CIPHA SOUNDS IS, and has always been, more than your average DJ. Over
the course of his packed career, he has been responsible for breaking
artists like Rihanna and Rick Ross, has shared the stage with some of
the world’s biggest musicians and comedians – from Jay Z to Dave
Chappelle – and has established himself as a respected figure in New
York’s stand-up and improv scenes.
CIPHA GOT HIS START CARRYING CRATES AND OPENING FOR FUNKMASTER FLEX AT
RENOWNED NEW YORK NIGHTSPOTS, the Tunnel and the Palladium, before his
talent for song selection and infectious personality earned him a spot
at Hot 97. There, he moved up the ranks from Flex’s intern, to
running his own show “CIPHA SATURDAYS,” to finally hosting the
coveted morning show. During his 17 years at Hot 97, and as a host on
Eminem’s Sirius satellite station Shade 45, CIPHA HAS HELPED LAUNCH
THE CAREERS OF RIHANNA, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, and Sean Paul.
In addition to picking hits for the radio, CIPHA’s keen ear also led
him to work as an A&R executive for a number of record labels,
including Jay Z’s Roc-A-Fella and Pharrell Williams’ Startrak
imprint.
CIPHA’s well-known work ethic and unique ability to read any room
has allowed him to rock clubs around the world, and has made him an
obvious choice as a live DJ for many huge artists. He first hit the
road as Lil Kim’s DJ on the Hardcore tour. Since then he has DJ’d
for Mos Def, Jay Z and Rihanna, and at private parties for J.Lo,
Mariah Carey, and more. He also serves as a brand ambassador for
Monster Energy and the Japanese clothing company, A Bathing Ape
(BAPE). For almost 10 years, he has curated monthly playlists for BAPE
stores worldwide.
Throughout CIPHA’s many career turns, two elements have remained at
the fore: comedy and hip-hop, his two biggest passions. On the radio,
as a VJ for MTV, and as a Live DJ, he has always maintained a sharp
sense of humor on the mic. He combined both fields as the official DJ
for Comedy Central’s Chapelle’s Show, and has continued to work
with Dave Chappelle ever since, joining him on tours as a DJ and
opening comedian. He is a regular DJ at Saturday Night Live after
parties and appeared in Michael Che’s Netflix Special; he is now
Che’s go-to DJ and opening act on the road.
Cipha provides an essential link between music and comedy in New York
and beyond. He performs stand-up comedy at clubs around the city,
including the legendary ComedyCellar, and hosts “Take it Personal
– The Hip Hop Improv Show,” throughout the city. “Take it
Personal” has featured many celebrity guests, including Questlove,
DJ Premier, The Wu-Tang Clan, Zoe Kravitz, Donald Glover, and 2Chainz.
It was a featured TV show on Jay Z’s streaming service TIDAL and was
taken on an east coast tour through Monster Energy, Summer 2018.
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27/02/2020 Last update