|
 Introduce
yourself, describing how you are involved in the hip hop industry
I am an on-air personality and music director at WJHT Hot 107.9
(www.hot1079fm.com) in State College, Pennsylvania. I also still
volunteer at WKPS 90.7 (www.lion-radio.org) my alma mater. I mix on
both stations. From time to time I do mixtapes.
Describe your market and the hip hop scene in your market
My market is very small and I think at one point, maybe even now, it
was the smallest broadcast market in the country. State College, PA
is the home of Penn State University, the largest University in the
state. The underground scene has fallen off in recent years, MTV
rules. I spin independent music on my college show. We have a strict
playlist for my commercial station, but lately true school artists
like Slum Village, Kanye, and Dilated have put out more radio
friendly songs that I enjoy having on our playlist.
In what ways do you promote yourself in your market?
Along with being on the only two hip hop radio stations in my market
I also hit the clubs with our entertainment company Renaissance
Entertainment (www.rhythmrevival.com) We DJ clubs, bars, frat and
sorority parties, and even weddings. We have resources to be
involved with every aspect of urban entertainment, hip hop culture,
and rap music. We hand out promotional mix CDs to solicit clients
for events. I personally promote myself as an all-around DJ. I have
recently started spinning club, funky breaks, and latin house to
branch out into other areas of entertainment.
After making the jump to working at commercial radio too what is
it that you can share about the experience that people may not have
expected?
You really have to ask yourself how much you love DJing. If you are
doing it for the money or fame you will be disappointed with the
outcome. I never expect anything so everything I get is a blessing.
I never imagined getting paid and supporting myself from radio and
music but it can be done.
To other cats, don’t stop reading the magazines from cover to cover.
Don’t stop listening to online radio shows from all over the
country. But once you get your shot understand that you have to keep
up with the culture and format and also learn the BUSINESS. I was
most qualified for the job because I know a lot about hip hop and
rap music, but I am valuable because I have learned the business and
I know how to make revenue for my station. I have brought money to
my station and it didn’t have anything to do with my knowledge of
rap music. It was because of my ability to promote businesses to my
audience.
How would you advise new DJs coming up or at the college level so
that they can get the most out of their college show and make a name
for themselves in their market?
Take that college radio show seriously. No matter what style of
music you play sound professional. Once you understand broadcasting
and your audience you can spin anything and keep a listener’s
attention. Listen to other DJs and decide what you think makes them
good and bad. Take their good qualities and use that quality in your
own way. Eventually you will have your own style and audience.
Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be. Listen
to them and take notes. Make connections. If you are a DJ you have
to be able to introduce yourself to someone new. Let everyone know
you have a college radio show and maintain those relationships.
What are your long term plans?
I would like to be an on-air personality and mixshow DJ in a major
market. Right now I am very open to the location. I would like to
focus on Philly, Pittsburgh, and LA. Once that happens I can tell
you different long term plans, but for now that’s it.
What records are you banging right now and what are your
listeners begging you for?
Right now I am enjoying having Lil Flip, Kanye, and Dilated in
rotation on my commercial station. Planet Asia, Slum Village, and
Encore have songs out right now that have the right elements to
break onto commercial radio. When they perfect their craft they will
have a radio hit. In the meantime they will fall under the radar. At
first I thought I wouldn’t like playing the same songs over and over
on commercial radio. Now that I do, I just look forward to playing
artists who have learned the solution to the equation of a radio
hit, whether it’s Dilated Peoples or Beyonce.
People are begging for Lloyd Banks new song On Fire.
How can people contact you?
The Mayor Mike Jax
965-1 Southgate Dr.
State College, PA 16801
Cell: 412-480-8246
AOL IM: themayormikejax
lifetime e-mail:
mpj107@alumni.psu.edu
by Big Lee
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