https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/from-the-tunnel-to-the-hill--6853192
My journey begins inside New York City’s iconic Tunnel nightclub and leads all the way to the political epicenter of the world.]]>enSociety & CultureCopyright Allison Zayashttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8ed5f62fe5470cc2c4662fbff3966e88.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/from-the-tunnel-to-the-hill--6853192Tue, 12 May 2026 22:56:20 +0000Allison ZayasAllison Zayastunneltothehillpodcast@gmail.comLong before the closed-door meetings and strategy sessions on Capitol Hill, there were hip hop clubs, studio sessions, concerts, and unforgettable nights that defined an era. From Freaknik to Philly, Miami to Cancun, and boxing matches in Vegas, my...
My journey begins inside New York City’s iconic Tunnel nightclub and leads all the way to the political epicenter of the world.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ruff-ryders-darrin-dean-reveals-how-dmx-took-over-the-tunnel-why-def-jam-almost-passed-on-him--71983379
In this episode, Darrin shares behind-the-scenes stories about bringing DMX through The Tunnel, why that moment became a major confirmation of DMX’s star power, and how Ruff Ryders helped shift hip-hop away from the shiny suit era into something raw, real, and street-driven.He also opens up about discovering talent, working with artists like The LOX, Jadakiss, Mase, Eve, and DMX, and the moment Def Jam initially doubted DMX before realizing he was different.

Darrin also talks about passing on major artists like 50 Cent and Beanie Sigel, why he refused to sign artists just to let them sit on a shelf, and what made 90s music feel so original, soulful, and timeless.Beyond the music, Darrin reflects on his life-changing accident, surviving an 18-wheeler crash, waking up from a coma, giving back to the community, helping with expungement clinics, and why mentorship still matters for the next generation.

If you love hip-hop history, DMX, Ruff Ryders, The Tunnel, Def Jam, Jadakiss, Eve, Irv Gotti, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, ScarLip, and real stories from the people who lived it, this episode is for you.Listen now to From The Tunnel to the Hill and hear the untold stories behind one of hip-hop’s most important eras.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71983379Tue, 12 May 2026 22:45:53 +0000Allison ZayasDarrin Dean joins Allison Zayas and Jet Dilone on From The Tunnel to the Hill for a powerful conversation about the golden era of 90s hip-hop, the rise of Ruff Ryders, and the unforgettable night DMX proved he was official at the legendary Tunnel...
In this episode, Darrin shares behind-the-scenes stories about bringing DMX through The Tunnel, why that moment became a major confirmation of DMX’s star power, and how Ruff Ryders helped shift hip-hop away from the shiny suit era into something raw, real, and street-driven.He also opens up about discovering talent, working with artists like The LOX, Jadakiss, Mase, Eve, and DMX, and the moment Def Jam initially doubted DMX before realizing he was different.

Darrin also talks about passing on major artists like 50 Cent and Beanie Sigel, why he refused to sign artists just to let them sit on a shelf, and what made 90s music feel so original, soulful, and timeless.Beyond the music, Darrin reflects on his life-changing accident, surviving an 18-wheeler crash, waking up from a coma, giving back to the community, helping with expungement clinics, and why mentorship still matters for the next generation.

If you love hip-hop history, DMX, Ruff Ryders, The Tunnel, Def Jam, Jadakiss, Eve, Irv Gotti, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, ScarLip, and real stories from the people who lived it, this episode is for you.Listen now to From The Tunnel to the Hill and hear the untold stories behind one of hip-hop’s most important eras.]]>3256false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-was-signed-to-def-jam-then-wrongfully-arrested-mysonne-linen-s-vulnerable-true-story--71420702In this powerful episode, Mysonne Linen shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop to getting signed to Def Jam and then being wrongfully arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. 

This conversation goes deeper than music. 

It’s about:

• The reality of the justice system
• What happens when you don’t have the resources to fight your case 
• The mindset of being young and thinking “innocent means safe”
• The turning points that shape a man’s life

From hip-hop culture to survival, this episode is raw, honest, and unforgettable.
🎧 Watch until the end... this story will change how you see everything.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71420702Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:31:19 +0000Allison ZayasWhat happens when your life is finally taking off and everything gets taken from you? In this powerful episode, Mysonne Linen shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop to getting signed to Def Jam and then being...In this powerful episode, Mysonne Linen shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop to getting signed to Def Jam and then being wrongfully arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. 

This conversation goes deeper than music. 

It’s about:

• The reality of the justice system
• What happens when you don’t have the resources to fight your case 
• The mindset of being young and thinking “innocent means safe”
• The turning points that shape a man’s life

From hip-hop culture to survival, this episode is raw, honest, and unforgettable.
🎧 Watch until the end... this story will change how you see everything.
]]>5611hip,hop,mysonne,podcast,spotifyfalse19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/erick-sermon-gets-real-addiction-hip-hop-money-the-industry-truth--70941675 From The Tunnel to The Hill, Allison Zayas and Jet Dilone sit down with hip-hop legend Erick Sermon for a raw, unfiltered conversation about music, money, addiction, and the reality behind the industry.

From his early days in EPMD to producing some of the biggest records in hip-hop and R&B, Erick shares the truth about success, ownership, and what really separates artists who last from those who don’t. He also opens up about his battle with addiction, the dangers of opioids, and how he fought to take control of his life again. 

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in: 👉 The music industry behind the scenes 👉 Hip-hop culture then vs now 👉 Addiction, recovery, and real-life struggles 👉 Ownership, publishing, and generational wealth 💬

COMMENT BELOW: Do you think hip-hop has lost its soul?
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share for more real conversations]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70941675Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:44:31 +0000Allison ZayasIn this powerful episode of From The Tunnel to The Hill, Allison Zayas and Jet Dilone sit down with hip-hop legend Erick Sermon for a raw, unfiltered conversation about music, money, addiction, and the reality behind the industry. From his early days... From The Tunnel to The Hill, Allison Zayas and Jet Dilone sit down with hip-hop legend Erick Sermon for a raw, unfiltered conversation about music, money, addiction, and the reality behind the industry.

From his early days in EPMD to producing some of the biggest records in hip-hop and R&B, Erick shares the truth about success, ownership, and what really separates artists who last from those who don’t. He also opens up about his battle with addiction, the dangers of opioids, and how he fought to take control of his life again. 

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in: 👉 The music industry behind the scenes 👉 Hip-hop culture then vs now 👉 Addiction, recovery, and real-life struggles 👉 Ownership, publishing, and generational wealth 💬

COMMENT BELOW: Do you think hip-hop has lost its soul?
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share for more real conversations]]>4167false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immigration-attorney-breaks-it-down-ice-raids-detention-deaths-asylum-backlogs-the-truth--70600248
In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit down with Nayna Gupta (Policy Director, American Immigration Council / Immigration Attorney) to break down what’s happening right now: Minneapolis enforcement actions, arrest quotas, lawful status arrests, third-country removals, detention conditions, TPS for Haitians, DACA, and why so many undocumented people have no real path to “get papers.”

Subscribe for more conversations with people inside the system shaping policy and living the consequences. #Immigration #TPS #DACA #Asylum #ICE #Policy]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70600248Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:35:51 +0000Allison ZayasImmigration is one of the most debated and misunderstood issues in America. In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit down with Nayna Gupta (Policy Director, American Immigration Council / Immigration...
In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit down with Nayna Gupta (Policy Director, American Immigration Council / Immigration Attorney) to break down what’s happening right now: Minneapolis enforcement actions, arrest quotas, lawful status arrests, third-country removals, detention conditions, TPS for Haitians, DACA, and why so many undocumented people have no real path to “get papers.”

Subscribe for more conversations with people inside the system shaping policy and living the consequences. #Immigration #TPS #DACA #Asylum #ICE #Policy]]>4349allison,dilone,gupta,ice,immigration,information,jet,nayna,politics,zayasfalse17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-90s-supermodel-to-second-chances-kim-baker-on-trauma-modeling-and-surviving-dark-industries--70576937
In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit down with Kim to discuss her journey from the 80s and 90s modeling world to launching Glamazon Beauty, a cosmetic brand designed for women of all backgrounds. 

Kim opens up about growing up in Newark, being discovered as a young model, working with top agencies, and witnessing the realities of the fashion industry. She also shares powerful stories about intuition, surviving difficult situations, teen motherhood, and how faith and resilience helped her transform her life.

The conversation dives into topics many people don’t talk about openly — trauma, exploitation in the modeling world, protecting children, and why second chances matter.

This episode is raw, emotional, and inspiring — a story about grace, healing, and turning pain into purpose. ✨

Follow Kim Baker Instagram: MakeupByKimBaker
Brand: Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations from From the Tunnel to the Hill.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70576937Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:55:27 +0000Allison ZayasFormer model Kim Baker shares a shocking story about facing 65 years to life, surviving trauma, and rebuilding her life into a successful beauty brand founder. In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit...
In this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas and co-host Jet Dilone sit down with Kim to discuss her journey from the 80s and 90s modeling world to launching Glamazon Beauty, a cosmetic brand designed for women of all backgrounds. 

Kim opens up about growing up in Newark, being discovered as a young model, working with top agencies, and witnessing the realities of the fashion industry. She also shares powerful stories about intuition, surviving difficult situations, teen motherhood, and how faith and resilience helped her transform her life.

The conversation dives into topics many people don’t talk about openly — trauma, exploitation in the modeling world, protecting children, and why second chances matter.

This episode is raw, emotional, and inspiring — a story about grace, healing, and turning pain into purpose. ✨

Follow Kim Baker Instagram: MakeupByKimBaker
Brand: Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations from From the Tunnel to the Hill.]]>3844false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/she-styled-jay-z-at-23-then-ended-up-in-kobe-bryant-s-house-rosie-philidor-story--70252628
From there, she shares how she helped evolve artists’ looks (including TI), what it really takes to be part of a glam squad, and the reality behind styling budgets, consignment, and long shoot days. And then, Rosie tells the story that still gives chills: getting tapped to interview as a stylist for Kobe Bryant, flying to Calabasas, bringing an Italian tailor, and what that moment taught her about life being short.

The conversation also pivots into real-world impact: TPS (Temporary Protected Status) vs asylum, immigration fears, and what viewers can do to stay informed and engaged.

👇 Like, comment, and subscribe - and drop topics you want us to cover next. 

Tap here to watch the interview on YouTube]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70252628Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:49:26 +0000Allison ZayasCelebrity stylist Rosie Philidor joins From the Tunnel to the Hill with Allison Zayas for a wild, behind-the-scenes ride through hip-hop culture, fashion, and fame. Rosie breaks down how a serendipitous moment turned into a career—starting with her...
From there, she shares how she helped evolve artists’ looks (including TI), what it really takes to be part of a glam squad, and the reality behind styling budgets, consignment, and long shoot days. And then, Rosie tells the story that still gives chills: getting tapped to interview as a stylist for Kobe Bryant, flying to Calabasas, bringing an Italian tailor, and what that moment taught her about life being short.

The conversation also pivots into real-world impact: TPS (Temporary Protected Status) vs asylum, immigration fears, and what viewers can do to stay informed and engaged.

👇 Like, comment, and subscribe - and drop topics you want us to cover next. 

Tap here to watch the interview on YouTube]]>2842false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-uptown-records-to-billionaires-kurt-woodley-on-puff-daddy-mary-j-blige-the-90s--70028191
In this powerful episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, hosts Allison and Jet sit down with Kurt Woodley, former VP of A&R at Uptown Records, to unpack never-before-told stories from the golden era of 90s R&B and hip-hop.

Kurt shares what it was really like when Sean Combs (Puff Daddy) was just an intern running errands and how his relentless work ethic and business mindset hinted at the mogul he’d become. He also breaks down the creation of Mary J. Blige’s groundbreaking sound, the culture inside Uptown, and the risks, chaos, and loyalty that defined the era.

Stay up to date with our episodes! Subscribe now to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromthetunneltothehillpodcast

Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/fromthetunneltothehill/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70028191Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:54:18 +0000Allison ZayasBefore billion-dollar empires, chart-topping albums, and iconic legacies, there was Uptown Records and a group of young creatives figuring it out in real time. In this powerful episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, hosts Allison and Jet sit down...
In this powerful episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, hosts Allison and Jet sit down with Kurt Woodley, former VP of A&R at Uptown Records, to unpack never-before-told stories from the golden era of 90s R&B and hip-hop.

Kurt shares what it was really like when Sean Combs (Puff Daddy) was just an intern running errands and how his relentless work ethic and business mindset hinted at the mogul he’d become. He also breaks down the creation of Mary J. Blige’s groundbreaking sound, the culture inside Uptown, and the risks, chaos, and loyalty that defined the era.

Stay up to date with our episodes! Subscribe now to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromthetunneltothehillpodcast

Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/fromthetunneltothehill/]]>383590s,d,hiphop,kurt,r&b,records,uptown,woodleyfalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-life-sentences-to-life-purpose-akbar-pray-isaac-wright-jr-part-2-of-2--69849261
Former Drug Kingpin, Akbar Pray, reflects on his journey from receiving a life-without-parole sentence to rehabilitation, release, and becoming a powerful voice for accountability, transformation, and community restoration.

Together, they break down:

• How the criminal justice system fails
• The emotional cost of wrongful convictions
• What real redemption looks like after incarceration
• Why second chances matter - for individuals and society

This episode offers firsthand insight into resilience, justice reform, and what it truly means to reclaim purpose after prison.

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @FromTheTunnelToTheHill
📌 Subscribe on YouTube: @FromTheTunnelToTheHillPodcast
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69849261Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:11:03 +0000Allison ZayasIn this powerful episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, host Allison Zayas sits down with Isaac Wright Jr. and Akbar Pray for a raw, unfiltered conversation about wrongful conviction, redemption, and the fight for justice. Isaac Wright Jr., whose...
Former Drug Kingpin, Akbar Pray, reflects on his journey from receiving a life-without-parole sentence to rehabilitation, release, and becoming a powerful voice for accountability, transformation, and community restoration.

Together, they break down:

• How the criminal justice system fails
• The emotional cost of wrongful convictions
• What real redemption looks like after incarceration
• Why second chances matter - for individuals and society

This episode offers firsthand insight into resilience, justice reform, and what it truly means to reclaim purpose after prison.

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @FromTheTunnelToTheHill
📌 Subscribe on YouTube: @FromTheTunnelToTheHillPodcast
]]>588590's,akbar,allison,criminal,from,hill,hiphop,isaac,jr,justice,newark,podcast,pray,stories,the,to,tunnel,wright,zayasfalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/isaac-wright-jr-akbar-pray-speak-wrongfully-convicted-to-fully-redeemed-part-1-of-2--69658470From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas sits down with Isaac Wright Jr. and Akbar Pray for a powerful conversation on wrongful conviction, redemption, and the fight for justice.

Wright—whose life story inspired the ABC series For Life—recounts being falsely convicted as a drug kingpin, serving time in a maximum-security prison, and teaching himself the law to ultimately prove his innocence. Pray, once a major figure in New Jersey’s drug trade, shares his journey from a life-without-parole sentence to rehabilitation, release, and a renewed commitment to community service.

Together, they unpack resilience, the flaws of the criminal justice system, and what accountability and transformation truly look like—setting the stage for deeper conversations on justice and reform.

Follow on Instagram @FromTheTunnelToTheHill
Subscribe on YouTube @FromTheTunnelToTheHill]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69658470Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:07:56 +0000Allison ZayasIn this episode of From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas sits down with Isaac Wright Jr. and Akbar Pray for a powerful conversation on wrongful conviction, redemption, and the fight for justice. Wright—whose life story inspired the ABC series...From the Tunnel to the Hill, Allison Zayas sits down with Isaac Wright Jr. and Akbar Pray for a powerful conversation on wrongful conviction, redemption, and the fight for justice.

Wright—whose life story inspired the ABC series For Life—recounts being falsely convicted as a drug kingpin, serving time in a maximum-security prison, and teaching himself the law to ultimately prove his innocence. Pray, once a major figure in New Jersey’s drug trade, shares his journey from a life-without-parole sentence to rehabilitation, release, and a renewed commitment to community service.

Together, they unpack resilience, the flaws of the criminal justice system, and what accountability and transformation truly look like—setting the stage for deeper conversations on justice and reform.

Follow on Instagram @FromTheTunnelToTheHill
Subscribe on YouTube @FromTheTunnelToTheHill]]>2605false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parties-power-the-90-s--69494960
Follow On Social Media @fromthetunneltothehill

Subscribe to The YouTube Channel @fromthetunneltothehill]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69494960Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:07 +0000Allison ZayasIn the inaugural episode of the podcast, Allison Zayas—a cultural connector whose journey spans New York City nightlife, hip-hop royalty, and Capitol Hill—sits down with longtime friend Jet Dilone for a candid and nostalgic conversation. The two...
Follow On Social Media @fromthetunneltothehill

Subscribe to The YouTube Channel @fromthetunneltothehill]]>2515false11full