After joining social media site TikTok to tackle the challenge, the leading man in'The Two Popes' passes it on to action stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The creator/host of the long-running modeling competition finds herself under fire after a clip from a past episode in which she confronted Dani Evans about the gap in her teeth came out online again.

The 'Amazing Spider-Man' actor shares tips on how to deal with stress as he is quarantining by himself during the ongoing lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic.

The fitness guru Amanda Kloots writes an emotional note to her comatose husband who remains in hospital as he continues his arduous recovery from coronavirus.

The African-American community including the 'How to Get Away with Murder' actress and the 'Selma' helmer is mourning the loss of influential Uptown Records founder who has passed away at the age of 59.

Sofia Jamora addresses the internet chatters on her Instagram after fellow model Erza Haliti claimed she had an affair with married Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

The 'Lollipop' hitmaker and his plus-sized bride-to-be have seemingly put an end to their relationship only months after officially going public as a couple.

Joining Jada Pinkett Smith on her Facebook Watch show 'Red Table Talk', the 'Bird Box' actress and her daughter Laila surprise nurse manager April Buencamino ahead of Mother's Day.

After joining social media site TikTok to tackle the challenge, the leading man in'The Two Popes' passes it on to action stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The 'Amazing Spider-Man' actor shares tips on how to deal with stress as he is quarantining by himself during the ongoing lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic.

The fitness guru Amanda Kloots writes an emotional note to her comatose husband who remains in hospital as he continues his arduous recovery from coronavirus.

The African-American community including the 'How to Get Away with Murder' actress and the 'Selma' helmer is mourning the loss of influential Uptown Records founder who has passed away at the age of 59.

IN 1945 my late father, Peter Samuel Winton, was 18 years old and a merchant seaman sailing from Southampton on the dangerous Atlantic Convoy Run.

The new robot from Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. can't do much but chatter in a high-pitched voice.

The MTA's brand new breast cancer awareness month bus is now on the road.

A judge has cleared the way for a DNA test in a last-ditch effort to keep a dog from being euthanized in the death of a neighbor's pet.

Efforts to boost economic development and research in Flint are getting support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

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

A federal judge has delayed the sentencing of former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife for their corruption convictions.

Three women were shot during an incident that took place Thursday morning in Westerly. State police have confirmed that one of the victims, age 47, was killed.

Connecticut prosecutors have consolidated charges and offered a plea deal to three Stratford teenagers who are accused of arson in four communities last year.

Connecticut State Police will work with the city of Bridgeport to “de-escalate and prevent retaliation” after a shooting outside a local courthouse Monday. Police have made several arrests in the case.

The father of an 8-year-old Suffolk County boy who died last week has been charged with second-degree murder. His fiancée has also been charged. County Child Protective Services knew the boy suffered neglect in 2018.

A Florida man has been arrested for the harassment of the family of a Sandy Hook shooting victim. Police allege Wolfgang Halbig emailed hundreds of people the Social Security number of Leonard Pozner, whose 6-year-old son Noah died in the 2012 shooting. Halbig is a contributor to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones Infowars website. Halbig claims the shooting was a hoax. Halbig was charged with unlawful possession of personal identification and held on $5,000 bond.

Suffolk County will investigate how the Department of Social Services handled allegations of parental abuse in the case of an 8-year-old boy who died last week in his father’s custody.

A Connecticut judge has dropped the murder and kidnapping case against the late Fotis Dulos. He died in January, two days after an apparent suicide attempt.

Sir Howard Elston, our sports editor, sits down with the beleaguered chief FIFA honcho as he faces a 90 day suspension over lurid totally false allegations that he is a cheating lying self-deluding thief.

Perilous state of city landmark recognised.

"Very special student" honoured at Birmingham City University.

Helen Dixon House receives grant aid from police charity.

Police response followed policy before missing man found murdered.

Region’s showcase of ambitions sees 50% increase in media profile.

Top BBC presenter Michael Buerk is to return to his old school to chair Solihull’s inaugural Big Debate.

A Good Hope consultant has won international recognition for leading a new treatment study

Nature Valley Classic brings the best to Birmingham.

Stephen Pennell talks to two of grime's finest.

The sudden shutdown of all channels of Greece's national broadcasting company by the Greek government is 'unacceptable for an EU democracy', says West Mids and Warks Lib Dem MEP Phil Bennion.

A Year 13 student from Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) has secured a role with international news network, Russia Today.

In this week’s episode there’s new music from The Black Keys & Paul Cauthen, some classic blues & soul from Freddie King, Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield & some more recent (ish) cuts from Little Barrie and JD McPherson. 

The guys also host a session with Canadian Folk & Bluegrass superstars - The Dead South, performing a track from their new record entitled ‘Black Lung’.

To see The Dead South performances in full, head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BluesKitchenLondon

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode Gaz & Liam start the celebrations for Tom Waits’ 70^th Birthday (imagine being at that party?!).

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode there’s brand new music from, The James Hunter Six, Khruangbin & Leon Bridges.

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

Richard Lutz takes his pew at the Royal Shakespeare Theatrefor that most famous of revenge plays.

This week, we talk to a man of many names. Deric Angelettie is best known for his work with Bad Boy Records’ production squad The Hitmen, who took over the radio in the mid-90’s. In addition to producing hits like “All About the Benjamins” and “Hypnotize,” he served as Bad Boy’s comic id, The Mad Rapper.

Prior to all that, though, he was a rapper named D.O.P., who released a superb record as part of a duo called Two Kings in a Cipher, with future Hitmen partner Ron Lawrence. We chatted with Angelettie about his whole career and the large collection of top-tier rappers he’s collaborated with or produced.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/21/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we have a two-part extravaganza. In the first half of the show, we have a conversation from this past fall with rising star Dee-1. We chat with the New Orleans native about his city, his music, and why the “Stop Snitching” movement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. After that, we talk to r&b star Bilal about his songwriting process, how to avoid being “corny” when writing love songs, and his memoires of super-producer J. Dilla.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/29/ for full show notes and comments.

This episode, we talk to Milk Dee. Along with his brother Giz, they formed the Audio Two, an influential duo whose biggest hit, “Top Billin’,” has been sampled or interpolated by pretty much every rapper alive. We chat with Milk about the Audio Two, his successful production career (he was behind Eamon’s monster hit “Fuck It”), and the work of his sister, the legendary MC Lyte.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/40/ for full show notes and comments.

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 & 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.

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.

We talked why successful people love competition, the magic of history, the Black Panthers, Harlem’s battle rap scene, Illmind, and more with Lux.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/63/ for full show notes and comments.

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.

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.

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.

In addition to being a powerful organization, the Ghetto Brothers were also a rock and roll band. They only released one album, 1971’s Power Fuerza, but it became a prized collectors item, notable for its surprisingly sweet lyrics and Beatle-esque melodies, Latin percussion, and unique backstory.

While parts of Benjy’s story have been shared in the new documentary Rubble Kings and even in a graphic novel, the new book by Benjy and Amir Said, Ghetto Brother: How I Found Peace in the South Bronx Street Gang Wars, is the first place Benjy shares his entire life story.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/114/ for full show notes and comments.

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 Here Come the Lords, including the omnipresent “Chief Rocka.”

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.

NOTE: 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.

Question 1: Which artists ended up with a K-Def beat that was originally supposed to be on Illmatic?

Question 2: What song does K-Def credit with marking the end of sample-based hip-hop?

1 Grand Prize: K-Def’s Tape Two on vinyl & cassette + Damu’s Public Assembly Vol. 2 CD

2 Runner-Up Prizes: K-Def’s Tape Two cassette + Damu’s Public Assembly Vol. 2 CD

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/117/ for full show notes and comments.