</em>, shortly afterwards. They showed off his incredible writing skills and already top-notch wordplay.</p><p>But it wouldn’t be until 2013 that Cambatta would really come into his own. He changed his way of thinking – with some chemical help – and created the powerful and trippy <em>Smoke &amp; Mirrors</em> series, a three-mixtape collection that was released between 2013 and 2015. The trilogy took on mystical themes and melded them with reflections on childhood to create a voice that didn’t sound like anything else.</p><p>Cambatta’s latest release is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-gods-use-guns/id1089255384?i=1089255396&amp;ign-mpt=uo%3D4"><em>Smoke &amp; Mirrors DMT: (Definitive Metagod Trilogy)</em></a>, a collection of some of the best songs of the series plus previously unreleased material.</p><p>As we said in the episode, to enter the contest for the Cambatta t-shirt and USB business card, write the answers to the three questions we gave you in the intro and email them to <a href="mailto:contest@theciphershow.com">contest@theciphershow.com</a> by noon EDT on Monday April, 11, 2016.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/149/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/149/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Come take a psychedelic hip-hop trip as we introduce one of our favorite new artists. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:04:47</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Cambatta, DMT, Nino Bless, Smoke &amp; Mirrors, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, rap, hip-hop, podcast, interview, New Haven, Tampa</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>148: Idris Goodwin</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2016 13:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/148/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Idris Goodwin is an award-winning playwright, poet, rapper, essayist, and spoken word artist. His plays have been put on all over the country, and he has performed on HBO, Discovery Channel, and even Sesame Street. His book of poems and essays, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/These-Are-Breaks-Idris-Goodwin/dp/1935904140"><em>These Are The Breaks</em></a>, was published in 2011.</p><p>Idris’ most recent project has been a series of “breakbeat plays” - works of theater that are influenced by and reflect both the content and the form of hip-hop music and culture. His latest breakbeat play <em>The Realness</em> is <a href="http://www.mrt.org/show/realness">at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Massachusetts</a> through April 10th.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/148/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/148/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Meet the man bringing hip-hop into the theater with a series of amazing "breakbeat plays."</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:19:47</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>idris goodwin, breakbeat poets, kevin coval, theater, broadway, this is modern art, graffiti, colorado, chicago, hip hop theater, breakbeat plays, the realness, pm dawn, esham, how we got on</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>147: Anton Pukshansky</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:17:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/147/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Anton Pukshansky’s name may be unfamiliar to hip-hop fans, but you <em>definitely</em> know his work. He was a key person at Power Play Studios in Queens, New York, and was deeply involved as an engineer, musician, and producer on classic performances by Kool G. Rap and Polo, Main Source, Eric B. and Rakim, Organized Konfusion, Akinyele, and more.</p><p>He also got a front-row seat to the development of soon-to-be iconic talents like Nas and Mobb Deep, who he worked with at the very beginning of their careers. Anton worked hand-in-hand with one of hip-hop’s greatest producers, Large Professor, and has also won Grammys for his work with Santana and Ozomatli.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/147/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/147/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From Eric B &amp; Rakim to Nas to Santana and beyond, behind-the-scenes stories from a man who was there for it all.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:31:20</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>anton pukshansky, the cipher, eric b &amp; rakim, eric b, rakim, large professor, nas, mobb deep, prodigy, santana, bunny wailer, kool g rap, rob swift, pharoahe monch, organized konfusion, akinyele, serch, the cipher show, podcast, hip-hop, interview, power</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>146: Phonte</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/146/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Phonte Coleman is best known for his work with the pioneering rap group Little Brother, who came straight out of North Carolina in the early 2000s and garnered praise from fans and artists alike by giving a new spin to classic hip-hop. Phonte was a standout, with his witty, dense rhymes - packed with sometimes obscure allusions - and his powerful singing.</p><p>With supporters like ?uestlove and Pete Rock, Little Brother gained enough attention to garner a deal with Atlantic Records for their 2005 record <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-minstrel-show/id79566752"><em>The Minstrel Show</em></a>. While the deal itself was short-lived, the group continued to release material up until they disbanded in 2007.</p><p>While Little Brother was still extant, Phonte met the Dutch producer Nicolay, and the two began collaborating as The Foreign Exchange. That group is still going strong, with their latest album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tales-from-land-milk-honey/id1023957005"><em>Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey</em></a> coming out just last year.</p><p>As if all that wasn’t enough, Coleman has released his own solo album, 2011’s <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/charity-starts-at-home/id463921756"><em>Charity Starts At Home</em></a>, and a follow-up is due later this year. Most recently, he played a key role in the VH1 movie – soon to be a series – <em>The Breaks</em>, a story about the hip-hop industry in 1990.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/146/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/146/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Phonte's not getting back with his Little Brother, but he tells us about 'The Breaks,' his Foreign Exchange experience, and teaches us to rhyme.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:33:40</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>phonte, phonte coleman, little brother, foreign exchange, the breaks, the cipher, the cipher show, north carolina, hip-hop, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>145: Ruste Juxx</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/145/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Ruste Juxx is a long-time affiliate of the Boot Camp Clik, the long-running underground rap powerhouse collective. His work solo and with producers like Marco Polo, VS the Best, and Kyo Itachi has helped to keep BCC’s rough, powerful, and smart aesthetic alive and vital.</p><p>Ruste also served for years as onstage foil to one of BCC’s key members, the late Sean Price. Ruste toured with Sean all over the world, and had a bird’s eye view of his memorable - and often unpredictable - performances.</p><p>Ruste has two new projects - <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/meteorite/id1081627993"><em>Meteorite</em></a>, with the producer Kyo Itachi, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/def-by-stereo/id1069154134"><em>Def By Stereo</em></a>, with the Beat Bruisers and Pawz One.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/145/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/145/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From performing with Sean Price to rhyming about outer space, the story of the "Indestructible" BK rhymer.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:10</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Ruste Juxx, Meteorite, Beat Bruisers, Boot Camp Clik, BCC, Sean Price, Duck Down, Heltah Skeltah, Ruck and Rock, Notorious B.I.G., Brooklyn, Biggie Smalls, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, hip-hop, interview, Shawn Setaro, Def by Stereo, Pawz One</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>144: Adrian Miller</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/144/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Adrian Miller is the manager of Anderson .Paak, the rapper/singer/musician who rose to stardom after his show-stopping appearances on Dr. Dre’s new album, <em>Compton: A Soundtrack By Dr. Dre</em>. But there’s a whole lot more to Adrian’s story than helping to guide Anderson from obscurity to overseas tours and late-night television appearances.</p><p>Adrian was at the epicenter of the Los Angeles rap scene throughout the 1990s. He played a key role in the rise of acts like Coolio, Freestyle Fellowship, Funkdoobiest, Cypress Hill, House of Pain, The Pharcyde, and many, many more. His time in LA reads like a who’s-who of artists, producers, executives, and even movie moguls. After helping to get the L.A. rap scene on its feet, Miller took a job at Warner Brothers as the Senior Vice President of A&amp;R, working directly under legendary executive and manager-to-the-stars Benny Medina. We talked to him about his entire crazy journey, from getting his first real radio job in Oklahoma all the way to making deals with Dre.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/144/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/144/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A key player in making the L.A. rap scene blow up tells us how the West was won.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:54</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Adrian Miller, Anderson .Paak, Dr. Dre, Compton, Straight Outta Compton, F. Gary Gray, Cypress Hill, House of Pain, Soul Assassins, Los Angeles, rap, 1990s, hip-hop, Tulsa, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>143: The Grouch &amp; Eligh</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:02:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/143/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Eligh Nachowitz and Corey Scoffern, a.k.a. The Grouch, are rappers best known for their affiliation with the Living Legends crew. The group, which also included our <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/107/">recent guest Murs</a>, were pioneers in the independent West Coast rap scene in the 1990s. Eligh began his career with Murs and fellow future Living Legend member Scarub in a group called Three Melancholy Gypsys while still a teenager. That crew joined with another group called Mystik Journeymen, picked up a few members including The Grouch, and formed the Living Legends. Their lo-fi albums, made initially on four-tracks, plus their self-booked international tours, set a template that independent rappers follow to this day.</p><p>Eligh and The Grouch began releasing music as a duo in in 1998, and have released a number of albums together, most recently 2014’s triple album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-tortoise-and-the-crow/id787613167"><em>The Tortoise and the Crow</em></a>. Together, separately, and with the rest of the Living Legends, their sprawling discography is one of the finest of the era.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/143/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/143/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Two Living Legends on their time in the underground.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>Grouch and Eligh, Grouch, Eligh, Living Legends, Murs, Mystik Journeymen, Los Angeles, Good Life, Project Blowed, underground rap, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, hip-hop, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>142: Saul Williams: MartyrLoserKing</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/142/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Saul Williams is a man of many talents - an actor who has starred in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139615/">hit movies</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holler_If_Ya_Hear_Me_(musical)">Broadway shows</a>; a poet who made a huge impression on the spoken word and poetry slam scenes and has published multiple volumes; and a musician who has recorded five albums with collaborators like Trent Reznor and Rick Rubin.</p><p>It is this last talent that brought him to us for this episode. Saul has a brand-new album called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/martyrloserking/id1061808031"><em>MartyrLoserKing</em></a> that brings together many of his career-long themes into its story. The record, along with an accompanying graphic novel and film, both in the works, tells the story of the titular character, a cyber hacker living in the East African country of Burundi. He builds a Frankenstein’s Monster-like super-computer from the parts of abandoned desktops, teaches himself how to code, and develops an online cult following. He’s in love with a transgender woman named Neptune Frost and hosts a cryptic and anarchist podcast. His eventual hacks into Google and the Pentagon turn him into Public Enemy No. 1, a kind of militant Edward Snowden. We talk to Saul about how the story came about, where it’s going, and his thoughts on recent events from David Bowie’s passing to the Paris terrorist attacks.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/142/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/142/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Saul returns to talk Burundi, Basquiat, and the inspirations behind his latest album.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:17:07</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Saul Williams, Martyr Loser King, MartyrLoserKing, poetry, hip-hop, David Bowie, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, interview, hackers, hacking</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>141: Quelle Chris</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:58:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/141/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Quelle is a rapper and producer who originally hails from Detroit – though he’s also passed through St. Louis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more. He got his start with Detroit’s Wasted Youth crew, teaming up with artists like Denmark Vessey, Big Tone, and even Danny Brown, the last of whom used two of Quelle’s beats on his breakthrough album <em>XXX</em>.</p><p>Quelle’s music runs the gamut from banging rap beats to experimental synth pop, and his subject matter from raunchy humor to conversations with God. His most recent solo album, last year’s <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/innocent-country/id998738647"><em>Innocent Country</em></a>, is his most powerful and wide-ranging work yet.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/141/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/141/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From rhyming like a rifle to loving arts and crafts, the many sides of a truly unique artist.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:04:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Quelle Chris, Mello Music Group, Crown Nation, Detroit, hip-hop, underground hip-hop, underground rap, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, interview, rap, Innocent Country</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>140: Beans</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2016 17:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/140/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Beans is an underground rap legend, best known for his time as a member of the group Antipop Consortium. He grew up in White Plains, New York and developed a unique abstract, wordy style that made him equally suited to both rap and the thriving New York City spoken word scene of the mid-1990s. Antipop released their debut album <em>Tragic Epilogue</em> in 2000, and followed it up with several other influential and critically beloved releases, including their best known, 2002’s <em>Arrhythmia</em>.</p><p>After leaving the group, Beans kept on releasing solo records, while also continuing a career-long habit of collaboration. Over the years, he has worked with the likes of Vernon Reid, DJ Shadow, Arto Lindsay, and many more.</p><p>To see a playlist Beans made exclusively for <em>The Cipher</em> of songs that influenced him heavily when he was growing up, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ9_uur0_HU&amp;list=PLRTWswQJTJKYBwqV7Amb6IvFv29rM94sn">here</a>.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/pictureinpicture.png" alt="" title="Beans and Shawn, circa 2000 and 2015"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/140/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/140/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From reading at open mics to rapping in arenas with Radiohead, the long, strange trip of the anti-pop star.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:02:11</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Beans, antipop consortium, warp records, warp, arrhythmia, the cipher, the cipher show, podcast, hip-hop, rap, interview, underground, East Village, Fez, Nuyorican Cafe</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>139: Torae</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/139/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Torae Carr has been a mainstay on the underground hip-hop scene since his debut mixtape, 2008’s <em>Daily Conversation</em>. Since then, he has released a number of excellent and varied projects, both solo and with collaborators like Marco Polo and Skyzoo. He also hosts his show <em>The Tor Guide</em> six days a week on Sirius XM satellite radio.</p><p>Torae’s superb brand-new album is called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/entitled-deluxe-edition/id1068320342"><em>Entitled</em></a>. We talk about that, but also take it way back to his earliest raps, his wild ride through the record industry, and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/139/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/139/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From his very first song to his brand-new album, a career-spanning talk with Coney Island's Finest.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:15:52</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Torae, Entitled, Internal Affairs, The Tor Guide, Hip Hop Nation, Sirius, Sirius/XM, The Coalescence, Skyzoo, Duck Down, Def Jam, The Cipher, Saul Williams, Coney Island, Brooklyn, Marco Polo, underground rap, The Cipher Show, podcast, hip-hop, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>138: Raqiyah Mays</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2016 10:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/138/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Raqiyah Mays is a journalist, radio personality, author, and activist. She has been a major voice in hip-hop on the airwaves, on the page, and behind the scenes, and has now turned her attention to fiction. Her debut novel <a href="http://themancurse.com/"><em>The Man Curse</em></a> was just published by Simon and Schuster Digital.</p><p>Raqiyah began her career at Vibe, working closely with then-editor in chief Danyel Smith during the magazine’s Golden Age. She then became a freelance journalist, before moving onto radio, where she worked for both of NYC’s giant hip-hop stations, Power 105 and Hot 97.</p><p><em>The Man Curse</em>, released this past November, chronicles the struggles of a young woman who works at a suspiciously familiar-seeming urban magazine under a glamourous EIC, as she attempts to become the first woman in her family to find true love.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/138/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/138/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From magazines to radio to her first novel, the powerful (and sometimes bumpy) journey of a hip-hop media star.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:04:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Raqiyah Mays, The Man Curse, radio, hot 97, power 105, vibe, biggie smalls, danyel smith, wbls, the cipher, the cipher show, hip-hop, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>137: The BreakBeat Poets</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2016 11:13:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/137/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to Kevin Coval and Nate Marshall. Kevin and Nate, along with Quraysh Ali Lansana, are co-editors of the new poetry anthology <a href="http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/The-BreakBeat-Poets"><em>The Breakbeat Poets</em></a>. The book is billed as being “the first poetry anthology by and for the Hip-Hop generation,” and features the work of 78 different poets, representing several different generations of hip-hop fans and practicioners. The book is a first step in creating a Breakbeat Poet movement – a way of bringing the poetics and aesthetics of hip-hop into the world of poetry.</p><p>Kevin, who longtime Cipher listeners may remember from his appearance on <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/52/">Episode 52</a>,  is the author of many book including <em>Schtick</em>, <em>L-vis Lives: Racemusic Poems</em>, <em>Everyday People</em> and <em>Slingshots: A Hip-Hop Poetica</em>. He is the founder of <a href="http://youngchicagoauthors.org/blog/ltab/">Louder Than a Bomb: The Chicago Youth Poetry Festival</a>, Artistic Director at <a href="http://youngchicagoauthors.org/blog/about/">Young Chicago Authors</a>, and teaches at the University of Illinois at Chicago.</p><p>Nate is the author of NAACP Image Award-nominated book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141BIZ5U/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&amp;btkr=1"><em>Wild Hundreds</em></a>. He is a founding member of the poetry collective <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TeamDarkNoise/">Dark Noise</a>, and is also a rapper.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/137/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/137/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The editors of the new anthology join us to talk about how they're connecting poetry and hip-hop.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:18:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>BreakBeat Poets, Chicago, poetry, Black Arts Movement, Kevin Coval, Nate Marshall, Wild Hundreds, Aziza Barnes, Tony Medina, Last Poets, Kanye West, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, interview, hip-hop</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>136: Paris</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:49:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/136/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Oscar “Paris” Jackson Jr. is a rapper, songwriter, and producer who has been a militant voice for justice in the rap world since the 1980s. He came out of the Bay Area’s small but diverse and creative hip-hop scene towards the end of that decade, and made a splash with his 1990 debut album <em>The Devil Made Me Do It</em>, which mixed innovative musical choices with Black Panther-inspired politics and a Nation of Islam-influenced spiritual bent.</p><p>But it was his second album, 1992’s <em>Sleeping With the Enemy</em>, that really brought Paris to the notice of the masses. A song from that album called “Bush Killa,” about assassinating then-President George H.W. Bush, and another one about revenge killings of police officers called “Coffee, Donuts and Death,” got him attention from the Secret Service and dropped from his label.</p><p>But that didn’t stop Paris, who continues to release albums, including this fall’s <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pistol-politics/id1032317658"><em>Pistol Politics</em></a>, and to rail against injustice in his rhymes.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/136/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/136/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Black Panther of rap tells all.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:10:19</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Paris, Bay Area, Bush Killa, The Devil Made Me Do It, Digital Underground, MC Hammer, DJ Shadow, End of Watch, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, hip-hop, rap, podcast, interview, Public Enemy, Rebirth of a Nation</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>135: Mack Wilds</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2015 15:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/135/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Mack Wilds is best known for his acting work on TV shows like <em>The Wire</em> and <em>90210</em>, and most recently his starring role in Adele’s “Hello” video. But he’s also a Grammy-nominated singer and rapper who is putting his own spin on r&amp;b and rap. He brought his passions for acting and hip-hop together in VH1’s upcoming TV movie about the music industry in 1990, <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/the-breaks/?xrs=HS_Google_Search"><em>The Breaks</em></a>, which airs on January 4th. Mack plays Dee Vee, an aspiring producer and DJ who finds a talented artist to work with, but may have bitten off more than he can chew in the process.</p><p>We sat down with the Staten Island native on the eve of <em>The Breaks</em> to talk about acting, music, his home borough, and much, much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/135/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/135/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From starring in The Wire and 90210 to singing with Method Man and Salaam Remi, we get the scoop on the multi-talented star.
</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>48:13</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>mack wilds, the breaks, 90210, the wire, vh1, the cipher, the cipher show, ny a love story, remember remember, red tails, hip-hop, wu-tang, eric garner, staten island, interview, podcast, rap, breakbeats</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>134: An Ill Badler Christmas 2015</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/134/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s that time of year! We sit down with Bill to talk about this year’s edition of his world-famous Christmas music mix <em>Xmas Jollies 2015</em>, which you can stream EXCLUSIVELY from us <a href="https://soundcloud.com/theciphershow/bill-adlers-xmas-jolies-2015">here</a>.</p><p>We also discuss how Bill’s extensive hip-hop archives ended up at Cornell University, despite the wishes of his pal Lyor Cohen; why you’ll soon see his photos at the Smithsonian; and the story of how a noted civil rights activist was outed as an FBI spy.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/134/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/134/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Our annual holiday episode featuring noted Christmas music nut (and rap industry legend) Bill Adler.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:00:58</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Bill Adler, Xmas Jollies, Christmas, Christmas Music, holiday music, Christmas mix, Smithsonian, Museum of African-American History and Culture, Cornell Hip-Hop Collection, Cornell University, Adler Archives, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, hip-hop, rap, pod</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>133: April Walker</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:50:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/133/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to April Walker. She’s the founder of <a href="http://walkerwear.com/">Walker Wear</a>, a clothing brand that was worn by all of the top entertainers and athletes of the early 1990s, from Tupac to L.L. to Mike Tyson to her neighbor Biggie Smalls.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/tupac2.jpg" alt="" title="Tupac in Walker Wear with Mickey Rourke"/></p><p>Walker began her career with a small custom shop in Brooklyn. But early on, she started attracting hip-hop’s elite, and she soon began a styling division that dressed artists in countless videos, motion pictures, album covers, tours and photo shoots.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/april-in-office-3-copy.jpg" alt="" title="April in the Walker Wear office, 1990s"/></p><p>She began her own line, Walker Wear, in 1992. It became a huge success, and a favorite brand of many, many stars. Walker Wear ended in 1998, after the oversaturation and subsequent collapse of the urban fashion world. But in 2013, Walker brought back her eponymous company, and now sells both retro and new pieces online.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/133/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/133/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>She's dressed Tupac, Biggie, LL and Mike Tyson. Learn the secrets of Walker Wear from the woman who created it.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:11:14</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Walker Wear, April Walker, hip-hop fashion, urban fashion, fashion, hip-hop, rap, The Cipher, The Cipher Show, podcast, interview, Biggie, Notorious B.I.G., Karl Kani, Cross Colours, 90s</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>132: DJ Dahi</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2015 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/132/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>DJ Dahi has produced some of your favorite songs of the past several years. He did “Money Trees” for Kendrick Lamar, Drake’s “Worst Behavior,” Dom Kennedy’s “My Type of Party,” Schoolboy Q’s “Hell of a Night,” and many others.</p><p>That run of hits brought him to the attention of none other than Dr. Dre, and Dahi ended up playing a key role on several tracks of Dre’s new album, <em>Compton: A Soundtrack By Dr. Dre</em>.</p><p>But there’s far more to Dahi than any of that. At a relatively young age, he has developed a style that mixes elements of trap, indie rock, and some unclassifiable elements into a unique blend. With all his accomplishments, his recent solo work shows that he’s still restless, still experimenting, and still just getting started.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/132/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/132/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>He's made hits for Kendrick, Drake, Dre, and even Madonna. We find out how.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:01</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>DJ Dahi, Kendrick Lamar, Money Trees, Drake, producer, production, The Cipher, interview, hip-hop, podcast, Los Angeles, Pac Div, Toys, Toys 2.0</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>131: Darlene Ortiz</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/131/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Darlene Ortiz is best-known for her iconic pose on the cover of Ice-T’s 1988 album <em>Power</em>, a shot that no one who has seen it has ever forgotten. But there’s far more to her than bathing suits and guns.</p><p>She was right by Ice-T’s side during his rise to the top of the rap game. The two met when Darlene was a 17 year old hip-hop obsessive, and she and Ice quickly became rap’s first power couple. She appeared on his album covers and in his videos, and was right by his side for tours, TV appearances, movie roles, and the infamous “Cop Killer” controversy.</p><p>Darlene has a brand-new memoir called <a href="http://overtheedgebooks.com/portfolio/definition-of-down-my-life-with-ice-t-the-birth-of-hip-hop/"><em>DEFINITION OF DOWN:My Life with Ice T and the Birth of Hip Hop</em></a>, published by Over the Edge Books.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/darleneortizheadshothires.jpg" alt="" title="Darlene today"/></p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/twopagesofpicsdefintion.jpg" alt="" title="Darlene's photos through the years"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/131/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/131/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>She defined "power" for a generation, and now she tells her story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:00:14</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Darlene Ortiz, Definition of Down, Ice-T, Power, The Cipher, PMRC, hip-hop, podcast, interview, Rhyme Pays, Cop Killer, Body Count, censorship, Tipper Gore, Oprah</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>130: Focus...</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2015 17:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/130/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The producer Focus… is best known for his work with Dr. Dre, and had his hand in half a dozen songs on the legend’s long-awaited new album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/compton/id1025137696"><em>Compton: A Soundtrack By Dr. Dre</em></a>.  But the versatile beat maker’s work can’t just be summed up by his contributions to one album, however well-known. He began his career as a rapper, but quickly moved into production. He made not just hip-hop, but also hit r&amp;b songs for artists like Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez.</p><p>Focus… first came to Dre’s attention in the early aughts, and worked for the NWA member’s Aftermath label for seven years before taking a brief hiatus. After several years off, and some superb solo albums along the way, he returned to help make <em>Compton</em> possible. One might say that Focus…’s job is in his blood. His father and namesake is the late bassist Bernard Edwards, best known for his work with the great dance band Chic.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/130/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/130/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From writing love songs with J-Lo to making beats with Dre, we look at the wild ride of a prolific producer.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:10:03</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Focus..., Dr. Dre, Compton, The Cipher, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, J-Lo, Jennifer Lopez, hip-hop, iStandard, production, producers, podcast, rap, interview, sampling, breakbeats</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>129: Jake One</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/129/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The Seattle-based producer Jake One got his start as an in-house beat-maker for the influential local label Conception Records. His work there quickly caught the ear of 50 Cent’s camp, and Jake’s beats for 50 and G-Unit led to other high-profile tracks with De La Soul, Rakim, T.I., MF DOOM, and more, as well as whole album collaborations with the likes of Freeway and Brother Ali.</p><p>Most recently, Jake has produced hits for Wale (“The Matrimony”), Drake (“Furthest Thing”), Chance the Rapper (“Acid Rain”), and Rick Ross (“3 Kings”). He’s also joined forces with singer Mayer Hawthorne to form the group Tuxedo, who just released their <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tuxedo/id946559925">self-titled debut</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/129/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/129/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Make no mistake, son. It's Jake One.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:06:59</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Jake One, Tuxedo, Mayer Hawthorne, G-Unit, Dr. Dre, hip-hop, production, MF DOOM, Rhymesayers, Brother Ali, rap, producer, The Cipher, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>128: Skyzoo</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2015 19:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/128/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Skyzoo was one of our first guests, a little over three years ago. On <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/18/">that episode</a>, we learned all about how he came up in Bed Stuy and began his career as one of the sharpest emcees in the game.</p><p>But a lot has happened since then, and we wanted to bring Sky back to talk about it. He’s released three superb projects. There was the mixtape <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6CedtcaPBhPGr393fxLSVz"><em>An Ode to Reasonable Doubt</em></a>, an updating of and tribute to the Jay Z classic, which was produced by AntMan Wonder. There was his collaboration with longtime friend Torae as the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1boamCedKJ0Bj9J8tnWM5c">Barrell Brothers</a>. And, most importantly, there’s his newest album, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/music-for-my-friends/id991465799"><em>Music For My Friends</em></a>. That record continues Skyzoo’s tradition of smart, powerful music that tells honest, engaging stories about his life and experiences.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/128/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/128/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Skyzoo returns to talk suicide doors, paying tribute to Hov, ghostwriting, and why he makes 'Music For My Friends.'</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:16:38</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Skyzoo, music for my friends, the cipher, antman wonder, reasonable doubt, jay z, jin, barrel brothers, podcast, interview, hip-hop, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>127: Raquel Cepeda</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/127/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Raquel Cepeda is an author, journalist, filmmaker, podcast host, and a whole lot more. She grew up in both the Dominican Republic and the New York City of the 1980s. In 2001, she became the Editor-In-Chief of Russell Simmons’ <em>One World</em> magazine. She left the magazine in 2004, just in time to edit the definitive anthology of rap writing, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/And-It-Dont-Stop-Journalism/dp/0571211593"><em>And It Don’t Stop: The Best American Hip-Hop Journalism</em></a>.</p><p>Raquel would go on to make the documentary <a href="http://djalirancher.com/film/bling/#sthash.YvV1tYdf.dpbs"><em>Bling: A Planet Rock</em></a>, where she took Paul Wall, Raekwon, and Tego Calderon to Sierra Leone in order to learn the truth behind the country’s diamond trade. Her most recent book is a memoir, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Paradise-How-Became-Latina/dp/1451635877/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><em>Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina</em></a>, and she’s also a “co-discussant” on the podcast <a href="http://www.showaboutrace.com/">Our National Conversation About Conversations About Race</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/127/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/127/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Raquel Cepeda taught Raekwon and Paul Wall about blood diamonds, and now she’s teaching America “About Race.” </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:18:11</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Raquel Cepeda, About Race, Show About Race, Bird of Paradise, CARICOM, spoken word, hip-hop, Russell Simmons, Bling, Sierra Leone, The Cipher, interview, podcast, rap, Don Lemon, Census</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>126: Paul Wall</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/126/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Paul Wall is the Houston-based rapper - and sometimes jeweler - who rose to fame after his appearance on Mike Jones’ 2004 hit “Still Tippin’.” That tune, and Paul’s own hit songs that followed, moved his hometown from hip-hop’s periphery to its center - a shift which still reverberates today, as you can hear in the heavy H-Town influence on newer rappers like Drake and A$AP Rocky.</p><p>Paul got his start as part of a group with his childhood friend Chamillionaire. After two albums as a duo, Paul went solo in 2004. He found solo success the following year on his city’s famed Swishahouse label, with his album <em>The Peoples Champ</em>, which contained the hit “Sittin’ Sidewayz.”</p><p>Paul has continued to make music true to his city’s roots, while keeping a hand in any number of side hustles, from custom grills to clothing to his brand-new strain of marijuana. His brand-new album is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/slab-god/id1038502653"><em>Slab God</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/126/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/126/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>What it do? Paul Wall talks Swishahouse, grills, lean, and all other things H-Town.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:11:12</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Paul Wall, Slab God, Houston, H-Town, Houston rap, Swishahouse, Michael Watts, Chamillionaire, Sittin' Sidewayz, Southern rap, Texas, The Cipher, podcast, hip-hop, interview, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>125: Prof</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2015 18:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/125/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Prof is a Minneapolis-based rapper whose fun and deceptively intricate tracks and entertaining, sometimes chaotic live shows have been entertaining fans since the mid-2000s. He has an outsized, outrageous comic persona, but that doesn’t stop him from frequently rapping movingly and artfully about his difficult childhood and family life.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/profneighborcry.jpg" alt="" title="Don't ask where the blood came from"/></p><p>Prof quickly rose through the hip-hop ranks in his hometown, and is one of only a handful of rappers - local or otherwise - who can sell out Minneapolis’ biggest venues. His success led to him joining forces with the city’s pre-eminent hip-hop label, Rhymesayers. Prof’s debut album on the label, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/liability/id1019858311"><em>Liability</em></a>, just dropped this past Friday, October 16th.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/125/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/125/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>King Gampo shares his ups, downs, and why he's a 'Liability.'</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>59:50</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Prof, Rhymesayers, Gampo, King Gampo, Liability, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, The Cipher, hip-hop, podcast, Kaiser von Powderhorn</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>124: Sacha Jenkins</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2015 18:36:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/124/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Sacha Jenkins is a journalist, filmmaker, TV producer, author, musician, and all-around hip-hop polymath. He got his start chronicling graffiti and rap music in homemade zines before joining with a diverse crew of hip-hop obsessives to form the collective that came to be known as Ego Trip. That crew was responsible for a successful and influential magazine, two books, and multiple television projects – all of which explored music and race through a smart, funny, occasionally inflammatory lens.</p><p>In addition to his work with Ego Trip and writing about hip-hop for basically every other outlet that covered it, Sacha has co-written many books about graffiti, co-wrote Eminem’s autobiography <em>The Way I Am</em>, played in rock and hardcore bands, and has done much more than we can fit in this space. His latest project is a documentary film about hip-hop fashion called <a href="http://freshdressedmovie.com/"><em>Fresh Dressed</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/124/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/124/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From zines to Ego Trip to 'Fresh Dressed,' a trip through the career of a hip-hop polymath.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:31:01</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Sacha Jenkins, ego trip, fresh dressed, fashion, super black, white mandingos, hardcore, style wars, flying cut sleeves, henry chalfant, graffiti, hip-hop, do it yourself, hardcore, the cipher, podcast, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>123: MF Grimm with Drasar Monumental</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:33:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/123/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to MF Grimm, along with his producer and group-mate Drasar Monumental. Grimm is a rapper, producer, and now an award-winning comic book writer, who is just now making some of the greatest music of his long and storied career.</p><p>After growing up in the New York City of the 70s and 80s - and making a short stint as a child actor on <em>Sesame Street</em> - Grimm began his hip-hop career on the city’s battle scene. He quickly gained attention, started ghostwriting for more successful acts, and was on the verge of solo stardom when he was shot and paralyzed in 1993, in an incident that also killed his brother.</p><p>Grimm recovered, and even executive produced his friend MF Doom’s 1999 solo debut <em>Operation: Doomsday</em>, which was recorded in the basement of Grimm’s Rockland County house. Starting in 2001, he began releasing a string of powerful solo albums that molded the ups and downs of his life into powerful artistic statements. He also moved into another medium, writing the autobiographical graphic novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sentences-The-Life-M-F-Grimm/dp/1401210465"><em>Sentences: The Life of MF Grimm</em></a>.</p><p>Since 2012, he has been working on the <em>Good Morning Vietnam</em> trilogy of albums with our second guest, producer Drasar Monumental. 
<img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/grimmanddrasar.png" alt="" title="Grimm and Drasar"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/123/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/123/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From Sesame Street to near-death experiences to rap &amp; writing success, a look at the life of a MF'ing star &amp; his favorite producer.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:15:20</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>MF Grimm, MF Doom, Good Morning Vietnam, Drasar Monumental, hip-hop, the cipher, podcast, rap, interview, kurious, new york city, nyc</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>122: Thembisa Mshaka</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/122/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to Thembisa Mshaka. Thembisa is an author, journalist, copywriter, filmmaker, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. In her career, she’s given the likes of Common and D’Angelo their first magazine covers as the rap editor of The Gavin Report; helped people like Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Beyonce sell over 150 million records during her time writing ad copy at Sony; and wrote and directed multiple film projects, from shorts to documentaries to features.</p><p>As if that wasn’t enough, she also found time to write the definitive how-to book for women in the entertainment business, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Put-Your-Dreams-First-entertainment/dp/0446409464"><em>Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business</em></a>. Her latest film, <em>Biscuit</em>, has its New York City premiere this Saturday, October 3rd, at NYC’s <a href="http://www.ocktoberfilmfest.com/#!blank-duplicat/c1o78">Ocktober Film Festival</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/122/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/122/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>She gave Common &amp; Bone Thugs their first magazine covers &amp; put words in Nas’ mouth. Now she shares her story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>59:02</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Thembisa Mshaka, Handle Your Entertainment Business, HYeB, Put Your Dream First, Nas, Beyonce, Gavin Report, Sony, Scarface, Bay Area, Oakland, San Francisco, The Cipher, hip-hop, rap, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>121: Baje One/NIKO IS</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/121/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we have a two guests for you. In the first half of the show, we talk to Baje One, the rapping half of the long-running underground duo Junk Science. And in part two, we sit down with NIKO IS, a Florida-by-way-of-Brazil rapper whose world-class freestyling skills put him on the radar of none other than Talib Kweli, who signed Niko to his Javotti Media label.</p><p>Baje One and his  group’s producer, DJ Snafu, first met in in their native NYC in the mid-1990s and have been making smart, funny, and ambitious music together since 2003. The success of their 2005 debut album <em>Feeding Einstein</em> led to a deal with El-P’s seminal Def Jux label, which put out their 2007 follow-up, <em>Gran’dad’s Nerve Tonic</em>. The album, in the first of a long run of packaging innovations from the group, came with its own beer, brewed by Sixpoint Craft Ales. Since then, Baje has released three more albums with the group, and several solo and collaborative projects.</p><p>NIKO IS was born in Rio De Janeiro, but has spent his rapping life in sunny Orlando, Florida. He made a name for himself in his adopted city as a teenager with his almost supernatural freestyling skills, and started releasing mixtapes in 2012 with <em>Chill Cosby</em>. The following year, he would cross paths with Kweli, and eventually sign to the rapper’s label. NIKO’s first album on Javotti, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brutus-deluxe-edition/id962882604"><em>Brutus</em></a>, was released earlier this year.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/121/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/121/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A two-parter with the Junk Science frontman and the freestyle monster with the "best hair in the biz."</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:21:17</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Baje One, Junk Science, Niko Is, Javotti, Talib Kweli, The Cipher, podcast, hip-hop, rap, interview, underground hip-hop, freestyling, freestyle rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>120: Masta Ace</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/120/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Duval “Masta Ace” Clear is a rap legend whose career dates back to his time with the Juice Crew in the late 1980s. That historic rap collective, led by producer Marley Marl, included stars like Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, and Kool G. Rap.</p><p>Ace made his recording debut on what is arguably hip-hop’s greatest posse cut, Marley Marl’s “The Symphony.” The success of that song led to Ace’s debut album, 1990’s <em>Take A Look Around</em>, which featured the comic hit “Me and the Biz.”</p><p>After leaving Marley’s orbit, Ace successfully reinvented himself with critically beloved albums like <em>SlaughtaHouse</em> and <em>Sittin’ on Chrome</em> - the latter of which, with its West Coast-sounding beats and songs about car culture, got him in a little bit of trouble with a few of his fellow New Yorkers.</p><p>After several years of career ups and downs, Ace reinvigorated his career with the 2001 album <em>Disposable Arts</em>. The success of that album, and the renewed audience it brought to his live performances, led to a career upswing that has continued to this day. Ace has released numerous solo, duo, and group albums in the ensuing decade and a half, and tours heavily by himself and with his group EMC. His latest album, with eMC, is called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-tonite-show/id971788150"><em>The Tonite Show</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/120/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/120/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Masta Ace gets on the mic for The Symphon...er, The Cipher.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:22:21</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>masta ace, slaughtahouse, juice crew, emc, sittin' on chrome, the cipher, podcast, hip hop</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>119: Denaun Porter</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/119/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Denaun Porter is best-known as a member of the group D12 – a collective that also featured one of his best friends, a fellow Detroit rapper named Eminem. But Denaun’s real passion has always been for production.</p><p>Porter got his start as a beatmaker (after some tips from a young Dilla) with Em’s hard-to-find debut album <em>Infinite</em>, which he produced in its entirety. But as his pal teamed up with Dr. Dre, so did he. Denaun quickly began producing songs for Xzibit, 50 Cent and G-Unit, Busta Rhymes, Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, and lots more.</p><p>After the death of fellow D12 member and longtime Eminem hypeman DeShaun “Proof” Holton in 2006, Porter took a break from music. But he’s returned stronger than ever, releasing a brand-new solo EP, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stuff-in-my-backpack/id987637374"><em>Stuff in my Backpack</em></a>, and taking up his late friend’s hypeman job on top of it.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/startrek.jpg" alt="" title="Live long and prosper"/>
<img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/denaun-porter-and-eminem.jpg" alt="" title="Denaun and his friend both like to point"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/119/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/119/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The man formerly known as Kon Artis takes us behind the scenes of studio, stage, &amp; screen. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:40:12</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Denaun, Denaun Porter, Mr. Porter, D12, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Shady, 50 Cent, Stuff in my Backpack</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>118: Joe Conzo</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/118/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Joe Conzo Jr. has been called “the man who took hip-hop’s baby pictures” by the <em>New York Times</em> – a title that’s right on the money. Conzo, a third-generation Bronx native, first got into photography as a young boy and took to shooting pictures of his neighborhood.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/001_self_portrait.jpg" alt="" title="Joe Conzo as a teen"/></p><p>But it was when he followed some high school friends who had formed a rap group to an early concert that he really found his calling. That group, the Cold Crush Brothers, was perhaps the most influential of hip-hop’s first generation. Joe was there to document their every step, from high school gymnasiums to giant clubs and movie sets. His pictures provide the single best visual record of hip-hop’s early years.</p><p>Personal troubles caused Joe to put away his camera for many years. But over the past decade, his work has been re-discovered and used for documentaries, exhibited in museums all over the world - including the Museum of the City of New York, where <a href="http://mcny.org/hiphop">an exhibit of his photos</a> is running until September 27th - and even published in a book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Bronx-Visual-Record-Early/dp/0789315408"><em>Born In The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop</em></a>. A fictional version of Joe appears in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Netflix series <em>The Get Down</em>, about the early days of hip-hop, where the real Joe was on set as a behind the scenes photographer.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/joeconzolicenseplate.jpg" alt="" title="Joe today"/></p><p><strong>NOTE:</strong> To see the photographs that we talk about during this interview, visit <a href="http://imgur.com/a/RviWS#0">this episode’s photo gallery at Imgur</a></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/118/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/118/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The man who took hip-hop's baby pictures shares the stories behind his classic shots.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:19:51</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>joe conzo, the cipher, hip-hop, bronx, podcast, cold crush, tito puente, photography, hip-hop photography, wild style</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>117: K-Def</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/117/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Kevin “K-Def” Hansford is a producer with a long and storied legacy. He hooked up with Marley Marl in the early 1990s and became a key part of Marley’s famed studio The House of Hits. While under Marley’s wing, he produced great records for Tragedy, Da Youngsta’s, and more. But it was his work with Lords of the Underground that would really cement his reputation. K-Def produced half a dozen songs on the group’s classic debut, 1993’s <em>Here Come the Lords</em>, including the omnipresent “Chief Rocka.”</p><p>After leaving Marley’s tutelage, K-Def’s production career continued, with songs by Ghostface, Diddy, UGK, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and even his own group, the duo Real Live. In recent years, K-Def has released a number of stellar instrumental works with Redefinition Records, and continues to find new ways to expand the palette of sample-based music.</p><p><strong>NOTE:</strong> This episode, we have a special contest. Find the answers to the two questions below in this interview, and you can win prize packs from Redefinition Records. E-mail your answers to contest@theciphershow.com by September 7th, and three winners will be chosen at random from all the correct answers.</p><p><strong>Question 1:</strong> Which artists ended up with a K-Def beat that was originally supposed to be on <em>Illmatic</em>?</p><p><strong>Question 2:</strong> What song does K-Def credit with marking the end of sample-based hip-hop?</p><p><strong>1 Grand Prize:</strong> K-Def’s <em>Tape Two</em> on <a href="http://www.redefinitionrecords.com/collections/k-def/products/k-def-tape-two-lp">vinyl</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.redefinitionrecords.com/collections/k-def/products/k-def-tape-two-cassette">cassette</a> + <a href="http://www.redefinitionrecords.com/products/damu-the-fudgemunk-public-assembly-2-cd">Damu’s <em>Public Assembly Vol. 2</em> CD</a></p><p><strong>2 Runner-Up Prizes:</strong> K-Def’s <em>Tape Two</em> <a href="http://www.redefinitionrecords.com/collections/k-def/products/k-def-tape-two-cassette">cassette</a> + <a href="http://www.redefinitionrecords.com/products/damu-the-fudgemunk-public-assembly-2-cd">Damu’s <em>Public Assembly Vol. 2</em> CD</a></p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/workspace/uploads/tapetwo.jpg" alt="" title="K-Def's 'Tape Two'"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/117/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/117/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The "Chief Rocka" takes us through a lifetime of rare jazz records, funky drums, and one city-saving fish.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:36:25</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>k-def, the cipher, hip-hop, lords of the underground, marley marl, producer, production, rap, podcast, interview, redefinition records</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>116: Luther Campbell</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/116/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Luther Campbell needs no introduction. Since starting his career as a DJ in Miami in the late 1970s, he’s been an innovator musically, culturally, business-wise, and even legally. As the mastermind behind 2 Live Crew, Campbell guided the group’s change from a California-based conscious rap group into a pioneering Southern crew who popularized Miami bass music, and whose raunchy lyrics were often imitated.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/1990-2livecrewcourtorder.jpg" alt="" title="2 Live Crew in 1990"/></p><p>It was those same raunchy lyrics that would land Campbell and the group in repeated legal hot water. Luke fought and won legal battles not only for his group’s right to be, as his most popular and controversial record would have it, “as nasty as they wanna be,” but also for record stores’ right to sell his work. He also took a battle to parody songs all the way to the Supreme Court - and won. Simultaneously, he was running the fiercely independent Luke Records, which was for a time the largest black-owned record label in the country, and discovering acts like Poison Klan, Trick Daddy, and Pitbull.</p><p>Luke has also been fiercely devoted to the children of his native Liberty City neighborhood, starting a popular youth football league, coaching teams himself, and even running for Mayor of Miami in 2011. His latest venture is a memoir (with Tanner Colby) that covers his wild life and times, as well as the history of his hometown. It’s called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Luke-Justice-Liberty/dp/0062336401"><em>The Book of Luke: My Fight for Truth, Justice, and Liberty City</em></a>, published by Amistad.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/bookofluke.png" alt="" title="The Book of Luke"/></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/116/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/116/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Uncle Luke talks 2 Live Crew, Miami history, &amp; exploding pipe bombs.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:17:13</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Luther Campbell, Luke, Uncle Luke, 2 Live Crew, censorship, Biggie, The Cipher, hip-hop, Miami, podcast, interview, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>115: The 45 King</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/115/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The 45 King has produced some of the most popular rap songs of the past few decades, for artists like Jay Z and Eminem. But before that, he took his keen ear for a funky loop and put it into the creation of beats for one of Golden Age rap’s greatest crews, The Flavor Unit. He served as beatmaker and tour DJ for the Unit’s breakout star, Queen Latifah, producing and mixing the vast majority of her gold debut album, 1989’s <em>All Hail the Queen</em>.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/45andlatifah.jpg" alt="" title="45 King w/Queen Latifah"/></p><p>His work with other Flavor Unit members like Latee, Apache, and Lakim Shabazz, his own instrumentals like the classic “The 900 Number,” as well as songs outside his crew with acts like Gang Starr, Eric B &amp; Rakim, and even Madonna cemented his reputation as one of rap’s hottest producers.</p><p>After a few years out of the public eye, the 45 King returned with a sparse, Annie-sampling beat that Jay Z turned into his career-making hit “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem).” Shortly afterwards, the producer turned an obscure Dido song into one of Eminem’s biggest hits with “Stan.” We caught up with the 45 King at his home in New Jersey, famous subway turnstile still intact, to discuss his storied career.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/115/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/115/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>One of the all-time great producers talks his classic beats, the Flavor Unit, and much more in this career-spanning conversation.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:23:07</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>45 King, Flavor Unit, Queen Latifah, golden age rap, hip-hop, Eminem, Jay Z, funk</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>114: Benjy Melendez of the Ghetto Brothers</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/114/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, our guest is Benjy Melendez, founder, President, and singer of the Ghetto Brothers. He is joined by his co-author and friend, Amir Said.</p><p>The Ghetto Brothers were one of the largest and most powerful street gangs in the Bronx in the late 1960s and early 70s - a time when the borough, and New York City as a whole, had plenty to choose from. At its height, the organization had around 2,000 members city-wide. 
<img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/benjy-thenandnow.jpg" alt="" title="Benjy in the early 1970s and today"/></p><p>But after one of their key figures got killed by rival gangs, Benjy devoted his efforts to peace, and held a now-famous peace treaty meeting at the Hoe Avenue center in the Bronx in 1971 - a gathering that set the stage for the ending of the gang era and the beginnings of hip-hop.</p><p>In addition to being a powerful organization, the Ghetto Brothers were also a rock and roll band. They only released one album, 1971’s <em>Power Fuerza</em>, but it became a prized collectors item, notable for its surprisingly sweet lyrics and Beatle-esque melodies, Latin percussion, and unique backstory.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/ghetto-brothers-power-fuerza-original-cover-back.jpg" alt="" title="The Ghetto Brothers: Power Fuerza"/></p><p>While parts of Benjy’s story have been shared in the new documentary <a href="http://rubblekings.com/"><em>Rubble Kings</em></a> and even in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ghetto-Brother-Peacemaker-Julian-Voloj/dp/1561639486">graphic novel</a>, the new book by Benjy and Amir Said, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ghetto-Brother-Found-Peace-Street/dp/0974970468/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1428522188&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=Ghetto+Brother"><em>Ghetto Brother: How I Found Peace in the South Bronx Street Gang Wars</em></a>, is the first place Benjy shares his entire life story.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/114/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/114/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From gang leader to peacemaker to rocker, Yellow Benjy shares his wild life and times.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:20:42</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Ghetto Brothers, Rubble Kings, Yellow Benjy, Bronx, hip-hop, Bambaataa, street gangs, rap, The Cipher, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>113: Lil Slim</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/113/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Mikel “Lil Slim” Pettis began his rap career as a teenager in New Orleans in the early 1990s, performing in nightclubs around the city. He was discovered by a then brand-new record label called Cash Money Records. Slim signed with them and became a key part of the first generation of artists on that label - acts like UNLV, PxMxWx, Pimp Daddy, Ms. Tee, Mr. Ivan, and many more, who would quickly turn Cash Money into a regional powerhouse just as the city was inventing a rap style of its own, a raunchy, call-and-response based approach called “bounce.”</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/pimp-daddy-lil-slim-pxmxw-1994-1-.jpg" alt="" title="Pimp Daddy, Lil Slim, PxMxWx in 1994"/></p><p>During his tenure on Cash Money, Slim discovered a young kid from his neighborhood who, despite being only 10 or 11, already had a notebook full of memorable raps. Slim hooked that kid up with his label, and thus began the career of Lil Wayne.</p><p>Lil Slim left Cash Money after his 1995 album <em>Thuggin and Pluggin</em>, citing concerns over his label’s business practices that sound like they could be ripped from today’s headlines. He’s released several projects since then, including most recently the third volume of his <em>Platinum Edition</em> EP series.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/113/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/113/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The original Cash Money soldier tells his story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:06:45</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Cash Money, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Baby, Lil Slim, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, The Cipher, bounce, New Orleans, hip-hop, rap, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>112: Cey Adams</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/112/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to Cey Adams – artist, graphic designer, “fourth Beastie,” and founding Creative Director at Def Jam.</p><p>Adams got his start as a graffiti writer in his native New York City, and moved from the vibrant graf world into the same East Village art scene as people like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. In 1982, he met Russell Simmons, and quickly started designing anything and everything visual for Simmons’ management company and, shortly afterwards, his new record label Def Jam. At around the same time, Adams met and befriended the Beastie Boys. He has designed countless tour t-shirts, logos, stage backdrops, and album covers for the group.</p><p>Adams designed and oversaw historic album covers and logos not only for Def Jam artists like Public Enemy and Slick Rick, but also Bad Boy, Universal, MCA, and others – including the album cover to Big’s <em>Ready to Die</em> and the now-iconic signature-style logo for Mary J. Blige. In addition, he has designed logos and products for The Chapelle Show, NYC’s Hot 97 radio station, Nike, Coca-Cola, and more.</p><p><img src="http://theciphershow.com/image/fig/uploads/ceyalbums.jpg" alt="Album covers designed or art directed by Cey Adams" title="Album covers designed or art directed by Cey Adams"/></p><p>As if that wasn’t enough, Adams co-authored the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DEFinition-The-Art-Design-Hip-Hop/dp/0061438855"><em>DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop</em></a> and designed the definitive book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Def-Jam-Recordings-First-Record/dp/0847833712/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1434827873&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=def+jam"><em>Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label</em></a>.</p><p>A special note: to see a gallery of many of the images Cey is talking about during our interview, click <a href="http://imgur.com/a/2lENs">here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/112/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/112/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The man who designed your favorite album cover – and pretty much everything else – tells his story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:49:29</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Cey Adams, Def Jam, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Method Man, The Cipher, hip-hop, podcast, interview, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>111: Vinnie Paz</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/111/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Vinnie Paz founded the group Jedi Mind Tricks when he was a teenager in mid-90s Philly. His raps about politics, mythology, war, religion, conspiracy theories, and the paranormal set him apart immediately from most of the underground rap of the era.</p><p>The group’s full-length debut was <em>The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological &amp; Electro-Magnetic Manipulation of Human Consciousness</em>, a bizarre, fascinating, and uncompromising concept album. In 2000, they put out by <em>Violent By Design</em>, a more streamlined and aggressive record that got a lot of attention and remains a fan favorite to this day.</p><p>Vinnie and Jedi Mind Tricks would continue through ups and downs, with frequent collaborator Jus Allah and producer and co-founder Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind moving in and out of the group over the years. Vinnie has also released records under his own name, with the Army of the Pharaohs collective, and with Ill Bill as the duo “Heavy Metal Kings.” Through it all, his expansive vision, powerful style, and devotion to his fans has remained consistent. His latest release with a reunited Jedi Mind Tricks is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-thief-and-the-fallen/id982970642"><em>The Thief and the Fallen</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/111/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/111/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Jedi Mind Tricks frontman like you've never heard him before.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:28:18</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Vinnie Paz, Jedi Mind Tricks, the thief and the fallen, heavy metal kings, army of the pharaohs, the cipher, hip-hop, rap, interview, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>110: Blueprint</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/110/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Al “Blueprint” Shepard is a Columbus, Ohio-based emcee and producer. He got his start in that city’s vital scene in the late 1990s, along with talents like RJD2, Copywrite, and Camu Tao. However, most rap fans first heard his unique voice, freestyle skills, and creative, melodic beats either via his work on the influential Rhymesayers label, or in his duo with RJ called Soul Position.</p><p>Blueprint has been all over the map musically – from straight ahead boom-bap to electronic experimentation to jazzy instrumentals to full-length tributes to his favorite bands. But he’s brought his unique musical sensibilities and inquisitive, ever-searching nature to all of it.</p><p>His latest album, released this past April, is <a href="https://printmatic.bandcamp.com/album/king-no-crown"><em>King No Crown</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/110/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/110/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>He spits with an immense amount of power, and we find out why.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:23:12</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Blueprint, rhymesayers, printmatic, weightless, columbus, greenhouse effect, rjd2, soul position, eyedea, battle rap, rap, hip-hop, the cipher, podcast, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>109: Janette Beckman</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2015 12:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/109/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Janette Beckman has taken some of the most iconic photos out there not only of hip-hop, but of music and youth culture as a whole. She got her start in Britain in the late 1970s, using her art-school education to take photos of the then-burgeoning punk movement. But in 1983, she saw the very first international hip-hop tour, and was so taken by the music and culture that she hopped on a plane to New York City and never left.</p><p>She has taken classic photos of LL Cool J, Salt N’ Pepa, NWA, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Afrika Bambaataa, and tons more. She’s also shot famous album covers for the likes of EPMD, Ultramagnetic MCs, Run-DMC, the Police, Gang Starr, and others. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also done popular photo series on Mexican street gangs, Harlem bikers, and underground fight clubs.</p><p>We talked to Janette about the entirety of her life and career, and got the inside stories behind tons of her iconic photographs and album covers. You can see her hip-hop work for yourself through September 13th at the Museum of the City of New York in Manhattan, as part of the exhibition <a href="http://mcny.org/hiphop"><em>Hip-Hop Revolution: Photographs by Janette Beckman, Joe Conzo, and Martha Cooper</em></a>. On June 3rd at 6:30 PM, Janette, past Cipher guest Bill Adler, and upcoming Cipher guest Cey Adams will be part of a <a href="http://mcny.org/event/hip-hops-visual-style-look-behind-scenes">panel</a> called “Hip Hop’s Visual Style: A Look Behind the Scenes” at the Museum.</p><p><strong>NOTE:</strong> To see Janette’s photos that we talk about on this episode, you can scroll through the pictures on <a href="http://imgur.com/a/Tubo0#0">Imgur</a> or watch the episode on <a href="https://youtu.be/VVGk9fdMuC4">YouTube</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/109/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/109/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Learn the stories behind all your favorite photos from the woman who took them.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>janette beckman, hip-hop, photo, mcny, def jam, ll cool j, </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>108: J-Zone</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/108/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>J-Zone is a rapper, producer, musician, and author whose ability to find and chop the perfect sample is paired with a rap persona that combines raunchiness, self-depreciating humor, social commentary, and a deep love for all of rap history, including some of its more bizarre corners. And, naturally, an alter ego who just happens to be a four foot three, baseball bat wielding rodent named Chief Chinchilla.</p><p>His first album, 1999’s <a href="https://j-zone.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-tu-madre"><em>Music For Tu Madre</em></a>, began life as a college senior project, but quickly caught on with the underground scene. He then released a ton of albums - with his Old Maid Billionaires crew, solo, with collaborators like Celph Titled, and even a record of malt liquor jingles.</p><p>But by 2009, he was noticing diminishing returns financially and creatively, and decided to get out of the rap game, a decision he explored in his 2011 memoir <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Root-For-The-Villain-Celebration/dp/0615532276"><em>Root for the Villain: Rap, Bull$hit, and a Celebration of Failure</em></a>. In a surprising turn of events, the book’s success inspired him to return to music to create his first new solo album in nine years, 2013’s <a href="https://j-zone.bandcamp.com/album/peter-pan-syndrome"><em>Peter Pan Syndrome</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/108/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/108/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Underground rap's favorite villain on his style, his influences, and why NYC is like a salad.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:39:47</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>107: Murs</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/107/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Nicholas “Murs” Carter is a rapper who has seen and done it all. He began his career in the Los Angeles underground scene as a teenager in the early 1990s with his friends in the Living Legends collective. By the early years of the next decade, he had become a major player in the world of underground rap.</p><p>His subsequent solo albums on both indie and major labels, as well as his collaborations with artists like Slug and 9th Wonder, have cemented his status as one of the most notable rappers out there, underground or otherwise.</p><p>His brand-new album is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/have-a-nice-life/id981777258"><em>Have A Nice Life</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/107/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/107/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>From his first song at 15 all the way to his brand-new album, we 'have a nice life' with a true Living Legend.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:14:33</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>106: John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/106/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>John Lydon, a.k.a. Johnny Rotten, is a true punk legend. He was the singer of the Sex Pistols, the ground-breaking British punk band. The Pistols formed in 1975, and their raw sound combined with Lydon’s powerful, unfiltered lyrics taking shots at the Queen, the music industry, and the system as a whole created something entirely new – a sound, look, and attitude that would quickly be picked up and copied by legions of bands to follow, and would spark the punk rock revolution.</p><p>The Sex Pistols broke up in early 1978, and Lydon went on to form the influential group Public Image Limited, or PiL. The group went in an entirely different direction, making often-danceable, experimental music. Their second album, 1979’s <em>Metal Box</em>, is generally regarded as a landmark release, and was chosen as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by <em>Rolling Stone</em>.</p><p>Lydon’s new memoir, which covers the entirety of his life and career, is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anger-Energy-My-Life-Uncensored/dp/1471137198"><em>Anger Is An Energy: My Life Uncensored</em></a> (Dey Street).</p><p>We were joined by legendary photographer <a href="http://www.janettebeckman.com/">Janette Beckman</a> (soon to be a Cipher guest herself), who took some pictures – the first time she had photographed Lydon since she took now-famous shots of him with the Sex Pistols and in the early days of PiL, like the image you see above.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/106/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/106/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the Sex Pistols and PiL singer, one of the founding figures of punk rock.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>105: RJD2</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/105/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>RJD2 began his career as a DJ in the mid-1990s, but it wasn’t until his 2002 solo album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/deadringer/id335220471"><em>Deadringer</em></a> that he really started making noise. That record got a ton of attention for its creative sample-based approach to instrumental hip-hop, and RJ became an important part of the El-P led Def Jux label, which was a huge force in the underground rap scene of the era.</p><p>Since then, he has released a ton of wildly varying, but always worthwhile and interesting, projects, from hip-hop records to synthesizer-based soundscapes to pop songs with his own vocals. One of RJ’s tracks, “A Beautiful Mine,” is best-known to most people as the theme for AMC’s hit show <em>Mad Men</em>. His brand-new album with rapper Sugar Tongue Slim is called <a href="http://radi.al/STSRJD2"><em>STS X RJD2</em></a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/105/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/105/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The producer/DJ/composer on 'Mad Men,' obsessing over synths, and surviving both good and bad reviews.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:27:28</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>rjd2, mad men, sts x rjd2, sugar tongue slim, blueprint, soul position, mhz, columbus, hip-hop, rap, the cipher, interview, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>104: Scarface</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/104/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Brad “Scarface” Jordan first came to the public’s attention as a member of Houston’s controversial group The Geto Boys. The trio - Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill - made dark, edgy, and often disturbing music. Their songs like “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” and “Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta” gained them legions of both fans and critics.</p><p>Scarface released his first solo album in 1991, and has since put out classics like <em>Mr Scarface Is Back</em>, <em>The Diary</em>, and <em>The Fix</em>, that continue his career-long streak of well-crafted storytelling and unflinching honesty and self-examination. Now he has a new project - a memoir written with Benjamin Meadows-Ingram called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Madman-Death-Roots-Southern/dp/0062302639"><em>Diary of a Madman: The Geto Boys, Life, Death, and the Roots of Southern Rap</em></a>, published by Harper Collins. The book covers his life with the same directness and power we’ve seen in his raps.</p><p>Our talk with Face covers his musical influences in great detail, and also finds time to cover his own career, the book, how he felt trapped by his own name, and lots more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/104/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/104/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Face sounds off about his influences, his new memoir, and why you should never get into a car with Pac.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:15:54</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>scarface, geto boys, the cipher, rap, hip-hop, podcast, diary of a madman, ice cube, tupac, rap-a-lot, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>103: Oliver Wang</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2015 22:24:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/103/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Oliver Wang is a writer, critic, audio blogger, and DJ. He is best-known among hip-hop fans for his features and reviews for <em>LA Weekly</em>, <em>Urb</em>, <em>NPR</em>, and basically everywhere else. We discuss his new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Legions-Boom-Filipino-Francisco-Refiguring/dp/0822358905"><em>Legions of Boom: Filipino American Mobile DJ Crews in the San Francisco Bay Area</em></a>.</p><p>The fascinating book looks at a previously unexplored and nearly forgotten scene from the late 1970s through the early 90s. Young people in the Bay Area, almost entirely Filipino, were inspired by the disco craze to form DJ crews and start throwing parties. At its height, there were scores of crews throughout the entire Bay. Some of the scene’s most prominent alumni were QBert, Mixmaster Mike, and Apollo. The three of them would form the Invisibl Skratch Piklz and go on to invent an entirely new kind of DJing, where virtuosic scratching took center stage.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/103/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/103/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The author, critic, DJ, and occasional dis song target talks his new book 'Legions of Boom.'</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:22:01</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>102: DJ EFN</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2015 22:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/102/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>DJ EFN is a key player in Miami’s hip-hop scene. He was arguably the city’s first mixtape DJ, and certainly its most influential. His mixtapes, featuring exclusives and freestyles from hip-hop’s biggest names, made him a power broker in the region and enabled him to move into marketing, clothing, and even movies, with his recent <em>Coming Home</em> series of documentaries. His new album <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-time/id962202584"><em>Another Time</em></a> features appearances from Scarface, Talib Kweli, Juvenile, Kurupt, Killer Mike, and Ras Kass, among many others.</p><p>We talked with EFN about breaking Rick Ross and giving advice to a young Pitbull; why mixtape culture is dead; the never-released album that could have changed the face of Miami rap; and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/102/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/102/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Miami's mixtape king shares his past, present, and the making of his new album.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:12:05</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>EFN, crazy hood, miami, rick ross, pitbull, luke campbell, another time, another time, coming home</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>101: Rapper Big Pooh</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2015 22:04:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/101/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Rapper Big Pooh got his start in the critically beloved North Carolina trio Little Brother. But over the past decade, he’s made a series of excellent and increasingly ambitious solo records, culminating in the new EP <em>Words Paint Pictures</em>.</p><p>We talked to Pooh about Little Brother’s early success and major-label stumbles; the truth about radio; the demise of the middle class; and the bizarre cease-and-desist letter that put one of his albums on hold for almost three years.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/101/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/101/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>On the eve of the release of 'Words Paint Pictures,' Pooh candidly shares his ups and downs, from Little Brother to the present.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:14:12</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Rapper Big Pooh, Little Brother, North Carolina, words paint pictures, apollo brown, phonte, 9th wonder, kendrick lamar, podcast, rap, hip-hop, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>100: Metermaids, Gabriel Roth, and more</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/100/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <em>We Brought Knives</em> is a powerful examination of fatherhood, legacies, changing times, and the awesomeness of Bruce Springsteen.</p><p>They’re followed by Gabriel Roth. Roth is the co-founder of <a href="http://daptonerecords.com/">Daptone Records</a>, 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 <em>Back To Black</em>.</p><p>This being an anniversary party, we start the show with a special surprise guest.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/100/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/100/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We celebrate the century mark with NYC's Metermaids, Daptone's Gabriel Roth, and other surprises.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:31:23</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>metermaids, daptone, sharon jones, amy winehouse, shawn setaro, the cipher, hip-hop, afrobeat, fela kuti, interview, podcast, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>99: Prince Paul, Pt. 2</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2015 21:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/99/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In Part 2 of our epic sit-down with Prince Paul, we talk <em>Psychoanalysis</em> and <em>A Prince Among Thieves</em>; making records with Everlast, MF DOOM, MC Paul Barman, and Dino-5; and even the cult tv show that cemented his bond with Dan the Automator. </p><p>We also find out what was behind his most disturbing song, what it’s like at the lows between career peaks, and, of course, the kind of presents John Waters sends to his daughter. Plus, he shares his reaction to the “Blurred Lines” verdict, and gives us an exclusive peek into his upcoming projects.</p><p>If you missed Part 1 of our interview with Paul, you can find it <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/98/">here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/99/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/99/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The conclusion of our talk with the legendary producer.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:14:44</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Prince Paul, de la soul, queen latifah, mf doom, hip-hop, rap, interview, podcast, the cipher</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>98: Prince Paul, Pt. 1</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/98/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>“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 <em>3 Feet High and Rising</em>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/politics-of-the-business/id349211602"><em>Politics of the Business</em></a>, and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/98/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/98/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Paul talks Stetsasonic, De La, RZA, 1970s radio, and lots more in the first half of our epic conversation.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:48</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Prince Paul, de la soul, rza, wu-tang, gravediggaz, rap, hip-hop, interview, podcast, the cipher</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>97: Mr. Lif</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2015 13:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/97/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Mr. Lif has had a key role in a number of music success stories, from the rise of the Boston hip-hop scene to the reign of underground rap empire Def Jux to the continued worldwide popularity of Thievery Corporation. We explore his entire career, from the very first songs and freestyle sessions to his newest group, Terra Bella.</p><p>We make plenty of stops along the way at his key moments – his fiery 9/11 response “Home of the Brave,” the powerful 2002 concept album <em>I Phantom</em>, his development into a celebrated live performer, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/97/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/97/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A look at Lif's life &amp; career, from his beginning in the Boston scene through his rise to underground stardom to his eclectic present.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:28:55</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>96: Bishop Lamont</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 08:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/96/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Bishop Lamont is one of the West Coast’s premiere lyricists. He first came to rap fans’ attention with his 2004 mixtape <a href="http://www.datpiff.com/Bishop-Lamont-Who-I-gotta-Kill-to-Get-a-Record-Deal-mixtape.1551.html"><em>Who I Gotta Kill To Get A Record Deal</em></a>. The title proved prophetic, as shortly afterwards he was scooped up by Dr. Dre.</p><p>During his time on Aftermath, Bishop released a ton of fantastic free “street albums,” but not a proper debut, and he left the label after several years in limbo. His latest release is <a href="http://www.datpiff.com/Bishop-Lamont-The-Preformation-mixtape.566953.html"><em>The (P)Reformation</em></a>, and his long-awaited album <em>The Reformation</em> will be out later this year.</p><p>We talked to the often-controversial rapper about his relationships with Dilla and Proof, how he was rhyming about Selma before it was cool, his pre-rap life as a stuntman – and, of course, cartoons. Plenty of cartoons.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/96/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/96/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Bishop opens up about his career, from his early days to his time with Aftermath to his hard-won independence. Plus, Duck Tales.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:26:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Bishop Lamont, Aftermath, Dr. Dre, west coast, rap, hip-hop, the reformation, the cipher, interview, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>95: Joe Schloss</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/95/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Joseph Schloss is the author of two of <em>the</em> definitive scholarly works on hip-hop culture. <a href="http://www.upne.com/0819574817.html"><em>Making Beats: The Art of Sample-Based Hip-Hop</em></a> is a look inside the insular world of hip-hop producers, showing us their rules, worldview, and day-to-day lives. <a href="http://global.oup.com/academic/product/foundation-9780195334067?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;"><em>Foundation: B-boys, B-girls and Hip-Hop Culture in New York</em></a> investigates the history and practice of hip-hop dance, as seen by the b-boys and b-girls themselves.</p><p>In our wide-ranging talk, we discuss the influence of <em>West Side Story</em> on hip-hop; what the “b” in “b-boy” <em>really</em> stands for; why having rap records at all wasn’t always a sure thing; and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/95/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/95/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The professor and author takes us to school about beatmaking, b-boying, Broadway, and more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:27:50</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>94: Tanya Morgan</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2015 11:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/94/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Tanya Morgan, as the title of one of their mixtapes states, is a rap group. Von Pea and donwill have been putting out classics since their 2006 debut <a href="http://tanyamorgan.bandcamp.com/album/moonlighting"><em>Moonlighting</em></a>. They’ve gone through successes, failures, lineup changes (original member Ilyas left in 2012), and more while continuing to reach for new sounds and concepts. Their most recent release is the EP <a href="http://tanyamorgan.bandcamp.com/album/12-minutes-at-karriems"><em>12 Minutes at Karriem’s</em></a>. We talked to the group about touring disasters, childhood friendships, Google Maps, that time donwill almost ended up on <em>Cops</em>, and much, much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/94/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/94/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Von Pea and donwill share their ups, downs, and sandwich preferences in this hilarious, insightful, and moving interview.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:36:33</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>tanya morgan, rap, hip-hop, interview, rubber souls, the cipher, podcast, okayplayer</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>93: Wrekonize &amp; Bernz of ¡Mayday!</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2015 11:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/93/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mursday-deluxe-edition/id874193035"><em>Mursday</em></a>.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/93/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/93/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The ¡Mayday! duo talk their group's history, working with Murs, how signing to Strange Music changed their sound, and tons more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:15</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>strange music, mayday, wrekonize, bernz, tech n9ne, rap, interview, hip-hop, podcast, the cipher</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>92: Lisa Cortés</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:01:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/92/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Lisa Cortés lives up to her self-description as a “hip-hop Zelig.” She began her career in 1986 as one of the first employees of a then-tiny record label called Def Jam. From there, she went on to manage legendary producers; discover hit rap, reggae, and r&amp;b acts; and even run a label herself.</p><p>After her time in the music industry came to an end, Lisa re-invented herself as a successful film producer, starting at the bottom and working her way up to playing a key role in the Oscar-winning movie <em>Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire</em>. She is currently producing, writing, and directing a number of fascinating film projects, which we discuss here.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/92/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/92/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Lisa, a true hip-hop Zelig, shares the story of her amazing life and career. From Def Jam to Oscar-winning movies, she's seen and done it all.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:45:56</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Lisa Cortes, Precious, Def Jam, hip-hop, rap, interview, the cipher, podcast, movies, black sheep</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>91: Rocky Ford</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/91/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Robert “Rocky” Ford Jr. got his start at <em>Billboard</em> 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!</p><p>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 <em>House Party</em>’s villains. Ford did it all in the 1970s and 80s, and shares his story here.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/91/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/91/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Meet Rocky Ford, the man who wrote "The Breaks" and "Christmas Rappin'" for Kurtis Blow, mentored a young Russell Simmons, and gave hip-hop its very first mainstream press coverage. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:23:49</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the cipher, rocky ford, kurtis blow, full force, russell simmons, run-dmc, 1980s, larry smith</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>90: Shea Serrano</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/90/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Shea Serrano is a Houston-based writer and illustrator whose funny, insightful work on rap, sports, and even action movies has appeared almost everywhere – you undoubtedly saw his brilliant holiday piece <a href="http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/three-wise-migos-a-very-special-holiday-tale-for-our-times/"><em>Three Wise Migos</em></a>. In addition, he wrote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bun-Rapper-Coloring-Activity-Book/dp/1419710419"><em>Bun B’s Rapper Coloring and Activity Book</em></a> and created the viral Tumblr sensations <a href="http://mashable.com/2013/09/06/drake-breaking-bad-tumblr/">Drake-ing Bad</a> and Sex Questions From Seventh Graders.</p><p>We spoke to Serrano about his life and career, why ‘94 will always be r&amp;b’s peak year, and why he’s okay with you loving J. Cole, even if you’re wrong.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/90/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/90/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The author of Bun B's Rapper Coloring and Activity Book talks drawing rappers, getting robbed by Z-Ro, and why action movies were better when the actors were worse.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>52:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, rap, hip-hop, the cipher, shea serrano, bun b, three migos</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>89: Smoke DZA &amp; R.F.C.</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/89/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-outsiders/id934927501"><em>The Outsiders</em></a>. 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/89/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/89/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Smoke DZA and Bluntsmoker talk ghostwriting, Harlem, and why rapping about weed doesn't make you a "weed rapper."</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:08:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Smoke DZA, RFC, Outsiders, Rap, hip-hop, interview, The Cipher, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>88: Divine Styler</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/88/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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, <em>Spiral Walls Containing Autumns of Light</em>, drastically expanded the range of what a hip-hop artist could do with its spoken word-industrial-rock hybrids.</p><p>His latest record <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/def-mask/id937760381"><em>Def Mask</em></a> 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/88/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/88/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Divine Styler traces his path from NYC park jams to stretching musical boundaries along with Ice-T and House of Pain all the way through his return to rap after a 15-year hiatus. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:16:17</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Divine Styler, Ice-T, House of Pain, rap, West Coast, Rhyme Syndicate, The Cipher, hip-hop, rap, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>87: Ron Isley, Remixed</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2014 10:29:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/87/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we celebrate the new year by bringing you an improved, remixed version of our talk with Ron Isley. Isley is the legendary lead singer of The Isley Brothers, and a soul music icon who has been a vital force in popular music for over half a century.</p><p>The Isley Brothers first reached the charts with the 1959 hit “Shout,” and had an amazing run all the way through 1983’s oft-sampled “Between the Sheets.” Ron’s career was revitalized by a series of collaborations with R. Kelly starting in 1996, including 2001’s memorable hit “Contagious.” His most recent solo album, released right around the time of this conversation, was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Song-You-Ronald-Isley/dp/B00BEWNAA0"><em>This Song Is For You</em></a>, which featured the single “Dinner and A Movie.”</p><p>We talked to Ron about his whole career, from his early years singing gospel straight through to today, with stops in Motown, his influential songs of the 1960s and 70s, the inside scoop on working with R. Kelly, and lots more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/87/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/87/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Happy New Year! To celebrate, here's a remixed, revamped version of our 2013 talk with soul music legend Ron Isley.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>46:43</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>86: An Ill Badler Christmas 2014</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:31:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/86/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <a href="https://soundcloud.com/theciphershow/xmas-jollies-14">here</a>) and his part in the new holiday music documentary <a href="http://jinglebellrocks.vhx.tv/"><em>Jingle Bell Rocks</em></a>.</p><p>We also find time to talk about the Rock &amp; 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 <a href="https://soundcloud.com/theciphershow/xmas-jollies-14">Soundcloud page</a>.</p><p>P.S. We’re honored to have been chosen as one of <em>Slate</em>’s “Best Podcasts About Music” this year. You can see the complete list <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/the_music_club/features/2014/slate_music_club_2014/the_best_podcasts_about_music_2014_s_best_protest_songs_and_answer_songs.html">here</a>. And, as mentioned in the show’s introduction, you can find Cornell University’s online exhibit of Bill’s Def Jam materials on <a href="http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/defjam/">the university’s website</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/86/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/86/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Our annual holiday episode featuring noted Christmas music nut (and rap industry legend) Bill Adler.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:keywords>Christmas, Holiday, The Cipher, hip-hop, rap, interview, podcast, Bill Adler, Def Jam</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>85: Adam Mansbach: You Have to Fucking Eat</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/85/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Most people know author Adam Mansbach from his 2011 “children’s book for adults,” <em>Go the Fuck to Sleep</em>. It became a sensation and led to readings by Werner Herzog and Samuel L. Jackson, a movie deal, a popular GTFTS-themed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeTQq22EM0k">Obama ad</a>, and countless morning show appearances. Now he returns with a sequel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-Fucking-Owen-Brozman-Mansbach-ebook/dp/B00NWVT16I"><em>You Have to Fucking Eat</em></a> — a funny and realistic take on a whole new parenting challenge.</p><p>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 <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/35/">our first talk</a>. This time, we talk screenwriting, thrillers, middle grade books, and the best child rappers of all time.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/85/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/85/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode, we talk to one the dean of obscene fake children's literature, Adam Mansbach. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>50:54</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>84: 88-Keys</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:38:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/84/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>88 has continued to make music for everyone from Beanie Sigel to Macy Gray, in addition to releasing his own solo album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Death-Adam-88-Keys/dp/B001EZ7TA4"><em>The Death of Adam</em></a>, 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.</p><p>We talked to 88 about his past, present, and exciting future, including his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/locksmithmusic.llc">Locksmith Music</a> label.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/84/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/84/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Super-producer 88-Keys tells all about making beats for Kanye West, Mos Def, Beanie Sigel; his run-ins with Paul McCartney and his record company;  and tons more in this exclusive in-depth convo.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>83: Buddha Monk &amp; Mickey Hess on Ol' Dirty Bastard</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2014 11:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/83/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <em>The Dirty Version: On Stage, In the Studio, and In the Streets With Ol’ Dirty Bastard</em>, published by Harper Collins. You can buy it <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/9780062231413/the-dirty-version">here</a>.</p><p>If you like this episode, be sure to check out our recent <a href="http://radio.com/2014/12/01/wu-tang-clan-interview-rza-a-better-tomorrow/">article on the Wu for Radio.com</a></p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/83/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/83/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A live interview with the authors of a brand-new biography of Wu-Tang's Ol' Dirty Bastard - Dirt's right-hand man Buddha Monk and Rider professor Mickey Hess.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:10:31</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>ODB, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Wu-Tang, A Better Tomorrow, 36 Chambers, hip-hop, lyrics, The Cipher, podcast, interview, rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>82: Nino Bless</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/82/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Nino Bless got his start in the NYC mixtape scene in the mid to late 2000s. He first came to many fans’ attention with a killer verse on Joe Budden’s 2008 song “Slaughterhouse.” From there, he released a string of increasingly personal and powerful projects that revealed a true artist with a unique vision. His <i>R.O.A.M.</i> series of records, three albums deep, are complex, varied, and like nothing else out there. His latest project is <a href="http://www.datpiff.com/Nino-Bless-Illuminati-Reject-mixtape.642635.html"><em>Illuminati Reject</em></a>.</p><p>We talked to “the Chomsky of Ebonical speech” about getting encouragement from your idols; how he made “Rhyme of the Year (MK Ultra),” his epic “response to the response” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse; how New York City has changed; how Drake is truly the realest rapper out; and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/82/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/82/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Illuminati Reject himself tells us about mixtapes, how he keeps challenging himself, and why Drake is the realest rapper out there.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:06</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Nino Bless, Illuminati Reject, Control, Drake, Rap, Hip-Hop, The Cipher, Interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>81: Sage Francis</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:50:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/81/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <em>Personal Journals</em>. That started a non-stop grind of running <a href="http://www.strangefamousrecords.com/">his own record label</a> while putting out five albums and doing countless tours over the next eight years. After 2010’s <em>Li(f)e</em>, he took a four-year hiatus from recording and touring — one that ended with this year’s <a href="http://strangefamousrecords.bandcamp.com/album/copper-gone"><em>Copper Gone</em></a>.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/81/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/81/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>An epic chat with the indie-rap icon Sage Francis about writing, cats, his four year hiatus, and, of course, France.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:21:02</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Sage Francis, Strange Famous, The Cipher, Podcast, Rap, Hip-Hop, Underground Rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>80: Brian Coleman</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/80/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we talk to author Brian Coleman. Coleman has written three volumes of what he calls “invisible liner notes” — blow-by-blow accounts of the making of classic hip-hop records from the people who were there. The newest entry in the series is <em>Check the Technique, Vol. 2</em>, which you can (and should!) cop <a href="http://www.goodroadgoods.com/product/brian-coleman-s-check-the-technique-volume-2-book-autographed">here</a>.</p><p>We discuss KMD, the differences between the two emcees in Black Star, the reason <em>Licensed to Ill</em> never made it into his books, why first or second albums are always a group’s best, and plenty more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/80/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/80/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Brian Coleman breaks down his brand-new book of "invisible liner notes" of classic hip-hop records, Check the Technique Vol. 2.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:01:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Check the Technique, Cipher, hip hop, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>79: Lisa Leone</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2014 20:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/79/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Lisa Leone has lived a life for the ages. She began photographing some of the most important figures in the early days of hip-hop culture (who were also her friends) as a teenager. Then she took some of the best, most revealing photos ever of musical icons like Snoop Dogg, Nas, The Fugees, Mary J. Blige, and tons more. Lisa moved from there into working on music videos, before her career took an unexpected left turn.</p><p>She turned a short research photo assignment for a friend into four years working closely with film legend Stanley Kubrick on his final film, <em>Eyes Wide Shut</em>. Then she took that experience and co-directed the iconic documentary on sneakers and sneaker heads, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451090/"><em>Just for Kicks</em></a>.</p><p>A gorgeous book of Lisa’s hip-hop photos, <em>Here I Am - Photographs By Lisa Leone</em>, is <a href="http://minormattersbooks.com/products/here-i-am-photographs-by-lisa-leone">available now</a>. An exhibit of that name is <a href="http://www.bronxmuseum.org/exhibitions/here-i-am-photographs-by-lisa-leone">running through January 11th</a> at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. You can view a slideshow of some of her photos <a href="http://www.complex.com/style/2014/06/lisa-leone-photography">over at Complex</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/79/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/79/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Photographer, cinematographer, and director Lisa Leone shares her tales of the glory days of graffiti, photographing some of rap's biggest stars, and working with film legend Stanley Kubrick. This is a must-hear!</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:03:06</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shit, Illmatic, Nas</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>78: No Malice</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:06:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/78/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we have a wide-ranging convo with Gene “No Malice” Thornton of Clipse. No Malice (formerly just Malice, before a <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/502870/clipses-malice-changes-name-to-no-malice">religious epiphany</a> several years back) and his brother Terrance, a.k.a. Pusha T, form one of rap’s greatest duos. Their smart, vicious raps — often about their real-life experiences dealing cocaine — first brought them to prominence with the massive hit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjWAWcx4xdE">“Grindin’”</a> back in 2002. The group quickly became a critical and commercial favorite, thanks to the brothers’ rhymes and some production help from The Neptunes.</p><p>But after some <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/10/news_pf/Artsandentertainment/Escape_from_purgatory.shtml">label issues</a> and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/1610201/clipses-ex-manager-charged-with-leading-10-million-drug-ring/">legal problems</a>, Clipse went on hiatus. No Malice released his <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hear-ye-him/id687503414">solo debut</a> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Pitiful-Poor-Blind-Naked-ebook/dp/B004SIQSVU">memoir</a>, while his brother <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/1647697/pusha-t-signs-with-kanye-wests-good-music/">joined forces with Kanye West</a>. We talk to No Malice about God, going solo, the past (and future) of Clipse, which lyric he regrets most, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/78/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/78/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>One half of Clipse talks the past (and future) of the group, his biggest lyrical regret, and how he hasn't changed nearly as much as you might think.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:05:57</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Clipse, Malice, Pusha T, rap, interview</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>77: DJ Quik and Eric Biddines</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/77/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-midnight-life/id912629394"><em>The Midnight Life</em></a>, 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.</p><p>In the second half of the show, we introduce a new artist. Eric Biddines is a Florida-based rapper whose new project, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/planetcoffeebean-2-deluxe/id914175365?ls=1"><em>Planet Coffee Bean 2</em></a>, came to our attention recently. Eric’s futuristic, imaginative, and caffeinated music — and personality — are not to be missed.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/77/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/77/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A short but epic and incredibly fun interview with DJ Quik, followed by an introduction to Florida's Eric Biddines, a creative, coffee-obsessed new artist.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>52:44</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>DJ Quik, Midnight Life</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>76: Rittz</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:24:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/76/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to The Cipher! Outside the Lines With Rap Genius has been renamed, rebranded, and improved. We begin the podcast’s new chapter with Strange Music’s favorite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQW5QTOlx_I">“White Rapper,”</a> Rittz. We talked to the Atlanta artist on the day his latest album, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/next-to-nothing-deluxe-edition/id906429723"><em>Next to Nothing</em></a>, was released. We spoke about syllable matching, the dark side of partying, how the 1996 Olympics changed everything, and tons more.</p><p>Rittz’ fast-rapping style first grabbed fans’ attention on Yelawolf’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7htO8HZhIw">“Box Chevy Pt. 3”</a> in 2010, after a decade of grinding in the Atlanta underground. He signed to Tech N9ne’s <a href="http://www.strangemusicinc.com/">Strange Music</a> label, where his fast-rapping acrobatics and introspective, painfully honest lyrics fit right in. <em>Next to Nothing</em> continues and improves on his patented style while adding some new twists — including a fair amount of singing, which we talk about during the interview.</p><p>Make sure to follow The Cipher on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCipherShow">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCipherShow">Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/theciphershow">Instagram</a>. Most importantly, subscribe, rate, and review us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cipher/id530017639">iTunes</a>.</p><p><strong>About the re-launch:</strong></p><p>The Cipher is a revamp and continuation of the long-running and critically acclaimed podcast Outside the Lines With Rap Genius. We’ve taken the show outside of the Genius family in order to devote the time and attention necessary to really make it great. For those who loved the podcast previously, we still have the same in-depth conversations, the same questions no one has ever asked before, and the same variety of awesome guests. But we’ve improved everything else — the sound, the look, the format, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/76/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/76/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Our first show as The Cipher finds us talking to Strange Music powerhouse Rittz on the day his new album Next to Nothing is released. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>33:01</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Rittz, Atlanta, Strange Music</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>75: The Best Of OTL Pt. 2</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2014 13:14:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/75/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 2 of OTL’s best.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/75/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/75/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The conclusion to a two part segment, The Best Of takes you through OTL's cast of characters -- touching down on its most memorable moments and soundbites. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>24:39</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>74: The Best Of OTL Pt. 1</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2014 10:31:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/74/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/74/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/74/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The first of a two part segment, The Best Of takes you through OTL's cast of characters -- touching down on its most memorable moments and soundbites. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>21:50</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>73: Christopher Jackson</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/73/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/73/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/73/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>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. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>51:48</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, Outside the Lines, Holler If Ya Hear Me</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>72: Todd Kreidler</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2014 10:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/72/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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</p><p>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</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/72/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/72/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk with Todd Kreidler, writer of the Broadway musical inspired by Tupac's life, 'Holler If Ya Hear Me'. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>48:52</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>71: Saul Williams</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/71/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/71/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/71/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk with Saul Williams about his role in 'Holler If Ya Hear Me', the new musical based on the songs of Tupac Shakur.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>54:38</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, Outside the Lines, Saul Williams </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>70: YC the Cynic</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2014 11:06:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/70/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>YC the Cynic is a constantly changing MC. “You’re Welcome”, his first mixtape in 2010, saw YC rapping over classic New York beats — exploring the lineage of rappers that came before him. By the time he released his next mixtape, “Fall Forward”, the following year, the rapper was already exploring and defining a new space for himself. Containing mostly original production, “Fall Forward” allowed YC to experiment, delving into complex, diverse, and imaginative flows, both in rhyme and subject matter. “Fall Forward” proved to be the breakout tape for YC, the success riding off the project pushing him further towards bigger collaborations and bigger stages. A founding member of the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective, YC has traveled with the group in the context of music, social justice, and community engagement alike, weaving the three into a tandem mission.</p><p>His newest project, “GNK”, sees YC engaging with some of the themes he does best: the complex associations behind certain uses of language and how speaking through different perspectives can be equally personal and universal.</p><p>We spoke to the Cynic about bearing the cross of the Bronx, New York hip hop, gentrification, the similarities behind “profit” and “prophet”, what does it mean to pay homage, the many voices behind “GNK”, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/70/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/70/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to YC the Cynic, ever-changing MC from the Bronx, whose new project, "GNK", explores how speaking through different perspectives can be equally personal and universal.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>39:03</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Outside The Lines, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>69: Gangsta Boo</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2014 11:42:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/69/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Gangsta Boo joined Three 6 Mafia when she was only a teen. To this day, she is still the first and only female member of the group. After a successful run with the group, she left and embarked upon a flourishing solo career. One of the most active and consistent MCs in the game, Gangsta Boo has worked with some of the South’s best over the course of her career. Memphis born and bred, her sound will be forever engrained in the traditions and classic sound of the city. Honest, hard-hitting, and forever unafraid of her competition, Gangsta Boo has a sound that will continue to be influential for years to come. These days, you can find her working on a new project, <em>Witch</em>, with fellow MC La Chat and producer DJ Paul.</p><p>We talked how the Memphis sound is taken without homage paid, the influence of bounce music on her own style, the origins of “get your broke ass out of the club”, some of her most iconic lines, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/69/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/69/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode, we talk to legendary Gangsta Boo, the first and only female member of Three 6 Mafia. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>41:00</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Outside The Lines, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>68: Grandmixer DXT</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2014 21:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/68/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Grand Mixer DXT’s invention of the turntable as a musical instrument changed hip hop forever. His background as a jazz drummer gave him not just great rhythm, but inspired him to use the turntables to create pitch. These kinds of innovations brought DXT to the attention of Herbie Hancock, who used the DJ in his 1983 album <em>Future Shock</em>. The single from that album, “Rockit”, launched DXT to worldwide attention. He toured all over the world with the Rockit band, and continued innovating with the turntables. Since those days, DXT has continued being a influential DJ and artist. Most recently, DXT and a group of pioneering DJs were inducted into Hollywood’s Rock Hall of Fame.</p><p>We walk with DXT at Rap Genius’ office in Brooklyn. About 40 minutes into the conversation, DXT is joined by Infinity Emcees member Rahiem, who has worked with DXT for decades. We talked New York DJ history, what the turntable did to hop hop, Herbie Hancock and “Rockit”, and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/68/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/68/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode, we talk to Grand Mixer DXT, the first DJ to ever rhythmically scratch a record on a turntable.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:18:49</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Outside The Lines, podcast</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>67: Nas - Illmatic</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/67/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of OTL is a special one. We got the incredible opportunity to sit down with the Don, Nas, to engage him in a back and forth about his iconic album, <em>Illmatic</em>. The debut album of Nas and a landmark album in both its regional scene and in the overarching hip hop landscape, <em>Illmatic</em> is a work that continues to hold the same poignance, genius, and relevance today.</p><p>Hosted by OTL host Shawn Setaro and Nicole Otero at the Rap Genius Ranch at South by Southwest, the conversation included questions from the hosts themselves, RG users, and even members from the audience who were able to participate in their own Q&amp;A. Nas answered candidly with answers that inform some of the deepest thematic chords that run throughout the album, along with stories of his childhood and come up in the Queensbridge, New York.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/67/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/67/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>In a special edition of the OTL podcast, we host a live conversation with Nas about his iconic album Illmatic, including questions from RG users and an audience Q&amp;A.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>55:10</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>66: Pharoahe Monch - PTSD</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:55:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/66/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Longtime listeners to the show will recall Pharoahe Monch as OTL’s first three-peat guest, first appearing on the show in July 2012. This time, we sat down with Pharoahe and his manager Guy Routte to talk <em>PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder</em>: Pharoahe’s new album that’s dropping today. With a desire to continue exploring themes of violence, peace, war, and recovery as well as exploring his own dealings with mental health, Pharoahe transformed what was originally supposed to be an EP into a full length album following his last album, <em>W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)</em>.</p><p><em>PTSD</em> is at once a very personal and a very removed project. Pharaohe speaks for many people beyond himself through PTSD, slipping into different narrators to communicate larger issues of dealing with trauma in multiple spheres — in marginalized black communities, in war veterans, and in his own life. The narrator of the record splits into multiple layers — a PTSD riddled veteran grappling with problems of love and drugs and Pharoahe talking about his own career and personal life.</p><p>We talked <em>PTSD</em>, how the hip hop genre has changed, how mental health affects the black community, themes of gun violence, sanity and insanity, dealing with depression, the musical and thematic evolution of Pharaohe’s style, and whether or not <em>PTSD</em> is actually Pharaohe’s last full-length album.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/66/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/66/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We spoke with Pharaohe Monch about the new album PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, how mental health affects the black community, and the evolution of Pharaohe’s style. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>43:42</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Pharoahe Monch, PTSD, Talib Kweli, Black Thought, rap, hip-hop, podcast, interview, The Cipher</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>65: Rakim</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:56:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/65/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; 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.</p><p>Eric B &amp; Rakim released 4 albums together, including <em>Paid in Full</em>, <em>Follow the Leader</em>, <em>Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em</em>, and finally <em>Don’t Sweat the Technique</em>. Their perhaps most famous album, <em>Paid in Full</em>, 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, <em>The Seventh Seal</em> grapples with many emotions: optimism about President Obama’s election, mixed with the struggles of people losing jobs and homes.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/65/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/65/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to Rakim, the God MC, widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled MCs of all time. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>27:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Rakim, Podcast, Outside the Lines</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>64: Dan Charnas</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:37:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/64/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we talk to Dan Charnas, industry veteran, prolific music journalist, screenwriter, and most recently author of <em>The Big Payback</em>, the definitive history of hip hop business. Charnas began in the mailroom of the seminal rap label Profile Records, eventually becoming Rap A&amp;R and Promotion Manager — working on projects from Run-D.M.C., Dana Dane, Special Ed, Rob Base, Special Ed and DJ Quik. He was one of the first writers for <em>The Source</em>, part of the movement to create hip hop journalism. He was hired by Rick Rubin to run the rap department of his new Warner Bros joint venture, American Recordings. He went on to play many more roles within and surrounding the hip hop industry, getting deeply involved in projects including Sir Mix-A-Lot’s double-platinum single “Baby Got Back”, DJ Kool’s gold anthem “Let Me Clear My Throat,” and Chino XL’s acclaimed “Here To Save You All”.</p><p>As an incredibly talented writer and incredibly savvy man, Charnas set out about 4 years ago to begin constructing a complete history of hip hop business. What began as a potential news article quickly took a life of its own and this year he finally saw the completion of his work, acclaimed by the New York Times as “epic” and by Forbes as “a mature, Pulitzer-worthy work, an integral account of essential urban history”. The book contains detailed accounts of major transitions and deals made within the hip hop industry that would shape the music landscape for years to come.</p><p>We talk the dichotomy between being rich and being real, black capital in America, Bronx based beat hip hop vs. DJ Hollywood’s “club rap”, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/64/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/64/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to Dan Charnas, an industry veteran, prolific music journalist, and most recently author of The Big Payback - the definitive history of hip hop business.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:02:30</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>63: Loaded Lux</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2014 10:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/63/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Hailing from Harlem, Loaded Lux is considered a true pioneer and legend in battle rap. Lux grew up surrounded by battle rap culture, where cyphers were popping off around every corner in Harlem. He began his professional battle rap career featured on the early SMACK DVD’s in the mid 2000’s, and went on to go undefeated 7 weeks straight on 106 &amp; Park’s Freestyle Friday to be inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2007. He released his mixtape “You Gon’ Get This Work” in 2013 after his famous slogan, and is prepping his sophomore album set to release in 2014.</p><p>Loaded Lux is no ordinary battle rapper, counting Jay Z, Diddy, and Busta Rhymes as fans. His powerful delivery, nasty wordplay, and deep bars that cut into his opponents have racked him up countless wins — most notably in a recent high stakes battle against Hollow.</p><p>We talked why successful people love competition, the magic of history, the Black Panthers, Harlem’s battle rap scene, Illmind, and more with Lux.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/63/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/63/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode of Outside the Lines, we talk to Harlem rapper Loaded Lux, considered a true pioneer and legend in battle rap.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>36:25</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, Outside the Lines, Loaded Lux</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>62: Michael Watts</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/62/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Beginning with a hometown crew and a particular style of chopped and screwed remixes, Michael Watts successfully turned regional mix tape distribution into a record label empire - turning the national hip hop scene onto the Houston rap community. As we heard from our talk with <em>Houston Rap</em> author Lance Scott Walker, the Houston rap landscape is an incredibly rich one - widely defined by the rappers, producers, and DJs who have never and will never truly leave the city. No one knows that better than Watts.</p><p>We talked to the legendary DJ, founder and CEO of Swishahouse Records about the origins of chopped and screwed music, his “fuck action” mixtapes, the hype behind Mike Jones, the beginnings of Swishahouse, and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/62/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/62/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to Michael Watts, legendary DJ and founder of Swishahouse Records, about everything from the origins of chopped and screwed music and "fuck actions" to and the rise of Mike Jones.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>48:17</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Michael Watts, Podcast, Outside the Lines With Rap Genius, Hip Hop, Houston Rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>61: Robert Greene</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:57:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/61/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>We talk to author Robert Greene, who’s famous bestseller, <em>The 48 Laws of Power</em>, 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.</p><p>Greene’s latest book, just out in paperback, is <em>Mastery</em>. 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/61/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/61/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to writer Robert Greene, best-known for his first book, The 48 Laws of Power, a best-seller that took ideas from students of power names like Machiavelli and Sun Tzu and distilled their teachings into simple principles anyone can follow.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:00:19</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, Outside the Lines, Robert Greene</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>60: Roc Marciano</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:20:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/60/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Hempstead, Long Island’s Roc Marciano started his career out learning from the best, working closely with artists like Busta Rhymes and Pete Rock, but went solo in 2010 with the album Marcberg. Since breaking out into the spotlight, Marciano has been praised for his dynamic, soulful production and funny, clever rhymes - just some of the elements to his music that make him successful as a solo act.</p><p>We spoke to Roc about his fashion influences (the era of all velour suits, Nike Air Maxes, Pelle Soda Club jackets…), the way he first heard the music that shaped his own, the power of “blend tapes”, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/60/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/60/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Just before the release of his third solo album, Marci Beaucoup, we talk to Roc Marciano about the influence of Public Enemy on his music, the style of all velour suits and Air Max Nikes, the era of blend tapes, and more. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>28:55</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>podcast, Outside the Lines, Roc Marciano</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>59: Lance Scott Walker</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2014 22:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/59/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/59/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/59/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to Lance Scott Walker who, along with photographer Peter Beste, set out in 2004 to document the unique, vibrant, and complex culture that is the Houston rap scene.  </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>44:42</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Podcast, Outside the Lines With Rap Genius, Hip Hop, Houston Rap</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>58: Christmas With Bill Adler</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2013 03:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/58/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Returning guest Bill Adler is many things — music archivist, gallerist, head of PR for Def Jam at its creative apex — but he’s also a well-known Christmas music nut. After marrying into a Christian family, he started finding the best, most under-appreciated Christmas music he could, and putting it together into a compilation. He’s been sending his Christmas Jollies mixes to family and friends every year since the early 80s.</p><p>His mixes, despite having a relatively small circulation, have gotten tons of attention over the years. So we decided to talk to him about seasonal tunes, including his very important role in creating a certain holiday standard. He gave us insight into some key Christmas samples (Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis”, to name one), his own Christmas favorites, and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/58/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/58/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to industry veteran and Christmas music expert Bill Adler about everything from his Christmas Jollies mixes to the sample in "Christmas in Hollis" to his own Christmas favorites.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>31:20</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>outside the lines, bill adler, christmas, run dmc, aerosmith, rap genius, rap, russell simmons,</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>57: Paul Stewart</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2013 10:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/57/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Complex calls Paul Stewart “an unsung hero of L.A. hip-hop,” and this interview shows just how true that is.  From his early days breaking Tone-Loc and Young MC to guiding Coolio and the Pharcyde to the heights of success to overseeing the music in movies like Hustle &amp; Flow, Stewart has seen and done it all, West Coast-style.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/57/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/57/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A West Coast hip-hop impresario talks L.A. rap from Young M.C. to the Pharcyde to Warren G, and everything in between.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:02:37</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>Outside the lines, rap genius, rap, hip-hop, warren g, snoop, west coast, pharcyde</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>56: KRS-One</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/56/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>KRS-One is a hip-hop legend beyond compare.  He began his career with the classic <em>Criminal Minded</em>, 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/56/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/56/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the Teacha about his rhymes, history, and, of course, his philosophy.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>45:12</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>55: MC Serch and Blake "KEO" Lethem</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:38:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/55/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/55/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/55/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Two old-school NYC legends talk their past, present, and future.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>1:31:25</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>54: Brian Brater of Rawkus Records</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2013 16:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/54/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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</p><p>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</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/54/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/54/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The co-founder of Rawkus walks us through the history of the label good, bad, and ugly.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:11:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>rawkus, brian brater, uproxx, mos def, black star, pharoahe monch, eminem, kanye west, talib kweli, el-p, company flow</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>53: Kendrick Lamar GKMC Retrospective</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:01:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/53/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>We have a very special episode of <em>Outside the Lines With Rap Genius</em> 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/53/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/53/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>One year after the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, we sit down with K .Dot to get the inside scoop on one of the most heralded albums of recent years.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>31:44</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>52: Adam Mansbach and Kevin Coval</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2013 04:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/52/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, author Adam Mansbach (<em>Go the Fuck to Sleep</em>, <em>Rage Is Back</em>) returns to the show to talk about his new book, a thriller called <em>The Dead Run</em>.  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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/52/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/52/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Adam Mansbach returns with a new book, The Dead Run, and Chicago poet Kevin Coval to talk about rap, race, and Chief Keef.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:03:58</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>51: Umar bin Hassan of The Last Poets</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/51/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/51/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/51/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Umar bin Hassan of The Last Poets tells us the story of his life from his start as a shoeshine boy to becoming prince of Harlem.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:05:44</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>black,hiphop,rap,poetry,last,poets,genius,umar,panthers</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>50: The Best So Far</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2013 03:54:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/50/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>To celebrate fifty episodes of <em>Outside the Lines With Rap Genius</em>, we’re bringing you a very special best-of show.  Hear the most fascinating moments of our first fifty episodes.  Guests include Nas, RZA, Saul Williams, Big Daddy Kane, Jean Grae, Ron Isley, and TONS more!</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/50/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/50/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A compilation of the best moments from our first fifty shows.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>38:26</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,rap,nas,lyrics,lines,genius,rza,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>49: Rahiem of the Furious Five</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Sep 2013 03:29:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/49/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we have a talk with one of hip-hop’s first superstars - Guy Williams, better known as Rahiem (of all the ladies’ dreams), from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The Five took their sound and style from parties in the Bronx to stages all over the world, while having massive, world-changing hit songs like “The Message” and “White Lines.” We talked to Rahiem about his life and times with the Five and afterwards, and got some incredible tales of his, and a whole genre’s, rise to the top</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/49/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/49/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Hip Hop history with Rahiem of the Funky 4 MCs and later, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:03:06</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,hiphop,rap,flash,white,five,message,lyrics,lines,genius,furious,grandmaster</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>48: T.M. Wolf</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2013 02:56:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/48/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we bring you an interview with writer T.M. Wolf. Wolf is the author of <em>Sound</em>, one of the most awesome novels we’ve seen in years. Check out <a href="http://poetry.rapgenius.com/Tom-wolf-authors-cut-of-chapter-3-of-sound-lyrics">an excerpt, annotated by the author</a>, on Rap Genius.</p><p>The book tells the story of Cincy, a former grad student who returns to his Jersey shore hometown for a summer and falls in love and into a mystery. But it’s how the book is written that’s a kicker. Wolf uses techniques he learned from hip-hop (layering, repetition with variation, and more) to create a book that looks different from anything we’ve ever seen. Listen to find out more!</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/48/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/48/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak to author T.M. Wolf about his novel, Sound, a book that uses Hip Hop writing techniques to convey its story.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>52:05</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,new,wolf,beach,novel,sound,hiphop,rap,jersey,lines,genius,shore,wutang,outside,otl,tm</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>47: Awkword</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2013 02:47:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/47/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/47/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/47/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to rapper, activist and sociologist Awkword about his music, his politics, his upcoming charity album, and much more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>45:14</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>watch,world,soa,view,a16,awkword,antiglobalization</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>46: Ron Isley</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2013 02:33:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/46/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we talk to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers.  Ron and his brothers got their start singing together in the late 1940s, but had their first giant hit with 1959’s “Shout.”  They rode an incredible streak of success through their time with Motown, and then revamped their lineup in the 1970s, adding younger members to create classic jams like “It’s Your Thing,” “That Lady,” and “Between the Sheets.”  More recently, Ron played “Mr. Biggs” in a series of fantastic duets with R. Kelly.  His newest project is <em>Dinner And A Movie</em>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/46/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/46/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode, we talk to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ron Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>46:43</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>kelly,hiphop,rap,brothers,mr,your,thing,r,ron,lyrics,genius,its,biggs,isley</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>45: Michael Holman</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2013 02:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/45/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we talk to hip-hop impresario Michael Holman.  Holman was instrumental in bringing the burgeoning culture in Uptown NYC in the late 1970s — the breakdancers, the DJs, the rappers, and the aerosol artists — to a Downtown crowd and, shortly afterwards, to the rest of the world.  He wrote books, made short films, hosted TV shows, made albums, managed breakdance troupes, acted in movies, hosted live shows, you name it.  Holman also co-founded the band Gray, whose members have included the legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and film director Vincent Gallo.</p><p>He is perhaps best known for Graffiti Rock, a TV show he created and hosted in 1984, which was a Soul Train-style show for hip-hop.  While it only aired for one episode, its influence is still being felt.  In fact, Holman is currently putting together a documentary on the making of Graffiti Rock.  You can find out more about the project, and help him make it, <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/michaelholman/graffiti-rock-30th-anniversary">here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/45/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/45/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak to Hip Hop impresario Michael Holman about Graffiti Rock and his part in bringing New York's burgeoning Hip Hop culture to the world.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:33:50</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>rock,gray,michael,hiphop,street,graffiti,beat,breakdancing,holman,basquiat,negril</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>44: Cipha Sounds</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:56:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/44/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we bring you a career-spanning conversation with DJ, radio personality, and comedian Cipha Sounds.  Ciph is best known for his on-air position at NYC’s Hot 97 but, as you’ll hear, he’s had a wide-ranging career that goes from the depths of the underground scene to the heights of 90’s blinged-out maximalism.  In between, he somehow found time to have a key role in one of the greatest TV series of our time, The Chapelle Show.  We talk to him about all that and much more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/44/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/44/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk with Hot 97 DJ Cipha Sounds about his wide-ranging career which includes DJing for Lil' Kim and working on The Chapelle Show.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>52:13</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>james,97,show,hot,hiphop,rap,x,lil,sounds,lyrics,genius,rick,kim,sadat,chapelle,pharrell,clipse,cipha</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>43: Bill Adler</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:38:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/43/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we talk to Bill Adler.  Bill is best-known for his time as director of publicity for Def Jam and Rush Management from 1984-1990.  During that period, he helped to guide the careers of some of hip-hop’s most legendary artists, including LL Cool J, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and more.  He shares stories about many of those groups with us today.</p><p>In addition to his work at Def Jam, Bill has written several books, worked on TV documentaries, ran an art gallery, and, in his early years, worked closely with the famous hippie leader John Sinclair.  We talk about all of that and more in this epic conversation.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/43/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/43/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak to Def Jam alumni Bill Adler about his time at the label as well as his writing, television, and art projects.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:22:11</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>john,cool,hiphop,rap,public,simmons,def,russell,enemy,jam,j,boys,lyrics,genius,sinclair,beastie,ll,rundmc</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>42: Michael P. Jeffries</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 01:09:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/42/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we bring you a convo with Michael P. Jeffries, author of <em>Paint the White House Black: Barack Obama and the Meaning of Race in America</em>, a fascinating examination of how we think about race in a supposedly “post-racial” America.</p><p>Jeffries is also a huge hip-hop head, and has written about rap music and culture for <em>The Guardian</em>, <em>The Atlantic</em>, 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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/42/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/42/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Paint the White House Black author Michael P. Jeffries on thugging, Rick Ross, and the changing meaning of being multi-racial.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>38:26</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>ross,michael,hiphop,rap,obama,lil,wayne,p,lyrics,rick,tupac,jeffries</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>41: R.A. the Rugged Man</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 11:43:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/41/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/41/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/41/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The artist formerly known as Crustified Dibbs talks to us about his long history in the game, his new record, and Norah Jones.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>47:59</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,big,hiphop,rap,jones,records,legends,man,lyrics,genius,never,ra,jive,norah,notorious,die,rugged,rawkus</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>40: Milk Dee of Audio Two</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 00:07:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/40/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/40/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/40/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Still chilling, Milk Dee gives us the lowdown on his old group Audio Two, his production career, and the work of his sister, MC Lyte.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>37:09</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>audio,hiphop,rap,mc,two,lyrics,genius,milk,dee,lyte</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>39: Mystikal and Kevin Gates</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:52:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/39/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/39/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/39/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A double-hander with two Louisiana artists: Mystikal and Kevin Gates.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>53:54</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,new,money,kevin,orleans,hiphop,rap,lines,genius,cash,gates,sxsw,rouge,louisiana,outside,mystikal,baton</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>38: ItsTheReal</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:36:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/38/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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, <em>Urbane Outfitters</em>.  Their on-point humor, which makes fun both of and with rappers, has remained constant throughout.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/38/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/38/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak to comedy duo Eric and Jeff Rosenthal aka ItsTheReal who have just released their first mixtape, Urbane Outfitters.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>45:45</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>comedy,hiphop,rap,bun,b,lyrics,genius,maino,itsthereal</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>37: Sene</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/37/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; 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 &amp; Sene.  His vast musical imagination and fearless spirit have turned him into one of our favorite artists.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/37/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/37/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the brooklyknight himself.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>43:36</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>and,hiphop,rap,lyrics,genius,blu,jayz,clubhouse,sene,denetia</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>36: Mr. Len</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 23:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/36/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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 <em>Marvels of Yestermorrow</em>), and continues to DJ for a wide variety of hip-hop artists, including Jean Grae.</p><p>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 <em>Hov Said It Best</em>.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/36/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/36/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We sit down with DJ and producer Mr. Len, best known for his work with Company Flow. Len is joined by MeLa Machinko, a superb singer who has worked on some of your favorite rap songs.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:57</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,hiphop,rap,flow,kung,mr,lines,genius,faux,company,len,elp,outside,rawkus,mela,machinko</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>35: Adam Mansbach</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/35/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/35/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/35/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to Adam Mansbach, author of the satirical children's book Go the Fuck to Sleep as well as the novels Angry Black White Boy and The End of the Jews.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:16:21</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,john,to,rap,jones,go,fuck,adam,j,dolls,genius,sleep,period,elvin,dresden,coltrane,mansbach</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>34: Dante Ross</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:07:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/34/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we have a conversation with A&amp;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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/34/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/34/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to legendary A&amp;R man Dante Ross about the highlights and wild times of his extensive career.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:08</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,ross,de,hiphop,rap,la,soul,lyrics,lines,genius,dante,busta,rhymes,doom,outside,everlast,mf,kmd</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>33: Meyhem Lauren</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:07:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/33/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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!</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/33/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/33/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Queens MC and Polo addict Meyhem Lauren talks to us about his career, his beef with Pitchfork, and lots more!</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>34:57</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>hiphop,rap,meetings,lauren,lyrics,genius,brunch,polo,pitchfork,mandatory,outdoorsmen,meyhem</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>32: Big Daddy Kane</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/32/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to a man who needs no introduction, Big Daddy Kane.  Kane tells us about his legacy, dissing Erick Sermon, who <em>really</em> produced his first album, and tons more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/32/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/32/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The King Asiatic tells us about his legacy, dissing Erick Sermon, who really produced his first album, and tons more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>37:19</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,big,daddy,live,hiphop,rap,long,sermon,marley,lyrics,lines,genius,kane,marl,erick,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>31: Sadat X</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/31/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/31/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/31/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the amazing Sadat X, known for both his seminal work with Brand Nubian and his plethora of high-quality solo work.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>41:52</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>love,hell,hiphop,rap,x,wild,brand,lyrics,genius,cowboys,or,right,sadat,nubian</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>30: DJ Muggs</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:10:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/30/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to DJ Muggs.  Muggs is best known for his work with Cypress Hill, but he also has a long and storied career as a producer for such mega-hits as “Jump Around” and “Check Yo Self.”  He has also put out a ton of solo albums, as well as collaborations with the likes of Ill Bill, GZA, and Sick Jacken.  His latest, just-released solo album is Bass For Your Face.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/30/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/30/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We chat with Cypress Hill producer DJ Muggs about his extensive career, from his early days with 7A3 to his new solo album, Bass For Your Face.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>40:41</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,ice,hill,hiphop,rap,around,jump,cube,lyrics,lines,genius,outside,cypress,muggs,7a3</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>29: Dee-1 and Bilal</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:10:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/29/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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&amp;b star Bilal about his songwriting process, how to avoid being “corny” when writing love songs, and his memoires of super-producer J. Dilla.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/29/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/29/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A two-parter with New Orleans rising star Dee-1 and R&amp;B star Bilal.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>53:52</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>new,jay,hot,orleans,fresh,hiphop,rap,boys,lyrics,dilla,genius,juvenile,dee,bilal,mannie,sameoldshawn,deeone</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>28: Freddie Foxxx</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:10:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/28/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we have a conversation with Freddie Foxxx, a.k.a. Bumpy Knuckles.  Since his 1989 debut album Freddie Foxxx Is Here, he’s been known for his great rhymes, but also for his frank talk about the state of the record business, especially on his Industry Shakedown album.  He’s worked with some of the most legendary figures in hip-hop, including Eric B., KRS-One, DJ Premier, and lots more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/28/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/28/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A conversation with Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>55:54</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>old,the,shawn,guru,to,you,hip,hop,rap,lyrics,lines,genius,knuckles,freddie,same,sorry,gangstarr,bumpy,foxxx</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>27: Combat Jack</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2013 23:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/27/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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&amp;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…</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/27/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/27/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the influential blogger and host of The Combat Jack Show about his past, present and future - and about his recent run-in with a little website called Rap Genius...</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:08:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>26: Boots Riley</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Dec 2012 23:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/26/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>We talk to one of my personal favorite emcees, Boots Riley of The Coup.  He’s been putting out funny, politically engaged music since 1991 and is, in my opinion, one of the best rappers working today.  In addition to leading The Coup, Boots is also a member of the group Streetsweeper Social Club with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.  The Coup’s latest album, Sorry to Bother You, is in stores now.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/26/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/26/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Boots Riley of the Coup has been putting out funny, politically engaged music since 1991.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>36:51</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>25: Peter Rosenberg</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/25/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to Peter Rosenberg, DJ at NYC’s legendary Hot 97. Peter is a co-host of the popular morning show and also has a Sunday night underground program. He’s the host of the game show Hip Hop Squares, runs the popular Noisemakers interview series, and has his own Juan Epstein podcast. He talked to us about his history, the Summer Jam controversy, his definition of “real hip-hop,” and more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/25/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/25/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Hot 97 / Juan Epstein presenter Peter Rosenberg talks to us about his history, the Summer Jam controversy, and his definition of "real hip-hop".</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>51:15</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>24: Buckshot</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/24/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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!</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/24/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/24/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The man behind Black Moon and Duck Down Records talks to us about his work, from his classic Black Moon material to his new project with 9th Wonder.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:15:19</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,black,rap,moon,lines,genius,buckshot,down,tupac,duck,outside,sameoldshawn</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>23: Sean Price</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:13:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/23/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The inimitable Brownsville representer Sean P gives us a rundown of his long-awaited album, Mic Tyson.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/23/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/23/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The inimitable Brownsville representer Sean P gives us a rundown of his long-awaited album, Mic Tyson.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>24:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,rap,sean,lines,genius,bbq,sauce,down,price,duck,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>22: Styles P</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:14:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/22/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode, we sit down with the fantastic Styles P.  Best known for his work with The Lox and D-Block, Styles has been mixing street content (not for nothing is his latest album called The World’s Most Hardest MC Project) with hopeful messages and deep lyrical gems since the mid 90’s.  He is also perhaps rap’s best collaborator, responsible for superb duets with Jadakiss, Fabolous, Beanie Sigel, and lots more.  Styles is also a published author — his debut novel Invincible came out in 2010, and he is currently at work on a second book.  His aforementioned new album was released just last week.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/22/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/22/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak with Lox, D-Block and solo artist Styles P after the release of his latest album, The World's Most Hardest MC Project.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>40:03</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,hiphop,rap,p,lines,genius,styles,ruff,ryders,outside,jadakiss,lox,dblock</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>21: Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/21/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/21/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/21/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Deric Angelettie gives us the lowdown on his extensive career, from Two Kings in a Cipher to Bad Boy's The Hitmen and The Mad Rapper.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:07:49</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,big,rap,mad,eminem,lines,genius,flowers,rapper,notorious,jayz,biggie,smalls,kool,outside,tko,grandmaster,herc,ddot</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>20: Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/20/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we talk to two of our favorites here on Outside the Lines, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae, about their exciting new projects.  We start with a song-by-song preview of Pharoahe’s upcoming new album PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We’re honored to bring you what is so far Pharoahe’s only in-depth chat about these songs.  In the second half of our show, we talk to the amazing Jean Grae about her new single, “Kill Screen a.k.a. Steve Wiebe,” and her upcoming Gotham Down album.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/20/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/20/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Two of our favorites here on Outside the Lines, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae, talk to us about their exciting new projects.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>47:26</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,screen,hiphop,rap,damage,lines,genius,kill,gotham,ptsd,down,jean,interivew,outside,grae,pharoahe,monch</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>19: Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/19/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/19/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/19/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A very special talk with Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets on his extensive and fascinating life and work.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>01:43:38</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,rap,bill,last,poets,lines,genius,biggie,smalls,laswell,outside,abiodun</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>18: Skyzoo</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:17:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/18/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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!</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/18/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/18/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Brooklyn original Skyzoo on his new album, Total, and the world's best sandwiches.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>57:10</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,a,rap,dream,brooklyn,lines,genius,outside,deferred,skyzoo,sameoldshawn</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>17: Saul Williams</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:17:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/17/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/17/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/17/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>An extensive chat with the incredible poet, emcee, actor and musician Saul Williams.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>43:35</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,williams,rap,poetry,slam,chorus,lines,genius,saul,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>16: Brother Ali and Miss Haze</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 23:18:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/16/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/16/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/16/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak with Brother Ali, whose new album comes out this week, and Miss Haze of the Bay Area group 40 Love.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>41:22</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,in,america,hiphop,rap,san,francisco,ali,lines,genius,brother,outside,mourning,rhymesayers,40love</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>15: Tricia Rose</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:19:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/15/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Rose continues to write and speak about hip hop and other topics, in addition to her teaching duties.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/15/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/15/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>An in-depth discussion with writer and academic Tricia Rose, the author of hip-hop's first scholarly work, Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>50:56</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,black,wars,hip,hop,hiphop,rap,rose,noise,lines,genius,tricia,tupac,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>14: New Artist Special</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:19:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/14/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/14/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/14/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Talks with two new and exciting artists: Kid Static and Harlem's Ghetto Millionaires.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>53:23</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,knock,life,rap,harlem,kid,hard,lines,genius,ghetto,jayz,capri,static,outside,millionaires</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>13: Kurious</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/13/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/13/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/13/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The Constipated Monkey on the ups and downs of his career, the differences between his albums, and the transformation of his friend Zev Love X into MF DOOM.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>47:30</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,monkey,hiphop,rap,lines,genius,doom,outside,mf,kurious,constipated</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>12: Grand Daddy I.U.</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/12/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/12/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/12/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Biz Markie protégé Grand Daddy I.U. talks to us about his impressive career which spans five albums from 1990 to present day.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>44:06</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>cold,97,hot,chilling,roxanne,tupac,iu,biz,shante,treach,markie</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>11: Art of Rap and Zack O'Malley Greenburg</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/11/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/11/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/11/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Interviews from the NYC premiere of Ice-T's documentary The Art of Rap followed by an extended chat with Jay-Z biographer Zack O'Malley Greenburg.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>53:27</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>10: A.G. and O.C.</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/10/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/10/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/10/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>DITC members AG and OC join us for a memorable chat.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>9: Talib Kweli</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/9/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/9/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/9/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We talk to the veteran emcee about Black Star, similes, the Occupy movement, and lots more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>8: Nas</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/8/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/8/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/8/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>RG's first verified artist speaks on his new album, Life Is Good, Amy Winehouse, and his most puzzling lyrics.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>21:25</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,good,life,is,rap,amy,nas,lines,genius,winehouse,outside,illmatic</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>7: 4th Pyramid</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jul 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/7/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/7/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/7/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>4th Pyramid discusses Def Jux, Wu-Tang member, and how working for a car company was the best career move he ever made.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>26:32</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>6: Pharoahe Monch</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/6/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/6/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/6/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>Queens representer Pharoahe Monch on Diddy, Michael Bloomberg, and why he's obsessed with right angles. </itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>5: Invincible</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/5/</link>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/5/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/5/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>We speak to Detroit's Invincible about the Middle East, their memories of Proof, and why a great rhyme is like an eclipse.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>48:46</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,interview,hiphop,rap,detroit,dilla,lines,genius,invincible,proof,palestine,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>4: Kool Keith</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/4/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/4/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/4/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>The legendary Kool Keith, founding member of the Ultramagnetic MCs.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>55:08</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,black,keith,hiphop,rap,dr,lyrics,lines,genius,elvis,kool,outside,octagon</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>3: Soul Khan</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/3/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/3/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/3/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week we speak with Soul Khan about his new EP, battle rapping, why he hates the Electoral College, and lots more.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>36:20</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>2: The RZA</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/2/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, we sit down for a fascinating chat with Robert “The RZA” Diggs, mastermind of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. We talk to him about why he never had any fun as the Clan was getting famous, finding inspiration in ancient Persian poetry, and lots more.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/2/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/2/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week, we sit down for a fascinating chat with Robert "The RZA" Diggs, mastermind of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>33:52</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:keywords>the,rumi,hiphop,rap,lines,genius,persia,wutang,drake,rza,outside</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>1: Jean Grae</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 23:26:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <link>http://theciphershow.com/episode/1/</link>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://theciphershow.com/image/rssthumb/uploads/itunes-logonew.jpg"/>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>See <a href="http://theciphershow.com/episode/1/">http://theciphershow.com/episode/1/</a> for full show notes and comments.</p>]]></description>
      <itunes:subtitle>A talk with one of our favorite rappers, Jean Grae.</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:duration>55:11</itunes:duration>
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      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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