From The Tunnel To The Hill

Darrin 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 nightclub in New York City.

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.

What 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 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.

In 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 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?
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Immigration 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 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

Former 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 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

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Celebrity 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 very first major call: finding sunglasses for Jay-Z on the “Bonnie & Clyde” set with Beyoncé… at just 23 years old.

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

Before 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 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.

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In 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 real-life story inspired the ABC series "For Life", shares how he was falsely labeled a drug kingpin, sentenced to prison, and survived a maximum-security facility while teaching himself the law to prove his innocence and win his freedom.

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.

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In 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 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.

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In 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 rewind to the golden era of 1990s New York nightlife, sharing firsthand stories from legendary venues like The Tunnel, and moments alongside icons such as Bobby Brown, Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G. Allison reflects on her upbringing in Brooklyn, her rise within the hip-hop nightlife scene, and her personal experiences working and socializing within music industry circles, including her connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs and the cultural impact of his infamous New York and Hamptons parties. The episode blends memoir with cultural commentary as they transition into present-day conversations about race, identity, public backlash, including reactions to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, a broader discussion on Puerto Rican contributions to U.S. culture and military service and closes with excitement and anticipation for what’s to come in future installments of the podcast.

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