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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/78/ for full show notes and info.

078: No Malice (of Clipse)

Hip Hop history with Rahiem of the Funky 4 MCs and later, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/49/ for full show notes and info.

049: Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five

We speak to Def Jam alumni Bill Adler about his time at the label as well as his writing, television, and art projects.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/43/ for full show notes and info.

043: Bill Adler

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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/36/ for full show notes and info.

036: Mr. Len

The King Asiatic tells us about his legacy, dissing Erick Sermon, who really produced his first album, and tons more.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/32/ for full show notes and info.

032: Big Daddy Kane

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.

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

091 Rocky Ford

Miami's mixtape king shares his past, present, and the making of his new album.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/102/ for full show notes and info.

102: DJ EFN

Face sounds off about his influences, his new memoir, and why you should never get into a car with Pac.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/104/ for full show notes and info.

104: Scarface

We talk to the Sex Pistols and PiL singer, one of the founding figures of punk rock.

For full show notes and info, visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/106/

106: John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon

Masta Ace gets on the mic for The Symphon...er, The Cipher.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/120/ for full show notes and info.

120 Masta Ace

From Sesame Street to near-death experiences to rap & writing success, a look at the life of a MF'ing star & his favorite producer.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/123/ for full show notes and info.

123: MF Grimm with Drasar Monumental

King Gampo shares his ups, downs, and why he's a 'Liability.'

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/125/ for full show notes and info.

125: Prof

This is the 2015 edition of Bill Adler's famed Christmas compilation. A companion to The Cipher Episode 134 with Bill Adler (http://theciphershow.com/episode/134/)

Track list:

[0:00] The Winter Experiment, "It Feels Like Christmas," 2013
[1:11] Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, "Big Bulbs," 2014
[3:54] The Wailers, "Christmas is Here [Sound the Trumpet]," 1968
[6:35] TriBeCaStan, "O Little Town of Bethlemayhem," 2014
[7:40] Season's Greetings from Kool DJ AJ, 2000
[7:49] Kid Cholesterol, "Christmas at Holly's," 2010
[9:54] Rev. Run: "*Everything* is Santa Claus"
[10:12] Sam Manning with the Melodettes and Felix Crazy Cats, "Looking For My Santa Claus," 1941
[12:12] Grupo Exterminador, "El Baile de Santa Clos," 1997
[14:47] Freddy Fender, "It's Christmas Time in the Valley," 1977
[17:43] Valerie June, "Winter Wonderland," 2014
[19:35] Fay Lovsky, "Christmas Was a Friend of Mine," 1981
[21:42] Sara Moulton on Being Mrs. Bill Adler at Christmastime
[22:28] Taj Mahal and the Blind Boys of Alabama, "What Can I Do?" 2014
[23:50] Bobby Charles, "Lonesome Christmas," 1986
[26:26] Duke Ellington, "Sugar Rum Cherry [Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy]," 1960
[27:58] The Mills Brothers, "You Don't Have to Be a Santa Claus," 1955
[30:39] Jimmy Giuffre with the Bob Brookmeyer Quintet, "Santa Claus Blues," 1957
[33:07] Ellie Holcomb with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, "Christmas for You and Me," 2012
[34:24] Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," 1966
[35:42] Johnny Lytle, "A Child is Born," 1989
[36:56] Little Johnny Taylor, "Please Come Home for Christmas," 1965
[39:52] Conjunto Quisqueya, "Palos Navideños," 1979
[41:58] A Public Service Announcement: "More of What You Like"
[42:12] Mr. President, "It's Christmas Time," 2011
[43:40] Linny Zaorski, "Shimmy On Down My Chimney," 2009
[45:24] Sugar Boy Crawford and His Canecutters, "White Christmas," 1961
[47:27] Sonora Consteña, "El Año Viejo," 2014
[49:58] Ornette Coleman: "Music seems to be a very good source of light," from an interview with Alan Light, 2007
[50:29] Ornette Coleman, "Peace," 1959



Bill Adler's Xmas Jolies 2015

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.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/146/ for show notes and info.

146: Phonte

Come take a psychedelic hip-hop trip as we introduce one of our favorite new artists.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/149/ for full show notes and info.

149: Cambatta

Peace! We trace the history of the Nation of Gods and Earths – and its influence on hip-hop – with one of its earliest members.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/151/ for full show notes and info.

151: Allah B of the Nation of Gods and Earths

The wild history of the Bronx's legendary hip hop junkies.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/158/ for full show notes and info.

158: Nice and Smooth

The Philly spitter talks Timbo, Missy, and how she found her own voice.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/159/ for full show notes and info.

159: Ms. Jade

We talk to the woman who was at the center of it all with Tommy Boy Records.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/171/ for full show notes and info.

The Cipher

171: Monica Lynch

The hipstep founder and "fourth musical son" of Afrika Bambaataa takes us from '80s battles through today's scandals.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/173/ for full show notes and info.

173: TC Izlam

Doctor Dré brought hip-hop to the world with Ed Lover on 'Yo! MTV Raps.' But his story is so much bigger than that.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/185/ for full show notes and info.

185: Doctor Dré

Ras Kass went from Soul on Ice to career on ice because of label and legal issues, but he’s back with 'Intellectual Property.'

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/186/ for full show notes and info.

186: Ras Kass

The Polo Rican talks life, loyalty—and, of course, ’Lo.  

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/187/ for full show notes and info.

187: Thirstin Howl the 3rd

From DJing in the ’70s to discovering Teddy Riley to running the UHHM, Rocky Bucano was (and remains) a key player.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/202/ for full show notes and info.

202: Rocky Bucano

The former Def Jam president talks Russell, gangsta rap, Malcolm X, and her front-row seat to two different revolutions.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/205/ for full show notes and info.

206: Nana Ashhurst

Track List:
“Xmas Jollies 2017”

1.  Nicky Russell, Oliver Christopher, Reuben LaMotta, 	“Guava Berry,” 1985
2.  The Kinks (introduced by DMX), “Father Christmas,” 1977
3.  Evan Johns And His H-Bombs, “Mule-Size Yuletide,” 1990
4.  Mavis Staples, “Every Step,” 2013
5.  Erran Baron Cohen featuring Yasmin Levy, “Ocho 										Kandalikas,” 2008
6.  Ismael Rivera, “Bomba de Navidad,”1975
7.  Kurtis Blow, “KB Christmas Delight,” 2016
8.  Anthony Hamilton, “Spend Christmas With You,” 2014
9.  Amanda Duncan, “The Cookie Song,” 2011
10. Megan Barnes, “I Wanna Kiss You This Christmas,” 2000
11. The Prissteens, “Christmas Is a Time for Giving,” mid-90s
12. Wally Gonzales, “Christmas Polka,” 1996 
13. Neville Willoughby, “Christmas J.A.,” 1972
14. Ying Yang Twins, “Ho Ho Ho (Dirty Christmas),” 2016
15. Michael Scott, “A woman Santa!?  Where does it stop?” 2009
16. Louis Prima & His New Orleans Gang, “What Will Santa 			Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin’)?” 1936
17. Mabel Scott, “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” 1948 
18. The Persuasions, “You’re All I Want for Christmas,” 1997
19. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, “Joy to the World,” 1991
20. Marvin Rainwater, “Get Off the Stool,” 1956 
21. Hugh & the New Coventry Carolers, “Kosher for 										Christmas,” 1993
22. The Youngsters, “Christmas in Jail,” 1956
23. Chuck Berry, “Merry Christmas Baby,” 1958
24. Cyrus Chestnut, “Jesus Loves Me,” 1996
25. Cyrus Chestnut & Friends, “Skating,” 2000
26. Sonny Stitt, “The Christmas Song”
27.  Fats Domino, “I Told Santa Claus,” 1993
28.  Christmas Greetings from Doctor Dre & T. Reid, 
						the Two Blind Mics, 
29. Rufus Harley, “Auld Lang Syne,” 1998
30. Bonus Track (for Sara):  Lee Dorsey, “Can I Be the One,” 1978 

Sound Engineering:  Jacob Burckhardt
Original Cover Illustration by Charles Kerins for Catholic boy 									magazine, January 1962  
Cover Design:  Ruthie Adler

Thanks:  Rick and Katy Adler, Sam Adler, Al Aitchison, Harry Allen, Otto Barz, Bob Bell, Catherine Boyle, Steve Brede, Art Chantry, David Corio, Candice Crossley, Andy Derousseau, Jim Eigo, David Fenton, Dennis Flannigan, Freddy Fresh, Bob George and Fred Patterson of the Archive of Contemporary Music, Steve Gold, Michael Gonzales, David Gonzalez, Will Johnson, Jon Kalish, Malcolm Kenton, Mitchell Kezin, Arthur Levy, Amy Linden, Roberta Magrini, Stephen Masullo, Phil Michelson, David Moulton, Ernie Paniccioli, Ryan Parker, Jeff, Selzer, Katie Selzer, Robert Slater, Ben Socolov, Chris Soileau, Christine Stelly, Noah Uman, Guy Walker, Dale Wiese

Extra Special Thanks, as ever, to Sara Moulton.

Bill Adler's Xmas Jollies 2017

MC Paul Barman was fricking awesome two decades ago. His new album proves he still is.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/238/ for full show notes and info.

238: MC Paul Barman

The Cipher wilds out with the renaissance man even your kids love.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/245/ for full show notes and info.

245: Nick Cannon

He's made beats for Bun B, Talib Kweli, and Sizzla; DJ'd for Rhymesayers; and created sounds for Ms. Lauryn Hill. He's one of your favorite producers—you just might not know it yet.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/246/ for full show notes and info.

246: K-Salaam

What happens when you combine a Detroit rapper, a North Carolina producer, and a Carl Weathers classic?

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/247/ for full show notes and info.

247: Jericho Jackson

A trip back in time with the writer/director and cast of the new coming-of-age film.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/248/ for full show notes and info.

248: Mid90s

Meet the man who's gone from screwball to rawkus and flamboyant to shady without missing a beat. 

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/249/ for full show notes and info.

249: Mike Heron

Masta and Marco team up to give us a real Brooklyn story.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/250/ for full show notes and info.

250: Masta Ace and Marco Polo

Xmas Jollies 2018

1. Paul Tripp, "I've Got a Date With Santa," 1965
2. Brian Kurtz, "White Christmas" 2003
3. Aretha Franklin, "Blue Holiday," 1962 (Introduced by Kurtis Blow 1979)
4. Lou Rawls, "Christmas Is," 1967
5. Mari Jones with Johnny Moore's 3 Blazers, "Merry Christmas Baby," 1952
6. Big John Greer, "Wait Till After Christmas," 1954
7. Herb Geller, "Sleigh Ride," 1954
8. Rikarena, "Fuego Con To'," 2000
9. Fab 5, "Welcome Home," 1990
10. Rudy Ray Moore with a message to Rudolf
11. Artists Unknown, "The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives," 1933
12. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, "Santa's Super Sonic Sleigh," 1979
13. Jimmy Donley, "Santa! Don't Pass Me By," 1962
14. Denise LaSalle, "Santa Claus Got the Christmas Blues," 1985
15. Mighty Terror, "Santa Clause Don't Have No Wife"
16. John L, "Green Christmas," 1970
17. Robert Parker, "A Letter to Santa," 1966
18. The Sensational Nightingales, "Mother Mary and Joseph," 1974
19. Elton Britt, "The Skater's Yodel," 1954
20. Tex Ritter, "Merry Christmas Polka," 1948
21. Allen Toussaint, "Silent Night," 1997
22. Marty Lee Hoenes w/ Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, "Silent Night," 2010
23. Kristi Johnston, "Is this Gonna Last?" 2000
24. Terry Allen with Guy Clark, "X-mas on the Isthmus," 1999
25. Bonus track (for America): Kimmie Rhodes, "Big Ol' Train," 2000

Produced by: Bill Adler
Sound Engineering: Jacob Burckhardt
Original Cover Illustration by Kunihisa Fujiwara for "Dancehall Christmas," Tachyon Records, 1988
Cover Design: Michael Uman

Thanks: Katy Adler, Sam Adler, Harry Allen, Fabiola Alondra, Bob Bell, Haley Brawner, David Corio, Candice Crossley, Dalton Delan, Michael Deming, Bob Derleth, Harry Duncan, Jim Eigo, D.X. Ferris, Henry Finder, Dennis Flannigan, Justin Foster, Bob George, Gary Kenton and Laura Linder, Josh Kross, Sue Kwon, Amy Linden, Lisa Lorey, Marie-Claude Lortie, Maggie Lovric, Miro Lovric and Abby Moulton, Betsey Meyer, Phil Michelson, Peter Moulton, Kate Murphy, Peter Murphy and Jeff Kaiser, Don Palmer, Terrell Robinson, Jeff Selzer, Christine Stelly, Stereo Jack, Maddi Tarr, Noah Uman, Guy Walker, Dale Wiese

Extra Special Thanks, as ever, to Sara Moulton

2018 Xmas Jollies

Ill Badler joins us for our annual holiday music breakdown.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/251/ for full show notes and information. You can listen to Bill's mix in its entirety at https://soundcloud.com/theciphershow/2018-xmas-jollies.

251: Xmas Jollies 2018

We've come to the end of the road, for now. Here's what we did, and why.

Visit http://theciphershow.com/episode/252/ for full show notes and info.

252: Shawn and Josh With Jay Smooth

1. Devo, "Merry Something to You," 2010
2. Calypso Rose, "Navidad," 1968
3. Frank Cosmo, "Greetings from Beverley's," 1963
4. Big John Greer, "We Wanna See Santa Do the Mambo," 1954
5. Roomful of Blues, "White Christmas," 1997
6. JD McPherson, "Hey Skinny Santa!" 2018
7. Big Robb, "I Want a Big Woman for Christmas," 2017
8. The Miracles, "Christmas Everyday," 1963
9. Brook Benton, "This Time of the Year," 1960
10. Sammy Davis Jr., "Here's a Kiss for Christmas," 1962
11. Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, "Christmas Letter," 1956
12. The Staple Singers, "Wasn't That a Mighty Day," 1962
13. The Zion Harmonizers, "Go Tell It On The Mountain," 1990
14. Harry Reser and His Orchestra, "Jingle Bells," 1934
15. Fats Waller and His Rhythm, "Swingin' Them Jingle Bells," 1938
16. Tennessee Brown and the Silvertones, "Jingle Bells," c.1965
17. Don Byron, "Dreidel Song" 1992 (introduced by Mickey Katz 1962)
18. 1974 Christmas Seals Promotion featuring Paul Lynde
19. The Felice Brothers, "Country Ham," 2015
20. James Hand, "Merry Christmas Darlin'," 1997
21. The Mavericks, "Santa Wants to Take You For a Ride," 2018
22. The O'Jays, "I Can Hardly Wait for Christmas," 1991
23. Jessie J, "This Christmas Day," 2018
24. La Luz Roja de San Marcos, "El Año Viejo," 1982
25. Bonus Track (for Sara): Frank Sinatra, "Our Love Is Here to Stay," 1956

Produced by: Bill Adler
Sound Engineering: Jacob Burckhardt
Cover Design: Ruthie Adler

Thanks: Janis Adler, Harry Allen, Catherine Boyle, Haley Brawner, Carol Cohen, Brian Coleman, Jamie Collins, Jason Cooper, Candice Crossley, Bob Derleth, Andy DeRousseau, Harry Duncan, Jim Eigo, D.X. Ferris, Dennis Flannigan, Freddy Fresh, Kether Gallu-Badat, Michael Gonzales, Sean Hickey, Gary Kenton, Mitchell Kezin, Sue Kwon & Liam Duke, Jon Kalish, Jason King, Arthur Levy, Amy Linden, Phil Michelson, Peter Moulton, John Murphy, Henry Nading, Jude Nicastro, Don Palmer, Ernie Paniccioli, Rhonda Schladerbach, Lorin Sklamberg/YIVO, John Stainze, Christine Stelly, Zach Tumin, Noah Uman, Guy Walker, Dale Wiese.

Special thanks to Betsy Meyer.

Extra special thanks, as ever, to Sara Moulton.

Bill Adler's Xmas Jollies 2019

Welcome to The Cipher, a weekly podcast featuring in-depth conversations with the most interesting figures in Hip-Hop. Hosted by Shawn Setaro. 

f/k/a Outside the Lines With Rap Genius.

The Cipher

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks