The Cipher

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 appe…

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 …

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, Fabol…

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 proj…

An in-depth interview with rap icon Talib Kweli. We talk to the veteran emcee about Black Star, similes, the Occupy movement, and lots more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/9/ for full show note…

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, …

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-Ta…

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…

This week we talk to one of our favorite emcees, Detroit’s Invincible, about the Middle East, their memories of Proof, and why a great rhyme is like an eclipse.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/5…

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 an…

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 alb…

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, find…

For the first edition of Outside the Lines we bring you a talk with one of our favorite rappers, Jean Grae. Jean’s sophisticated flows and rhyme schemes, hysterical wordplay, and good-old-fashioned v…