The retired NBA player has sent a thousand of free pizzas to the key workers during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown at police stations and local hospital in Miami.

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

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

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

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

Aviva Endean (VIC), Hilary Kleinig (SA), Bree van Reyk (NSW), Kate Milligan (WA), and Frankie Dyson Reilly (QLD) have been announced as participants in the 2020 edition of the Summers Night Mentoring Project. 

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

Australian Music Centre is commissioning 10 presentations in 2020 under the banner of the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address. 10 x $1000 bursaries will be available to the Australian music community to create online works that are realised in 2020. Distribution will be in partnership with the ABC and Monash University, in order that your work reaches as broad an audience as possible, and further embeds Australian music in teaching and learning. Deadline for EOIs is at 5pm AEST on Friday 8 May 2020.

Even though our physical office is closed, we still have plenty of Australian Art Music available for purchase in our online shop!

Ten Australian composers are the recipients of the latest grants from APRA AMCOS and Australian Music Centre's Art Music Fund, taking the all-time funding total to more than $500,000 over five years. This year's $100,000 allocation will support a range of new projects as they come to life, including urban art installations, video and sound works and an a cappella collaboration. The 2020 Art Music Fund recipients are: Kristin Berardi, Leah Blankendaal, Olivia Davies, Aviva Endean, Madeleine Flynn & Tim Humphrey, Thomas Meadowcroft, Maria Moles, Jodi Rose and Jon Rose.

Connecticut officials have announced a $50,000 reward for information to help solve the killing of an Air Force veteran. Governor Ned Lamont approved the maximum reward allowed by state law in the case of Dominic Marino. The 30-year-old veteran was found shot to death with his wrists and ankles bound with tape in his East Hartford home in 2018. Police say the suspect or suspects appeared to have forced their way into the home. Marino’s father said his son served in Guam, South Korea and Kuwait. The reward is for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers.

Two Sandwell community swimming pools to close to help fund Commonwealth Games Aquatics Centre, reports Steve Beauchampe.

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

Half a century has passed since they flicked rubbers at each other from their desks, but up to 250 of a Sutton Coldfield secondary school’s first pupils are to reunite to mark its 50th anniversary.

Spoken word extravaganza to promote social enterprise once more.

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode, Gaz & Liam bring you new music from The Menahan Street Band & Monophonics.

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

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

Be sure to join the guys at:

The Blues Chronicles

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

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

50th Anniversary of Abbey Road

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…

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode, Liam & Gaz bring you new music from Marcus King & The Wood Brothers.

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

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

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

Be sure to check out:

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In the first show of 2020, Gaz & Liam bring you new music from Nathaniel Rateliff & James Hunter alongside classic blues, soul & funk from: Magic Sam, James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Al Green, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Feat.

Head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out:

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

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode there’s brand new music from the legendary Willie Nelson alongside classics from Iron Butterfly, Bo Weavil Jackson, Bonnie Dobson, Eric Clapton, The Supremes & Terry Allen.

There’s also an exclusive session with Union Duke. The band perform their wildly infectious ‘LaDiDaDiDa’ in session exclusively for The Blues Kitchen at this year’s AmericanaFest UK 2020

To watch the performance head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:

https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Thurs 27th 2020 [SOLD OUT]

Fri 28th Feb 2020 [SOLD OUT]

Mon 5^th Oct 2020

Tues 6^th Oct 2020

Weds 7^th Oct 2020

Thurs 8^th Oct 2020

Fri 9^th Oct 2020

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week’s episode there’s new (ish) music from Brittany Howard & Markus King alongside some choice cuts from Bobby Charles, Detroit Junior, Delaney & Bonnie, Jimi Hendrix & Lee Fields.

There’s also an exclusive session with Nathaniel Rateliff, performing an acoustic version of ‘What A Drag’ from his new album ‘And It’s Still Alright’.

To watch the performance head over to The Blues Kitchen YouTube:
www.youtube.com/BluesKitchenTV

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/
Mon 5th Oct 2020
Tues 6th Oct 2020
Weds 7th Oct 2020
Thurs 8th Oct 2020
Fri 9th Oct 2020

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Mixcloud, Acast & many more…

In this weeks episode, the guys bring you brand new music from Jaime Wyatt & The Lemon Twigs. 

There's also classic blues, RnB & soul from Taj Mahal, The Meters, Sam Samudio, The Coral, The Spencer Davis Group & a Blues Kitchen archive session track from The Budos Band. Where hard Rock N Roll meets Afro-beat...

Be sure to check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Mon 5th Oct 2020
Tues 6th Oct 2020
Weds 7th Oct 2020
Thurs 8th Oct 2020
Fri 9th Oct 2020
Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7LJ

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

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

With Gaz in quarantine in the depths of East London, Liam is flying solo this week.  

There is new music from Swamp Dogg, Margo Price, Lee Fields, Los Yesterdays & The Monophonics alongside some classics from Elmore James, Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis. 

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…

Liam & Gaz are re-united & recording remotely while we all ride the next couple of months out in isolation...

With plenty of time on their hands, the guys dig out classic records from Muddy Waters, The Apostles of Music, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Funkadelic, The Temptations, Wilco & The Beach Boys. 

There's also an unplayed Blues Kitchen Archive session track from The North Mississippi Allstars.

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

Liam & Gaz continue to record The Blues Kitchen Podcast from opposite sides of London...

There's new music from Mavis Staples, Jeff Tweedy & Arthur Ahbez alongside classics from Fleetwood Mac, Howlin' Wolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival & Gil Scott Heron.

There's also a special new 'Live Request' feature starting this week. 

Email your requests over to radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

New music on the show this week from Laura Marling & Alison Mosshart.

Liam & Gaz also pay tribute to John Prine who very sadly passed away this week. 

Expect classic tunes form The Rolling Stones, Otis Spann, Sam Cooke & a Blues Kitchen archive session track from The Texas Gentlemen, playing their version of 'The Shape I'm In' originally written & recorded by The Band.

Ciara Haidar closes the show this week, with one of our listeners requests, performing a version of 'St James Infirmary Blues'.

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

New music on the show this week from Howie Payne.

Liam & Gaz also pick out some classics from Little Walter, Cyl Johnson, Little Feat, The Little Shadows, John Prine & Lightnin' Hopkins.

Ciara Haidar closes the show once more, with one of our listeners requests, performing a version of 'Didn't It Rain'.

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

Liam & Gaz play new music this week from Nick Waterhouse, The Texas Gentlemen & Orions Belte.

There's also a live Blues Kitchen Archive Session track from Nathaniel Rateliff alongside some classics from T Bone Walker, Magic & ZZ Top. 

Ciara Haidar continues taking listener requests this week, with a Bruce Springsteen cover.

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

In this week's episode there is new music from Neal Francis & Swamp Dogg.

Gaz & Liam also dig out some classics from Janis Joplin, Taj Mahal, Gillian Welch, Sonny Boy Williamson & Frankie Lee. 

The wonderful Ciara Haidar continues taking listener requests, with a special Neil Young cover.

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

Check out The Blues Chronicles:
https://theblueschronicles.com/events/

Email the show: radio@theblueskitchen.com

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

On this episode, we talk to two members of one of rap’s most formidable collectives. A.G. and O.C. of the Diggin’ in the Crates crew join us for a memorable chat. Topics include their new LUV NY project, their classic debut albums, their memories of deceased crew member Big L, the effect of the esoteric and influential 5 Percent Nation of Islam on their work, the oddest shout-outs they’ve ever gotten, and lots more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/10/ for full show notes and comments.

This week, we 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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/20/ for full show notes and comments.

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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/30/ 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.

To celebrate fifty episodes of Outside the Lines With Rap Genius, 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!

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/50/ for full show notes and comments.

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.

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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/60/ for full show notes and comments.

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.

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.

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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/70/ for full show notes and comments.

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 Check the Technique, Vol. 2, which you can (and should!) cop here.

We discuss KMD, the differences between the two emcees in Black Star, the reason Licensed to Ill never made it into his books, why first or second albums are always a group’s best, and plenty more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/80/ for full show notes and comments.

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

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

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

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

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 Three Wise Migos. In addition, he wrote Bun B’s Rapper Coloring and Activity Book and created the viral Tumblr sensations Drake-ing Bad and Sex Questions From Seventh Graders.

We spoke to Serrano about his life and career, why ‘94 will always be r&b’s peak year, and why he’s okay with you loving J. Cole, even if you’re wrong.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/90/ for full show notes and comments.

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

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

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

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