BKS1 Radio Network

Hip Hop,

A place where separation may be better than integration

The current state of hip hop, Is it dead? Morphed into a new version, or Is it alive and kicking? Many say its dead, as well as a well noted Hip Hop Artist, and there are the masses that say it’s not dead but it evolved with the times and it’s catering to what the kids of today want.

A hamburger and meatball are made from the same meat, Beef. Do you say I am having spaghetti and hamburger or spaghetti n meatballs? Or do you got say I want a meatball with cheese on a bun or I want a hamburger with cheese on a bun. My point being the foundation is the same, but the form and structure are different so its categorized differently.

Special Guest: HIP HOP LEGEND MELLE MEL

Lyrical leader of the original Furious Five and founder of a splinter version of the group during the mid-'80s, Melle Mel wrote many of the legendary raps featured on Grandmaster Flash tracks. Born Melvin Glover, he and his brother Nate (aka Kidd Creole) (not the Caribbean dance-popster of the same name) joined up with Cowboy (Keith Wiggins) in 1978 to form the Three MC's, with production handled by Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler).

After Scorpio (originally Mr. Ness, aka Ed Morris) and Raheim (Guy Williams) joined up as well, the group recorded two singles (one as the Younger Generation and Flash & the Five) before they became Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five and recorded the magnificent "Superappin'" for Enjoy, owned by R&B legend Bobby Robinson.


One year later, the group began recording for Sugar Hill and scored on the R&B charts with the wild party jams "Freedom" and "Birthday Party." In 1982, "The Message" became an instant rap classic, one of the first glimmers of social consciousness in hip-hop, and Melle Mel was responsible for many of the cutting lyrics. The record's enormous success ended up fracturing the group, however, despite subsequent successes like "New York New York" and "The Message II (Survival)." Melle Mel wasn't happy about sharing composer credits for "The Message" (especially with Sylvia Robinson), and Flash sued Sugar Hill, citing Robinson's conflict of interest (she not only co-owned the label, but produced and managed the group).

Though most of their beefs were directed at Sugar Hill and not inwards, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five split down the middle, with Flash departing for Elektra with Kidd Creole (Mel's brother) and Raheim while Melle Mel stayed put and formed his own version of the group with Cowboy and Scorpio. (After a court battle regarding rights to the name, Melle Mel was allowed the use of "Grandmaster" as well.) Late in 1983, Sugar Hill released Melle Mel's "White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)," variously described as anti-drugs or pro-drugs, though the death of one of Mel's friends, a drug dealer, a few weeks before release caused him to add the parentheses.


Mel's best year came in 1984, when he rapped over Chaka Khan's platinum, Grammy-winning "I Feel for You" (the first exposure to rapping for mainstream audiences). He was also drafted for the rap film Beat Street, where Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five performed their new hit "Beat Street" (aka "Beat Street Breakdown") and appeared next to Afrika Bambaataa, the Treacherous Three, Doug E. Fresh, and Rock Steady Crew.

Mel recorded a pair of LPs for Sugar Hill during the mid-'80s, then reunited with Flash and the rest of the original Furious Five for a 1988 LP titled On the Strength. It failed miserably in an atmosphere that was decidedly anti-old school, and neither of them recorded for almost ten years. A 1997 record, Right Now, paired Melle Mel with Scorpio, but also failed to sell. His new project, Die Hard, debuted in 2001 with On Lock. John Bush, Rovi

Special Guest: KING RUSS

Although he was labeled as another kid from the streets of Harlem, Russ’s talent made provisions for him to be recognized as a “Hood Icon”! Russ recognized early on, age 13 to be exact, music was not only his passion, but his calling. What began as a hobby and means of self or situational expression, soon developed into a quest to become not just another household name or a “Hood Icon”, but to become a “Rap Icon”. Unbeknownst to many, King Russ’s talent extends beyond rap as he actually developed his talent first as a singer.

Notwithstanding the fact that Russ excelled as a singer, he yearned to fuse his singing talent with his distinct and vivacious rap style over his rhythmic and melodic tracks. With the mix of the two talents, this would give him double the exposure on stage and increase his fan base. His passion, talent, and love for rap is what got him in the game, but he believes his versatility will set him apart, but it will also develop and grow his following. Without making comparisons, in this day and age, the rap industry lacks well-rounded artists’ who can transcend the rap genre reminiscent of King Russ’s ability to cross over.

Equipped with a harmonious vibrato and thought provoking lyrics or “bars”, Russ placates the ladies while remaining true to his affiliation with the notorious D-Boys of Harlem. Armed with these charismatic attributes and uncharacteristically sound talents, Russ believes these same combinations will assist him in his quest for rap greatness.

Understanding that becoming a rap legend is not an easy task, Russ pays homage to the iconic and infamous rap pioneers who have paved the way for the rap genres success and to those who have paid attention to his grind. To be more specific, Russ idolizes and attributes his success to Grandmaster Mele Mel and Ice-T.

Today, at the age of 21, he credits such artists as Tupac, Mase, Michael Jackson and Fabolous for influencing his talent for rap and lyrical gifts that sets him apart from the rest. More importantly, he credits “Chris Brown” who he deems as a musical genius and icon. Russ was frank to explain Chris Brown as, “A great entertainer, he’s my definition of real talent, which shows in his performances.” King Russ is currently working on a number of projects which include mixtapes as well as putting the finishing touches on his debut album. King Russ just released a mixtape entitled “Punch 4 Punch” which is the Deluxe Edition and follow-up to #IAMKing. Circulating singles by King Russ include: “Greetings” his introduction to the music industry, “Finish This” which in his words is “the rebirthing of Hip-Hop”, “Let It Go” an R&B track and “Watch Em Twerk” a club anthem touted as the fourth most tweeted song in music.

With over 11,000 Twitter followers and 113,000 video views on YouTube, King Russ exhibits industry presence, innovative rap style, a passion for perfecting his performance, and an unwavering drive for rap stardom. Stand up and take notice because King Russ has arrived! For more news and updates on King Russ visit http://twitter.com/TheRealKingRuss.

H3B Radio aka Hip Hop Holla Back hosted by The Legendary DJ Cutmaster Cool V, Kan-Kain & DJ Twista. Every show will deliver a wealth of information and unique insight into the impact the hip hop lifestyle has on society and society’s impact on the culture of hip hop.

Young Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America (USDA) and a former member of BMF (Black Mafia Family). He began his career in 2001 under an independent label and joined Boyz 'N Da Hood in 2005, the same year his solo major label debut Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was released. Its single "Soul Survivor", which featured Akon, became a top-ten hit in the US.

The Inspiration followed in 2006, and The Recession followed in 2008; both albums yielded chart-topping singles. Jeezy has also appeared on numerous other rap and R&B singles such as "Say I" by Christina Milian, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Hard" by Rihanna, and "Love in This Club" by Usher, the latter being a number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

Read more Jeezy Bio Here

Tonight on the Live In The Cipher Show we are reviewing an The Nicest Indie Hip Hop, Vol. 5. This compilation is compiled of various artists, with guest appearances from the likes of Styles P, Fat Joe, Joell Ortiz, Royce 5'9" and more. We have a nice mix of independent artists collaborating with established artists, hopefully we will be blessed with a solid contribution by all.  Indie hip hop artists are not signed to a Major Label, (ie Def Jam, Sony, Interscope), or are signed to an Indie label or their own independent label.

Tune in 9 pm est and give us your opinion of the indie artists that are on this compilation. Get introduced to the works of some MC's who you may have never heard of before, we need to keep the hip hop culture alive and well. Support the independent, underground artist. Tired of hearing the same 5 artists in rotation on terrestrial radio check out one of the few places to hear new artists and get  a dose of real hip hop.

Follow us on twitter @liveinthecipher and like our Facebook Fan page: Live In The Cipher Show. MC's call in 646-233-1302 and spit your hot 16, show the world what you got! Join the bks1 radio experience!

Naughty By Nature - Anthem Inc.

Live In The Cipher team along with you the listener reviews Naughty By Nature's latest release Anthem Inc. New Jerseys own Naughty by Nature gives the hip hop world its 7th studio released album. One of the few hip hop groups that stood the test of time, fought through adversity to comeback and deliver their fans what we have long waited for. Its great to see the trio come back and give us some real hip hop. Something the industry has been missing for a while now.

Tune in 9 pm est Wednesday and join our interactive review process, where your opinion counts. MC's call in and spit your hot 16, show the world  what you got!

Special Guests:

Papa Lock

“If an artist’s value is measured by the accomplishments he or she has accrued over their career, then 15 yr. old, Sherlock Anthony p/k/a “Papalock” must be priceless…”—BET 2010

The one thing you will notice when you approach this talented teenager, is the humble disposition that exudes from him when he is asked questions about the things he has done in the “business” over the course of 5 years. The Jersey City, New Jersey native has been recording and performing since he was 10, but actually started singing at the age of 4 when his father began to notice that he had a habit of singing songs from commercials on television. Fast-forward 7 years, a chance meeting with New Edition’s Michael Bivins and the rest is history. Whether performing in front of 20,000 people at the Verizon Center for the WNBA, or doing a school tour in Oklahoma, this artist has exceeded the expectations of even his most opinionated critics. And even as other artists’ have problems dealing with becoming an entertainer, Papalock seems to embrace the challenge, as evident with his performance on BET’s “Spit yo Game”, where he was nationally spotlighted for his lyrical prowess.

In 2008 under the tutelage of FunMusicGroup, Papalock’s song “Dreamer”, was selected for the National D.A.R.E. campaign, a program that is designed for kids against drugs, he went on to perform in various capacities from city events to being the opening act for various well-known artists. In 2010, and after being courted by many major labels, Papalock was at a crossroads on what direction to take with his music. It was during this time that he was called upon for a reading of the musical “The Lion King”. Always up for a challenge, Papalock took the opportunity seriously and soon found a new love of labor… the acting bug! After seeing the potential in his onscreen presence, FunMusicGroup began filming his first film, “Rush”, over the summer of 2010. Backed by his own soundtrack, and with the enormous buzz of the first single, “Heat Babe”, children from across the globe will know, “The King of Kids”.

Next Weeks Guest: Railroad Gutta

Ray Carter, was born on December 23, 1982 in Newark, NJ (Grafton Ave. Projects). Gutta has been influenced by some of today's top rappers such as: Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, T.I., Beanie Sigel, THE L.O.X, & Snoop Dogg just to name a few. Gutta began rapping at the age of 14, performing at Newark Syphony Hall for a promotional showcase that he won 2nd place, two conssective times in April of 1999, editorial comments about him & his lyric's in Vibe Magazine's unsigned hype column also winning numerous Lyrical Combats & other Hip-Hop showcases airing on local cable t.v. stations. Gutta auditioned for B.E.T's very own 106 & Park Freestyle Friday and MTV's Rocafella Def Jam competition. The year 2005 was a good year for Gutta. Fed's Magazine, Universal Records had a promotional showcase at New York cities own Remote Lounge. Gutta won 1st place landing him a spot in Fed's Magazine. This experience open a lot of doors for Gutta, with the music Industry on his mind Gutta continues to stay on his grind. Working even harder, performing hit songs, writing, recording in the studio, & promoting his very own cd's throughout the streets of New Jersey. This well rounded artist is sure to become the next big thing to lead the new youth in the world of Hip-Hop. So lend Gutta your ears, let the music take control of your soul & remember RAILROAD GUTTA.

Krs One is a legend in the hip hop game. Known as the Teacha, KRS has constantly delivered conscious hip hop to the masses. Lets see if he can continue to bring us the music we have grown to love.

Not just a hip hop artist KRS-One is a published author with the release of The Gospel of Hip Hop, and the founder of The Temple of Hip Hop. The Temple of Hip Hop is a ministry, archive, School, and Society (M.A.S.S.) founded by KRS-One. Its goal is to maintain and promote Hiphop Culture. The Temple of Hip Hop maintains that Hip Hop is a genuine political movement and culture, as it has been accepted by the United Nations as a culture. The Temple of Hiphop calls on all Hip Hop fans to celebrate Hip Hop Appreciation Week, occurring in the third week of May. It encourages DJs and MCs to teach people about the culture of Hip hop, to write more socially conscious songs, and radio stations to play more socially conscious hip hop. Hip Hop Appreciation Week is celebrated on the third week of May each year. Hip Hop History Month (November), founded by the Universal Zulu Nation, is also recognized.

The BDP Album is his 12th solo album from Krs. Join the Live In The Cipher team as we rate and review The BDP Album, where your opinion counts. MC's call in spit your hot 16 or send your songs into This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and get your song played and rated.

Tonight's Guest:

Railroad Gutta

Ray Carter, was born on December 23, 1982 in Newark, NJ (Grafton Ave. Projects). Gutta has been influenced by some of today's top rappers such as: Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, T.I., Beanie Sigel, THE L.O.X, & Snoop Dogg just to name a few. Gutta began rapping at the age of 14, performing at Newark Syphony Hall for a promotional showcase that he won 2nd place, two conssective times in April of 1999, editorial comments about him & his lyric's in Vibe Magazine's unsigned hype column also winning numerous Lyrical Combats & other Hip-Hop showcases airing on local cable t.v. stations. Gutta auditioned for B.E.T's very own 106 & Park Freestyle Friday and MTV's Rocafella Def Jam competition. The year 2005 was a good year for Gutta. Fed's Magazine, Universal Records had a promotional showcase at New York cities own Remote Lounge. Gutta won 1st place landing him a spot in Fed's Magazine. This experience open a lot of doors for Gutta, with the music Industry on his mind Gutta continues to stay on his grind. Working even harder, performing hit songs, writing, recording in the studio, & promoting his very own cd's throughout the streets of New Jersey. This well rounded artist is sure to become the next big thing to lead the new youth in the world of Hip-Hop. So lend Gutta your ears, let the music take control of your soul & remember RAILROAD GUTTA.

Follow us on twitter: @Liveinthecipher and like our facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher Show

We are back to the essence of the Live In The Cipher show. We are bringing you a couple of underground artists California's own Chuuwee and Sundown,one half of the duo Actual Proof, from Raliegh, NC. Let's see if they can bring the essence of real hip hop back.

Chuuwee Bio:

Born in San Antonio,Texas, Chuuwee has been rapping for eight years. Influenced by his mother and many great mc's like Jay-z, Outkast, UGK, and more Chuuwee blends the borders of underground, back pack hip hop and mainstream rap. During the first years of his career people tried discouraging him by saying music wasn't for him. Negativity hasn't slowed him a bit, doing shows opening for Mistah Fab, Rakim and Rymefest in Los Angeles, California if only fueling his fire. Chuuwee is becoming a well-known talent throughout Northern California. Between his love of writing, recording and releasing music, Chuuwee also enjoys to sharing his thoughts and seeing how people react to his ideas. He also likes performing and was told, If your live performance isn't any good then your music won't matter at all.

Actual Proof Bio:

Being raised in the projects, streets, or trailer parks have historically laid the foundation for dope emceeism. We now have Actual Proof that epic beats, lyrical acuity, and unique style knows no geographical limits. This duo consists of two emcees - Sundown and Enigma - raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and bred on classic soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop. Enigma was a student at N.C. Central University and the two of them would visit 9th Wonder's Hip Hop in Context course on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During a conversation after class, 9th found out they were major Talib Kweli fans and invited them to a free Kweli show in Brooklyn. “If y’all can get there, y’all can roll,” 9th told them. Sundown describes the experience as surreal: “We stood up in bassline studios, met Kweli, Buckshot, the staff at Duck Down, Marco Polo, Young Guru...” He says of 9th, “He was our hero.” Actual Proof has since rocked the stage with artists including Big Daddy Kane, Nice & Smooth, and Raekwon, and they plan to keep rocking stages, record stores, and the internet with their distinct brand of hip hop style. Enigma explains, "We’re hoping that with hard work, dedication, drive, and dope music, Actual Proof can make some noise.”

Tune in and join our interactive review process. MC's call in and spit your hot 16, don't be scared let your voice be heard. Follow us on twitter: @liveinthecipher and like our facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher.

Tonight the Live In the Cipher Team pays tribute to Big L. 13 years ago today the hip hop world lost a legendary MC who was taken from us way to early. Big L known for his word play and delivery was tragically gunned down on February 15, 1999, shot 9 times in the face and chest.

Big L gave us countless underground hits and commercial hits. From Put it on, M.V.P, Da Graveyard to Ebonics.  L was well known around the game and ready to take it to another level. Unfortunately for his fans and fans of hip hop he was taken from us before we were able to witness his full potential.

So tonight you will hear some of his well known songs along with some freestyles that L released during his time.  Join us in paying tribute to one of the best to do it while he was around.

The Team along with you will review Up and Coming MC Kaydensz tonight on the Live In The Cipher Show. Here is what Kaydensz has to say about himself. Taken from Kaydensz site:

What is music? To some, it is simply just a way to gain fame and fortune. To others, it is an entertainment outlet that you can utilize with the simple press of a button. To Kaydensz, however, music is much more. Born Chance McIntosh in Newark (Da Bricks) and raised in East Orange (Illtown), he was brought into a world full of confusion and anguish. Growing up, Chance was a very good student, consistently receiving high grades throughout his youth. Although his mother worked very hard to provide a good life for him, his environment as well as the relationship with his father, caused him to be quick-tempered and confrontational.

His love for music started to surface when he was 11, when he began turning his unfocused energy into poetry. When he was 14 however, his uphill progress suddenly took a turn for the worse when his father suddenly passed away after years of alcohol and drug addiction. That equipped with the pressures of dealing with a new environment (he attended boarding school), caused Chance to fall into a deep depression and also caused his intrinsic personality. Feeling like no one understood him, he began writing poetry again to release his pain. Influenced by the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, as well as his oldest brother Ali Armz, Chance started writing raps when he was 15, initially as a means of fun for him and his friends. Chance kept writing, and his skills drastically improved, but it wasn’t until tragedy struck again that Chance fully connected with his music and everything became real. His uncle, who stepped in as a father figure after Chance’s father had died, passed away after a severe battle with cancer.

This devastated Chance, and not only caused him to fall into an even deeper depression but also plunged him to an alcohol and prescription pill binge. Some good did come from this, however, because during this time Chance began writing very introspective and intrinsic lyrics. By writing about his individual pains and personal pressures, he was able to realize that his story was not unique, and that it was his responsibility to tell not only his but the stories of others as well to the world, whether it be good or bad. After cleaning himself up, Chance set his goal on being the best and began writing even more profusely in order to master his craft. Soon after, Kaydensz Tha Savage was born. Kaydensz brings honesty, reality, diversity and respect to the game, with his style emphasizing wit, flow, cleverness, poetic structure, and wordplay. Producer/DJ Ja-Hi noticed his grind and talent and the two began making music together. With his help, Kaydensz will be releasing his first piece of work entitled The Twisted Soul EP, which released March 1st 2011!!!!!!!

So you ask, what is music to Kaydensz? It is a way to show the world the painting him and his peers call reality. Music is life.

Topic: You Ain't My Daddy Pt. 2

You may love your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend but maybe their kids don't love you! Maybe you have a problem with the way your step kids talk to your mate? Maybe you have a little "Baby Boy" running around in your life? How do you handle it? Maybe the child's biological parent who is not with your mate now is causing problems telling your spouse "He better not discipline my child! I'll do that!" How do and you handle that? Do step parents always get the respect of their step children? When is it ok to tell your mate about what you don't like about THEIR child?

Tonight the Vocal Booth tackles this interesting topic with the help of the Chat rebels and ask for your opinion and stories on the call in line of (646)233 1302. join us tonight at 11pm on bks1radio.com LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH!!! Where you at Jooooo-deeeee!!!!!!

Special Guest: Songwriter/Rap Artist Samaya “SoRayre” Wilkins

Samaya "SoRayre" Wilkins, is a songwriter/ rap artist, who is blasting through music waves, and blazing a hot trail, merging unique R&B melodies, with complex metaphoric rhymes, oozing with Hip Hop sex appeal. She plans to emerge on the urban music scene, unexpected, unsigned, and with no remorse.

Now at the age of 23, SoRayre has composed lyrics and melodies for over 18 years, and has discovered the most effective outlet of her music to be, MC-ing.

Born and raised in New Jersey, from the gritty streets of Newark, to the quiet suburbs of Piscataway, SoRayre's music, showcases her versatility, edginess, vulnerability, and humility; with a sense of humor for the witty and the wise. After enduring open adoption, physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, drug addiction and single-parenthood at a young age to say the least, SoRayre's music and the grace of God, have been the constant positive therapies throughout her struggles.

"I feel my music has the potential to be relatable to the masses. Any person who's ever struggled, and had a dream, with the determination to achieve and conquer, with dignity and humility, could feel my music. That's why I love fashion from the 80's, and music from the 90's! It was fun, tasteful, and soundful! Even with rap, it was something to be heard, and a story to be told. Whether it was about love, or respect. It was okay to sing or spit how you felt, respectfully and tactfully. Now and days it's all raunchy; who's the cockiest, who get the most women, who get the most money. Its all repetitive.. no message of realism. And I'll honestly state, sometimes, Im in the mood to ride that wave. But, sometimes Im not. I just do what I feel is right, for me, to say, in the moment Im in."

And that's exactly what she has set out to do! In every line, in every song.

Her greatest musical influences vary from Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston, to Drake and Kandi Burruss.

Her best friends would describe her as a crazy, smart, ambitious intellectual. Her younger sister would paint the picture of a rude, aggressive bitch. If you could only know SoRayre through her music, how would you describe her?

Her debut mixtape, Osama SoRayre, is due to be released Spring 2012. For more SoRayre exclusive interviews and news visit TheKnobodies.com, Facebook and Twitter @SamayaSoRayre.

Special Guest: Author Drica Armstrong

Drica Armstrong was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. She never thought of becoming an author because she wanted to be a lawyer. A homework assignment given to her by an English teacher sparked her interest in writing. While attending high school, Drica wrote several short stories and poetry but starting writing her first novel, Beautiful Liars, during her first year of college. After graduating from Newbury College in Brookline, MA, Drica started to pursue publishing for her debut novel.

Beautiful Liars was self-published in 2009. Soon after the release of her new novel, Drica finished her second novel, Hide and Seek. Hide and Seek is the first book to be published on Drica’s self publishing company, Double Take Publications, in 2011. Drica is currently working on the screen play for Hide and Seek and completing her third novel. Drica lives in Elizabeth, NJ with her son.