PAY YOUR FRIEND$ with Cipha Sounds

PAY YOUR FRIEND$ is back and comedian Salma Zaky is back for her third appearance — this time to get a full hip-hop education whether she wants it or not. Cipha quizzes Salma on everything from Jay-Z's name origins to the four pillars of hip-hop, and somehow she keeps landing answers through pure energy and Brooklyn osmosis. Along the way they break down Nas lyrics line by line, decode rapper nicknames, and get into the current state of the culture. In this episode: • Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt" 30th anniversary at Yankee Stadium + the "Blueprint" 25th • Why he's called Hov, and the "water to a well/whale" mystery (he texted back "yes") • The four pillars of hip-hop — and why Cipha wants a fifth • Nas, "N.Y. State of Mind," and reading Illmatic like poetry • The Griselda situation: Westside Gunn, Conway & Benny the Butcher • The Pooh Shiesty / Gucci Mane case • Knicks fever, old NYC vs. new NYC, and more Serious things, the silly way. How have you helped a friend today? 🎧 Listen everywhere you get podcasts. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share. #CiphaSounds #PayYourFriends #SalmaZaky #HipHop #Comedy #JayZ #Nas #Griselda #NYC #Podcast

Ice-T sits down with Cipha Sounds and Dante Nero on Pay Your Friend$ for one of the realest conversations you'll hear all year. What started as a fun visit turned into a full-blown survival guide — packed with hard-earned wisdom, street philosophy, and genuine laughs. Ice-T opens up about growing up as an orphan in New Jersey, being shipped to LA, navigating gang-heavy neighborhoods without joining a gang, and how love — not fear — is what actually protects you. He breaks down why emotional decisions are dangerous, how to read a room before things go sideways, and the real reason you should always check in when you're on someone else's turf. The crew also gets into raising kids with street smarts without the trauma, why Body Count is NOT rap-rock (and why they won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance), his new album Merciless, and the upcoming solo project Criminal Migraine — which he's selling old-school direct at xt.com, bypassing streaming entirely. Dante Nero brings the energy and drops his own gems on emotional intelligence, wisdom vs. knowledge, and the ACE principles (Authenticity, Credibility, Empathy). Rocky holds it down as referee. The result is a backyard barbecue conversation that feels like school and a block party at the same time.

Cipha Sounds is back from Japan and he’s got stories. On this episode of Pay Your Friends, Ciph and Rocky talk about Tokyo nightlife, Japanese hospitality, 20,000-step shopping days, viral Family Mart fried chicken pancakes, One Oak Tokyo, after-hours food runs, Japanese BBQ, Don Quijote, sneaker shopping, and why Tokyo somehow makes everybody more polite. Ciph explains why “Pay Your Friends” is more than a podcast, Rocky learns what BAPE stands for, and the crew goes fully live for the first time.

In this video, Memphis Bleek joins the discussion to share insights on loyalty, fatherhood, and his legendary career in the music industry. They delve into the concept of "paying your friends" through support and respect, and Bleek recounts wild stories from his time on the road with Jay-Z and meeting global icons.

In this episode of Pay Your Friends, the host discusses his recent sold-out birthday celebration at the Gramercy Theatre, which combined legendary New York comedy with classic hip-hop. Joined by his longtime friend and fellow DJ, Max Glazer, the two provide an "oral history" of the star-studded event that featured a lineup including Dave Chappelle, Funkmaster Flex, Mo Amer, and Busta Rhymes. The discussion reflects on the host's 15-year journey into professional comedy and the deep-seated loyalty shared among industry veterans. 01:52 - The host introduces his guest and "best friend," renowned DJ Max Glazer. 04:13 - Discussing the goal of selling out the Gramercy Theatre in New York for the birthday event. 08:06 - Reviewing the massive lineup of comedians and musical artists scheduled for the night. 10:15 - The surprise of selling out the venue before official promotion even began. 21:50 - Reflections on the 15-year journey to be recognized as a professional comedian. 27:57 - Funkmaster Flex takes the stage, bringing high-energy "Tunnel" era vibes to the show. 36:59 - The intentional strategy behind the comedy lineup, featuring Jessica Kirson and Daniel Simonsen. 46:00 - Discussing the rise of Mo Amer and his impact on the contemporary comedy scene. 53:02 - Dave Chappelle's headlining set and his high praise for the host's comedic skills. 01:02:00 - Surprise performances and speeches from hip-hop legends Busta Rhymes, Noriega, and Angie Martinez.

Cipha Sounds welcomes Sean Patton and Gideon (aka Side Quest) to the "Pay Your Friends" podcast for a lively discussion on cultural differences, the perils of being "online," and navigating relationships. The group explores the surprising historical and cultural links between Ireland and Jamaica, before diving into a candid conversation about Jamaican social norms and common misconceptions. From sharing stories about high-profile encounters with Dave Chappelle to debating the elusive "ick" factor in dating, the episode blends humor with personal anecdotes. The show wraps up with a mission to find a long-lost acquaintance in Jamaica and some expert travel advice for those looking to experience the island beyond the typical resort stay.

In this episode of Pay Your Friends, host Cipha Sounds sits down with music executive and media personality Ray Daniels for an in-depth conversation on success, industry regrets, and the importance of intentionality. Ray shares personal stories about breaking major records like Rick Ross’s "Hustlin'," the evolution of hip-hop podcasting, and the mental shift required to move from a "hustler" to a true entrepreneur. The two friends discuss the value of mentorship, the reality of being a "giver" in a "taker" industry, and why establishing clear goals is the ultimate key to reaching the next level of success. 00:00 - Introduction to Pay Your Friends with Cipha Sounds and Ray Daniels 02:18 - Eddie the Mogul and "The Cut" free haircuts offer 04:08 - Ray’s secret goal: Transitioning into stand-up comedy 08:03 - The Rick Ross story: Breaking "Hustlin'" and missing the credit 10:58 - Managing expectations and the "paperwork" mistake 15:37 - Industry erasures: Shanti Das and the hidden figures of music 19:56 - Entrepreneurship 101: Hiring for roles instead of just people 29:59 - Podcast History: The creation of the Juan Epstein podcast in 2007 35:32 - The Giver vs. Taker Theory: Barack Obama vs. Donald Trump 51:46 - The Kevin Liles vs. Dame Dash moment: Survival vs. Ego 01:02:44 - Final thoughts on the "Pay Your Friends" movement

Cipha Sounds (aka Mr. Very Famous) kicks off Pay Your Friends… then it immediately turns into a masterclass on dating Jamaican women, Clarks + skinny jeans, “one man to the ting,” and why asking for $500 shouldn’t cause a financial crisis. Guest comedian Eva Evans breaks down the real rules: money, generosity, boundaries, and why she avoids Jamaican men (too much “gal,” too much stress). Plus comedian Zahid Dewji tries to learn how to “walk up game” a Jamaican girl, discovers dubplates, and accidentally invents the most perfect catchphrase of 2026. “I’M USING SCRAM A LOT.”

Cipha sits down with Kardinal Offishall and talked a lot of Hip Hop, and their Top 5 Dead rappers. It's a great episode. Pay your friends.

Cipha Sounds welcomes attorney and community organizer Robin Richardson alongside comedian Liam Dalton for a sharp, hilarious, and urgent conversation on ICE, immigration enforcement, and grassroots resistance. From neighborhood patrols to legal realities, they break down what’s happening on the ground and how everyday New Yorkers can protect their communities.

Welcome to PAY YOUR FRIEND$. Cipha Sounds is joined by comedian Salma Zaky for this first episode, talking hip-hop history, comedy, culture, and the moral gray areas that come with legacy and fame.