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 th...

What does it really mean to be FROM New York City? Cipha Sounds, Simeon Goodson, and Lenny Marcus go deep on one of the most hotly debated questions in the city — and it's more than just an address.

The conversation kicks off with the Peter Rosenberg and Noreaga hot 97 morning show drama, where Noreaga said it felt good hearing New York voices on New York radio — and Rosenberg, born in Maryland, took it personally. The crew breaks down why "living here for 20 years" doesn't automatically make you a New Yorker, and what actually does: riding the subway as a...

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...

Aldana joins Cipha and the crew, and she did NOT come empty-handed — she brought some of the wildest first date horror stories you've ever heard. From a drunk date who wouldn't stop heckling at a comedy show and made a comment about his own mom that left the whole room stunned, to a guy she met on TikTok who somehow topped that disaster, Aldana holds nothing back.

Dante drops his ACE framework — Authenticity, Credibility, and Empathy — and breaks down exactly why so many guys talk themselves right out of a good situation. Rocky shares her ow...

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 episode of "Pay Your Friends," Cipha Sounds sits down with the incredibly funny Miami-born, NYC-based comedian Britney Brave. They dive into a hilarious and unfiltered "Straight Shooters" segment, tackling everything from wild conspiracy theories and "passport bros" to the brutal realities of modern dating and situationships.

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.

On this episode of Pay Your Friends, host CIPHA SOUNDS welcomes legendary rapper and Newark West Ward Councilman Dupre "DoItAll" Kelly. The conversation explores Dupre's roots in the "bricks" of Newark, his early days in hip-hop with Redman as his DJ, and his transition into politics. They discuss the importance of community leadership, affordable housing, and the unique cultural pride of New Jersey.

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.

Welcome back to another episode of Pay Your Friends! On today's show, we have our good friend and comedian Salma Zaky back for an amazing comeback—though she might just call it a defense of her reputation. We're also joined by the one and only Rocky Powell, aka Rocky Balboa. Following the uproar in the hip-hop community from Salma's first appearance, we’re diving headfirst into the comments that went "ham" after she revealed she didn't know what R\&B stands for. We'll be addressing everything from "caucacity" to cinder block threats. To settle the score, we’re putting everyo...

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...

Join host Cipha Sounds and guest Zar the Star as they dive into the complex history and internal conflicts of the legendary New York hip-hop group, Dipset. Zar the Star offers a unique perspective from Toronto as they explore potential ways to reconcile the group's long-standing beef.

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...

Join the crew on "Pay Your Friends" for a deep dive into the world of food, career wins, and high-stakes scenarios. This episode features Food Network star Sunny Anderson and the "Gangster Chef" himself, Jourdain Fisher. From Sunny’s major career update with The Drew Barrymore Show to Jourdain's unique kitchen lingo and a "Chopped"-style jailhouse cooking challenge, this conversation is packed with laughs and incredible stories.

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 Sounds (aka Mr. Very Famous) tries to build a “real New York” travel guide… and it instantly derails into a chaotic, unfiltered hang with Gorilla Nems and the FYL crew.

What starts as a wholesome itinerary turns into a wild tour through Coney Island, pigeon coops on abandoned buildings, hood economics, and the evolving definition of “goons.” Along the way they debate microplastics, old-school vs new-school NYC, borough pride, and why Brooklyn will always be its own universe.

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 links up with longtime radio vet DJ Juanyto and comedian Saaniya Abbas for a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly thoughtful hang that zigzags from Hot 97 history and a “Drop a Gem” name dispute to Dubai nightlife, deli-order etiquette, and the difference between being “important” and being “nice,” mixing nonstop laughs with real perspective on culture, identity, internet fame, and the wild world of unsolicited DMs.

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.

In this episode of PAY YOUR FRIEND$, Cipha Sounds welcomes Dante Nero for a deep dive into masculinity, power dynamics, friendship, and survival. From comedy clubs to life philosophy, Dante breaks down the codes that govern respect, boundaries, and human behavior.

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.