Getting Started
You spent years in radio in Nashville before making Cincinnati home. What first drew you to broadcasting?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati but moved to Nashville right out of high school to attend Fisk University.
My first roommate was a bass player from Chicago who got on our campus radio station (88.1 FM WFSK) to play alternative and classic rock. I figured if he could do that on an HBCU station, surely I could play R&B and hip-hop. So I applied and got the 9 p.m. to midnight slot on Monday nights. I would have to borrow CDs from people on campus, literally going door to door in the dorms. The exchange was a shout-out and playing at least one request from everybody. I ended up having the longest-running student program in WFSK history. I was also promoted to Program Manager. This is the same station that Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, and the founder of En Vogue, got their start.
Growing up, your musical tastes leaned heavily toward R&B and hip-hop. How did your taste change and develop later on?
I got heavily into reggae music and eventually went from doing my hip-hop/R&B show to hosting a Saturday afternoon reggae show. I also began hosting showcase concerts for local talent in Nashville, which brought a broad range of musical talents to the stage. Nowadays, I love music of all kinds and really enjoy learning the stories behind how certain songs and collaborations came to be. For example, the Beastie Boys’ classic “Paul Revere” was “accidentally” produced by Rick Rubin audibly rewinding a track that sounded better than when it was played forward. Or how Con Funk Shun’s “Love’s Train” is based on a true experience of heartbreak when two of the band members were interested in the same woman. I haven't figured out how the Temptations got on Rick James’ “Super Freak” though. I’m guessing they must've been recording in an adjacent studio and came by his session.
Radio
Nashville has such a rich musical history. What was it like working in radio during that era?
Nashville being Music City was one of the best places for me to get my start in radio. We were a hub for many of the local college parties and concerts, which gave me the opportunity to be on stage with artists like Jay-Z, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Biz Markie, Da Brat, etc. I got a chance to DJ some of the top clubs in Nashville, and eventually formed the Nashville Street Team for XXL Magazine, which brought me to Atlanta, where I befriended Ludacris’ DJ Jaycee, which was a next-level experience. Prior to deejaying for DTP, Jaycee was on V103 (where Ludacris was also a deejay/on-air personality called Chris Luva Luva). I was allowed to tag along to all of the celebrity parties that Jaycee was deejaying around Atlanta. It was a GREAT experience.
What’s one behind-the-scenes story from your radio days that still makes you smile?
There are sooooo many. My first celebrity interview was with the legendary singer Melba Moore. Her daughter Charlie was my classmate. My sophomore year, I was on the homecoming committee, and we decided to bring Jay-Z after the release of his debut album, Reasonable Doubts. I still have his contract. I was on stage with him the entire time he performed and even threw the money into the audience with him. Prior to the show, we were all hanging in the gym parking lot, and I told Jay-Z I got an advance copy of the Can't Knock The Hustle Remix (Fool’s Paradise), and that I’ve kept it in heavy rotation. He smiled, signed my copy of that and Reasonable Doubt, and said, “Keep playing that hot shit.”
You met and interviewed countless artists over the years. Was there one celebrity who completely exceeded your expectations?
I think my favorite interviews were with Terrence Howard, the actor and musician. I met him on a movie set here in Cincinnati and began working with him to elevate his work as a scientist and inventor by introducing him to the world of academia. I got BlackDoctors.org to fly us to Atlanta to do an in-person interview I called “Mayne to Mayne,” which we later followed up with a virtual conversation.
Is there an interview or on-air moment that you’ll never forget?
During my undergraduate days, I would solicit donations from local businesses to sponsor giveaway prizes. I would then do various activities to challenge my listeners (trivia, rap battles, etc.). One night, a freshman from Chicago called in to battle me for a fish sandwich from a local spot called the Crow’s Nest. She must've been hungry that night because she brought her A game! So much that I ended up buying her entire crew (called the Chi-Town All-Stars) fish sandwiches. I eventually gave one of them an on-air slot. She is now a therapist who still deejays on the radio in Chicago.
Were there any artists you were convinced were going to become stars before everyone else caught on?
Yup. Jay-Z when he performed Reasonable Doubt, and Outkast when we brought them through after their first and second albums. The second time we brought them, they had Goodie Mob with them. This was right after their first album. We knew then that the “south had something to say.”
Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS)
What first attracted you to serving on the CMHS Board and LAS Advisory Committee?
I was at a show, and Bill Baumann was the emcee that night. It might've been Meshell Ndegeocello. He had so much charisma up there that I said to my friend, “Dude seems like somebody I need to know.” Later I was headed to the bathroom, and we crossed paths. He complimented me on my suit, and I said, “Hey you were the guy on stage.” We chatted for a bit and said we’d connect to have coffee. We met and talked about the CMHS and LAS. He extended the invitation to join the board to help diversify the lineup and help to introduce some hip-hop acts to the stage. I accepted and passed the follow-up interviews.
From your perspective, what makes the LAS different from other concert experiences?
The variety of artists, as well as the location itself. It provides an intimate, high-quality experience for our audiences.
As someone who’s spent a lifetime around music, what excites you most about the artists LAS brings to Cincinnati?
I love the opportunity to learn about artists and bands that I have never heard of, and being exposed to different genres of music.
Is there a favorite LAS concert or moment that stands out during your time on the board?
Introducing esperanza spalding and hearing Meshell Ndegeocello (although she was there prior to me joining the board). And probably meeting John Coltrane’s son after his show!!!
Why do you think organizations like the CMHS and LAS are important to our community?
The CMHS and LAS serve an important role in not only preserving historic Memorial Hall, but also programming a variety of genres for the city to enjoy. The pre-concert performances are a wonderful way for local artists to share a night with Grammy Award-winning and -nominated artists, which is a MAJOR boost for their careers.
Looking Back
You’ve been involved with music as a broadcaster, deejay, fan, and board member. What has music taught you over the years?
Music has served as a catalyst for bringing people together who otherwise may have never met. Music has taught me that humans from all walks of life are fully capable of bonding and working together as long as the right soundtrack is playing.
If you could go back and attend one concert in history, what would it be?
Sheesh… it would probably be a Fela Kuti concert at the Shrine in Nigeria.
What’s one artist you always hoped to meet but never had the chance?
Minnie Riperton or Sade. E-40, too.
What are you listening to these days?
Depends on what day it is… it might be my funk ‘70s station or some classic West Coast hip-hop. Roy Ayers and Donald Byrd-inspired jazz, or ‘90s dancehall.
Lightning Round
Favorite concert ever?
Wu-Tang Clan and Run the Jewels in Columbus last summer.
Most underrated artist?
Run the Jewels
Vinyl, CD, or streaming?
I still have footlockers and bins full of vinyl, books filled with CDs, and my streaming service paid up. I use all three.
Best live performer you’ve ever seen?
Either Erykah Badu or Marsha Ambrosia at Dave Chappelle’s club in Yellow Springs.
One song you’ll never skip.
“Kings In This Jungle” by Sizzla and Jah Cure
Closing Question
After spending so much of your life around music—from the radio studio to the CMHS Board / LAS Advisory Committee—what do you hope audiences continue to value about the live music experience?
The artistry and in-person experience that live performances alone can bring. Digital media is convenient, but I feel it is the equivalent of empty calorie.