Urban Radio Nation - Urban Radio Stations, Media and Music

WENN Moves its FM signal to 102.1 to Cover Birmingham Better

2010-09-04T18:44:00.005-04:00

The only Neo-Soul radio station in the country is now known as the "New 102.1 WENN Birmingham's Neo-Soul Station."

The frequency change gives WENN a stronger signal in the area from its previous 101.9 FM translator location. Along with the frequency change comes a new logo as well. It's available online at wennfm.com.

Here's a slide show from the station.

VIDEO: John Legend and The Roots featuring Melanie Fiona and Common - “Wake Up Everybody”

2010-08-20T00:19:00.006-04:00

Gotta love the video concept as a tribute to Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" and Black Thought's portrayal of Samuel L. Jackson's character from the movie, "Mister Señor Love Daddy". Wake Up Y'all!

D.L.Hughley is Done at 98.7 Kiss FM, Now What???

2010-08-19T19:11:00.007-04:00

We have a solution!

The official word from WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM Program Director Jill Strada is this, "Mornings will remain local on Kiss FM with some familiar voices and a heavy dose of the music we're known for... stay tuned!"

OK, sounds like not much of a plan at all. Sounds like another comic host has caused a station to get caught with their pants down. "...Did a radio show because it sounded like a good idea at the time until something else came along..." "...Got canned from CNN, so let's do radio...", You know the drill.

We expect the former resident comedian Talent, to re-emerge on the morning show. He of course is a familiar voice. "Kiss" cannot however bring back former host Jeff Foxx, to take the place of the now departed D.L. Hughley. Foxx is now doing afternoons over at 107.5 WBLS. But as promised, we have a solution...

"Despite our best intentions, belief in their talent and even close friendships that have developed within our building... outside factors beyond our control have necessitated that we conclude the D.L. Hughley Morning Show on KISS FM," said Senior VP/Market Manager Alex Cameron. That factor is mainly money at the tune of $395,000 that Hughley is reportedly owed. He has also has jetted off to play a character named 'Skeet' in the new movie Hawaii Five-0.

Once again a non-radio person was hired to do the job that should go to a radio professional. But in a competitive market like New York, the allure of a "name" is too good to resist! For every unsuccessful attempt by a comic like D.L. to do a radio show, there's a successful story like Steve Harvey. For every failed attempt like Mo'Nique, there's success with a Michael Baisden. And so on...

Even Kiss FM experienced success in the 90's with a non-radio personality in singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes holding down the morning show. So the temptation is there for bringing in a big name, a little name, any kind of name to do a radio show and also keeping it local.

As we see it, (with tongue firmly planted in cheek), there is only one non-radio personality that Kiss FM should bring in. His qualifications are impeccable.

1. Absolutely No Radio Experience 2. His career is on a downward spiral after major success 3. Has an Oscar nomination and 4. He is a New York native.

Eddie Murphy. How about it? It seems as if he has virtually become the character he portrayed in 'Dreamgirls'.

We're kidding of course, but we bet some PD, somewhere is thinking, that's not a bad idea. "Who needs somebody that can do radio?"

Actually, they're thinking Cedric the Entertainer. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.

Who is this woman? What did she do?

2010-08-19T18:21:00.003-04:00

She hosts a syndicated radio talk show on mostly static filled AM radio stations. On formats across the country that figure her voice is slightly better than dead air. Oh, she gives advice too!?! Really? Wait, she is neither a medical doctor nor a psychologist. Her PhD is in physiology -- a degree which has nothing to do with human interpersonal relationships. So she's not a therapist, she only plays one on the radio...

...and still people call and listen to her for advice...lol.

She used to have over 500 affiliates, now it's about half that amount. She was a major radio star about 10 years ago and she said the "N-WORD." Hmmm... Not once, but several times. Raise your hand if you were listening to her show on the day she said the "N-WORD", several times!

We've wasted too much time on her already... as P.T. Barnum once said, "I don't care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right."

News Talk Station WSB Kicks Hip Hop and 95.5 The Beat to the Curb

2010-08-16T21:54:00.004-04:00

Do you remember folks were upset when 95.5 The Beat began calling themselves "The New Number 1 for Hip Hop, in of all places, the "durty, durty", the ATL?

It's a move that Cox Media feels will help to protect their highly rated AM talk station with a look to the future. Today the media company decided to take their powerhouse news and talk station, 750 WSB to the FM dial at 95.5. The move effectively kills the rhythmic/hip hop station 95.5 The Beat. Although "The Beat" will now be heard on 97.1 HD-2 channel without on-air personalities. (But who even listens to or has an HD Radio?)

The move supposedly comes to keep WSB fresh and up to date. “Fewer people under the age of 40 are listening to AM,” said Tony Kidd, vice president and market manager for programming, said during an interview. By being on FM, this will enable WSB to draw from a bigger pool of potential listeners.” The station will continue to broadcast on AM radio as well.

Another reason WSB is making this move to get a boost in their own ratings. For years they have been competing against urban station WVEE. V-103, despite lots of competition continues to lead the Atlanta radio ratings, while WSB has slipped to a tied number 3 position.

It will be interesting to see where 95.5 The Beat former listeners will filter out to for hip hop. Will V-103 get a slight boost in their own ratings, which would mean part of Cox Media's plan could backfire.

Don't Look for Rickey Smiley in Philly Anytime Soon, Not with Imaging Like This

2010-08-11T05:13:00.002-04:00

Radio One's popular morning host Rickey Smiley would seem to be a natural fit for a station without a major "big name" morning host. 100.3 The Beat (WPHI) has been without that "big name" since last November when Charlemagne left the station. We are not a fan of syndication generally, but Rickey Smiley and his cohorts put together an entertaining morning show including his alter ego "Miss Bernice Jenkins". So why not in Philly?

The Rickey Smiley Show has generated #1 ratings in several markets across the country and is right on the heels of the Frank and Wanda in the Morning Show in the 18-34 demo in the Atlanta market where they broadcast the show (WHTA - Hot 107.9). Since Charlamagne's departure, the station has gone with a more music intensive show with less emphasis on the on-air personalities who hold down the shift currently, Izzo and Sasha LaToy.

However it seems that 100.3 The Beat is bucking the trend of most music formatted radio stations. THEY ARE actually using sweepers to promote that listeners are tuning in to hear the DJ's, and not just the morning host.

The sweeper we heard sort of went like this: A female voice says, "I tune into 100.3 The Beat to the hear the DJ's I love, Michael Shawn, Kendra G., Poochman, and Izzo."

"WHAT??? Promoting local on-air personalities!"... Hmmm this is interesting indeed... Radio One is using morning syndication in every other market in the country, regardless of format, except at 100.3 The Beat. (On WPHI's sister stations; Tom Joyner is on 107.9 WRNB and Yolanda Adams is morning host at Praise 103.9) The Beat competes with Power 99's local morning show hosted by Miss Tarsha Jones aka "Jonesy."

Is this the beginning of a trend in urban radio, is it unique to the Philly market, or will The Rickey Smiley Morning Show eventually be added to the lineup at 100.3 The Beat?

Regis & Kelly name the 10 Finalist for the "Women in Radio" Contest

2010-08-10T03:06:00.000-04:00

Among the finalist are two urban radio personalities Malikha Mallette, co-host on the Ed Lover Morning Show on Power 105.1 and Anji Corley the midday host on 95.5 WPGC in Washington, D.C.

Continue on to see their videos:

See the full list of finalists and place your votes here. Voting ends on Wednesday August 11.

Any comments?

Erykah Badu Brings the Funk At Chicago's Lollapalooza

2010-08-10T03:04:00.001-04:00

A bleach-blonde mohawk? Erykah Badu rocks her new hair with a ladylike vintage-looking dress and accessorized with a Louis Vuitton belt, full arm cuffs, wing earrings, rings and black booties. Hate it or love it?

Read more from BET Lifestyle.

YouTube video from the concert.

A Film on Legendary DJ Georgie Woods

2010-08-09T06:34:00.004-04:00

"The Georgie Woods story from the Eyes of Minister Joshua Coates", is the working title of a movie on the legendary Philadelphia DJ. Release date for the film is some time in 2011. The movie includes fascinating interviews with Dick Clark and the late Ed Bradley from CBS News.

An integral part of the film is Georgie Woods' connection with the once vibrant, now dormant Uptown Theatre in Philadelphia. Some of you may recall during the 2009 BET Awards that The Ojays mentioned the Uptown Theatre as the place where they first met Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.

The following videos on the process of putting together the bio-pic of Georgie Woods are from 20/20 Visions Entertainment Group.

During the first video segment, it is implied from the narration, that the 60's rock and roll group, The Beatles played the Uptown. That never happened. Georgie Woods did however play Beatles and Elvis Presley records on WDAS radio in Philadelphia.

The film, if for nothing else, it's an interesting perspective on the influence that local radio DJ's had not only in the music industry, but also in the community. The influence of a Georgie Woods was duplicated by many other DJ's in Black Radio radio across the country throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's.

It was a powerful position that no longer exists in local radio anywhere. Media consolidation has effectively killed it off on a local level. Of course today it only exists nationally by one radio personality in Black radio, Tom Joyner; but it's minuscule in comparison to the power and influence of syndicated talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck on a national scale. Radio was and continues to be a powerful medium.

It's hard to believe that this "back in the day" entertainment mecca was once more powerful than Harlem's famed Apollo Theatre.

Here's a link related to this post.

Pictured below is the Uptown Theatre as it appears today.

R&B Vocalist Tank Stops By KISSing After Dark with Lenny Green

2010-08-09T03:01:00.000-04:00

Popular R&B vocalist Tank stopped by Lenny Green's syndicated KISSing After Dark radio show in New York recently, to present his new single, "Sex Music," from his upcoming new CD, "Now Or Never," which will be released on September 21st.

Lenny's female listeners were undoubtedly glued to their radios that night! Shown, left to right: Tank & Lenny Green. Photo credit: A.J. Miller. Click on image for larger photo

VIDEO: Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna

2010-08-09T02:02:00.000-04:00

Is it worthy to be added to urban radio? Is there that much difference between urban/hip-hop and rhythmic top 40 radio anymore?

LaDawn Black Nominated for African American Literary Award

2010-08-06T09:40:00.006-04:00

Baltimore's 92Q (WERQ) personality, LaDawn Black has been nominated for an African American Literary Award in the erotic novel category. Her book, "Tease: Steamy Short Stories," is one of four titles that are being considered for the honor.

The African American Literary Awards will be held on September 23 at the Harlemstage Gatehouse in NYC. Besides being an author and radio host, LaDawn is a relationship expert. Her show "The Love Zone" airs Sunday - Thursday evenings at 10p.m. ET.

You can vote here online for your choice in each catergory. Other media (TV) personalities that have been nominated for their literary work include The View's Sherri Shepherd and CBS News' Byron Pitts.

Kevin Liles Talks Trey Songz, Def Jam and Youth Mentoring

2010-08-06T06:52:00.003-04:00

Kevin Liles talks to SoulCulture TV about the ventures he's currently pursuing and reflects on his Def Jam days, managing Trey Songz and his plans for the future.

Guest Hosts Bob Slade, James Mtume and Boyce Watkins talk Montana Fishburne on "Keeping It Real"

2010-08-05T17:51:00.009-04:00

New York's (WRKS) 98.7 Kiss FM "Open Line" talk show hosts Bob Slade (center) and James Mtume (right) are joined by Dr. Boyce Watkins on the syndicated Al Sharpton Show "Keeping It Real."

The first topic they discussed was the recent news about actor Laurence Fishburne's daughter Montana and her efforts to break into the entertainment industry.

In reality, isn't Montana Fishburne generating the buzz that she had hoped for. Who even knew who she was two weeks ago? Seems like it's working.

HD Radio - Do they really want you to listen to it?

2010-08-05T10:06:00.008-04:00

96.3 WHUR in Washington, D.C. broadcasts in HD. So that must mean they are a high definition radio station, right?

What is HD Radio? (Hopefully you will know a little more after reading this post) The quality of the sound in HD is better...that's a given. But the radio industry is marketing the HD Radio as a subscription free radio alternative with superior sound. However the programming on the side channels (HD2 or HD 3) is no where near the quality of Sirius XM Satellite radio. So why are they marketing themselves that way? Shouldn't the emphasis be on sound quality? Therein lies the problem. Many people experience drops in coverage like the iPhone 4.0. Besides do they really want you to listen less to the main FM or AM stations? Probably not, because that would mean a drop in ratings for those stations.

After the introduction of HD Radio a few years ago, the public still has some misconceptions about it:

The "HD" in HD Radio does not mean High Definition.

Studies have shown that many listeners believe they are already listening to "HD", because the announcer when giving the station ID might say "now in HD" or "Power 99 - Philadelphia - HD1."

The HD side stations would seem to be a perfect place to give a platform for local artists, news, and overall local content. However what is there, is not even as good as Pandora or Slacker pure play radio stations. As we have said before, WHUR World 96.3 HD-2, is the only commercial station in the country that does anything innovation or creative with their HD side channel.

But there are some cool stuff you can do with HD Radio tuning. However the technology of it all, is probably a little overwhelming for the average consumer. The bottom line is this; is all the cool stuff enough for consumers to go out and buy one?

Continue on to the see the videos:

Cathy Hughes to be Inducted into Radio Hall of Fame

2010-08-04T19:03:00.002-04:00

The Radio Hall of Fame will induct Cathy Hughes this fall. The Hall of Fame will be bestowing its Emerson Award to the founder of Radio One.

Hughes is being recognized for her influence and lasting impact on the world of broadcasting. The annual Radio Hall of Fame ceremony will take place November 6, 2010 in Chicago.

The Best Tweets of the Week... 8/4/10 Urban Radio Listeners on Twitter.com

2010-08-04T18:02:00.007-04:00

Nicki Minaj celebrates the work her street team has done as she has achieved 1 million followers on Twitter. It also looks like that Ciara is trying to put together the same type of mobile force to push her latest single, "Ride."

@Ciarasboii Ciara Ride Radio Positions: Urban #3 Rhythmic #12 Pop #80 iTunes : Main:#92 R&B/Soul:#6 Music Videos:#16 Youtube: +10 Million Views

Other tweets:
@MzOutlaw So if Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, how is there only 1.5 Urban Radio stations? #Confused

@LennyLenn @q_salazar Hell damn near everybody behind the scenes in urban media (TV, RADIO, MAGAZINE, NET) are not black

(A tweet in response to the Essence Magazine Controversy)

@_LexiiStar_ oh god , i love "all urban radio" on itunes>

@MissMoe530 Philly got me missing WAMO... They got like 4 Urban Radio stations

(Pittsburgh still waiting for an urban station...)

@DJ_Era And thas NO disrespect to none of my fam up at KDay nor Power 106, but les jus b real......the formats of urban LA radio today SUCK ASS!!!!

@NapoleonSoloVox No really!! I am soooo serious #hiphop #r&b #blackculture are so dead if the core of it is being broadcast on urban radio

@djrtodaizza Eminem having the #1 record in the country for 5 weeks just means that the streets & urban radio means nothing in hip hop/music anymore

(We talked about this from an earlier post you read here)

@NikkoSongWriter RT: Request @MyRichGirl's "Swagger Right" ft. @myFabolouslife & @RickyRozay on your local Urban Radio Station... Lets get it #TeamRichGirl!!

@TeamMinajVenus @XtremeTeamMinaj. i'm a ken. and if i'm not mistaken, eminem doesn't get that much play on urban radio stations. i think we'll be fine.

@Dolewite101 @lovemegos the day, radio is all about $! Once there are more businesses that see the marketing value of urban radio here, there will b more

@Brianywcha 현재 듣고 있는 Urban Hiphop RnB Radio. 점심을 더 깔끔하게 해주고 있는.

(Urban Radio gone global)

@ImaCiaraStan @IamTeamCIARA Urban Radio

@Dallas_Parker3 RT @pleasedontstare: Hip Hop blogs are startin to resemble urban radio. Monkey see Monkey do.

@itunespromo Attention Ciara Fans: Ride has moved up to #3 on Urban Radio. Your Girl is back!

Cathy Hughes at it again... But This Time She Has Support

2010-08-03T16:29:00.008-04:00

Huffington Post blogger Zondra Hughes interviewed Radio One's Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes on the performance royalty tax. Their discussion was on the Performace Royalty tax and the Plight of Black radio. (Is there such a thing as Black Radio anymore?) It is reported that if this tax goes in effect then Radio One will have to fork over at least $14 million.

In the Huff Post interview, Cathy Hughes' gives responses to her adversary singer in this legal debate before Congress, Dionne Warwick. (Who hasn't had a hit in years and we seriously doubt has any songs that are currently in rotation on any radio format across the country. Maybe "That's What Friends Are For" with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight. But that's about it.)

Hughes says of Warwick:

But let me say this, I ain't mad at her, and the reason why is because the record industry, SoundExchange and musicFIRST--according to a source at the White House--they have already spent about $28 million to get this legislation passed. Dionne and them are on the payroll. They are getting like, $200,000-300,000 paychecks, flying on corporate jets, being put up in suites at the hotel. They are getting paid, they are professional lobbyists on this issue.

They're saying, "Oh, I'm an artist," and that is true, but you're also getting a paycheck from the record companies to come out here and say this sh**. I'm not mad because this girl doesn't have any other way to make this type of money, other than doing this. So I understand what's causing this and she ain't the problem.

Where do you stand on the issue? Check out the article on Huffington Post and be sure to read the interesting comments.

Elle Duncan of V-103 Promo Video for Regis and Kelly Women of Radio Contest

2010-08-02T16:04:00.001-04:00

Elle Duncan, is the first urban radio personality out the gate; and one of only a few other radio personalities that have posted their promo video on the 'net as of yet; in hopes of landing a co-hosting spot next to Regis Philbin sometime in August. (During Kelly Ripa's vacation)

Voting online will take place from August 9th-11th for the female broadcaster you would like to see co-host for a day with Regis.

We were wondering if the radio personality on V-103's "Frank and Wanda In the Morning" show that Elle Duncan replaced, "Miss Sophia" (comedian Joe Taylor) would have been eligible for the contest?

The Gayle King Talk Show - Is She a Good Fit for Urban Talk Radio?

2010-08-02T16:02:00.000-04:00

Gayle King, the Sirius XM satellite radio host has been recently added to the midday lineup two urban radio talk show

stations. Those stations are 900 AM WURD in Philadelphia and 1380 WAOK in Atlanta.

It may be a good financial move for both stations, with Gayle King being backed by Oprah Winfrey's star power.

However those listeners who like Gayle haven't taken the time to add comments in a recent AJC blog post. But those that aren't particularly thrilled with the changes in Atlanta have made their voice known.

What do you think? See comments

Checking in with Triscina Grey, Midday Host at 96.3 WHUR Washington, D.C.

2010-08-02T16:00:00.001-04:00

Talkers Magazine Names Seven African American Talk Show Hosts in their Top 100

2010-08-02T15:48:00.007-04:00

The Number One talk show host in the country according to Talkers Magazine's "The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time" is Rush Limbaugh.

Former radio host and now daytime TV star Wendy Williams also makes the list. But you might be surprised to find out the African American radio host that is ranked the highest.

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Others Respond to the Essense Magazine Controversy

2010-08-01T15:32:00.009-04:00

Syracuse University professor and social commentator, Dr. Boyce D. Watkins gives his view on the recent controversy.

-It seems that the world has grown irritated with Essence Magazine for hiring a new white fashion editor. Michaela Angela Davis, a former employee, has blasted the organization for effectively betraying its constituents with the non-traditional hire. She cites mass discrimination that has historically occurred within the fashion industry and seems disappointed that “our space” no longer belongs to us.

I certainly empathize with Davis’ point. Davis is a strong and direct black woman (I had her on my show), one who has very little tolerance for those who deviate from what she perceives as righteous ideology regarding women and minorities. Her passion for the issues that affect us seems to come from a genuine place, like a black woman who has seen enough and refuses to allow herself or anyone like her to be victimized by a clearly racist and sexist society.

On the other hand, Davis’ position might be considered to be extreme by those hoping for a more open and inclusive society. While Davis’ concerns about America at large are certainly accurate and relevant, I am sure that Elliana Placas, the new fashion editor, feels incredibly uncomfortable being caught in the racial and gender-based cross-fire that continues to plague America. In other words, she’s just a white woman trying to keep a damn job.

With that said, here are some questions I have about Essence Magazine’s decision to hire a white fashion editor:

Read more in the article The 'Essence' Controversy: Racial and gender-based cross-fire continues to plague America.

Also weighing in on the controversy is blogger Lola Adesioye of the Grio.

-The furor over Essence magazine's hiring of a white fashion editor is shortsighted and disheartening on so many levels.

...I know there is some nuance behind what Davis said, but on face value it simply looks like a bigoted statement. To be "heavy hearted" that Essence has hired one white fashion director in its 40 years history is racial sensitivity gone overboard. Davis has argued, accurately, that the fashion industry is a "closed world" for black women. Yet, in reality that has little to do with Essence. That is a wider issue for the fashion industry as a whole to address.

Read more from the Grio article "Essence's white fashion editor caught up in off-color controversy"

Former Essence Magazine Fashion Editor Harriette Cole and a former Essence Contibutor writer Sophia A. Nelson discuss the Debate on MSNBC

Note: MSNBC only allows one viewing; mouse over, click 'playlist' and type in "essense magazine controversy" to view the video segment more than once...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

101.9 WENN Birmingham Brings Commercial Appeal to Neo Soul Radio

2010-07-30T16:05:00.014-04:00

When the historic calls letters of WENN returned to the air in February of this year it marked a new direction in urban radio programming. WENN does indeed have a great history dating back to the civil rights era.

But the historic reason this time was WENN became the only commercial Neo Soul radio station in the country. (If there is another one, they're doing a great job of keeping it a secret.) So let's say it again, WENN is the only NEO-SOUL radio station in the country. It's not in Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York or D.C. It's in Birmingham, Alabama at 1019wenn.com.

Kori White is the program director of the former AM Black talk radio station. The station uses an FM translator at 101.9 FM to simultaneously broadcast its 1320 AM signal. White has done an absolutely fabulous job with the playlist that mixes in not only Neo Soul music, but also some Hip Hop and top rated R&B directly from the Urban and Urban AC charts. Local artists are also programmed on the station. (For those of you that want to know how to get your music played on the radio, fill up Kori White's inbox, not ours. lol)

This station is a much better programmed station in our opinion than the forerunner of Neo Soul radio programming, Satellite Radio XM 62 The Flow, which no longer exist. And very much better than the self programming listeners might be able to do with Pandora or Slacker pure play radio. You can check out WENN songs on the station's website.

In addition to Neo Soul programming the station features The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Birmingham is not only the hometown of Smiley, but also his co-host Ebony Steele. However we think there is more Cox Media could do with 101.9 WENN which might include:

Upgrading the bandwidth of the online streaming player to bring forth a better quality sound. Adding live jocks would be great to hear too.

But what we don't want to see Cox Media do is use this station to control their ratings share within the Birgmingham market like they did in Atlanta with the now defuncted 97.1 Jamz. With the 3 years or so it existed, "Jamz" was basically a jukebox blasting hip hop jams from the 80's, 90's and today. But we kinda get that feeling...

In Atlanta, 97.1 Jamz was used to try to head off some of the big steam from V-103 and the little steam from Hot 107.9, so WALR (Kiss 104.1) numbers would look better. In didn't worked. In Birmingham, Cox Media also owns 95.7 Jamz WBHJ with veteran morning show host Buck Wilde and the "other 98.7 Kiss FM", top rated Urban AC station WBHK. Their competition for African American listeners in the market place mainly comes from Citadel owned R&B station (WUHT) Hot 107.7.

Hot 107.7 is not a traditional Urban AC station that you find in other cities, because there is virtually no classic soul played on the air outside of the Steve Harvey Morning Show and the Michael Baisden Show. WENN not only bites into Hot 107.7's audience share, but also prevents popular Birmingham native, Rickey Smiley from ever airing over on Hot 107.7.

In any event, we are glad that WENN via the internet can be shared around the world.

VIDEO: Q-Tip Gettin' Up

2010-07-30T10:15:00.004-04:00