Larry Dee's Hip Hop Connection
!!!!!!!!FINALLLY IT'S OVER!!!!!!!!!
After over 10 years, the bondage of having one R&B/Hip Hop station is over. In my home town of Cleveland, we've had to be subjected to the grip of WZAK 93.1 FM (Zapis Communications) program formats, program managers and it's owner. It made it very hard for local talent to get noticed without being in their pocket, or kissin' ass to get radio play.
Now as of 5/13/1999, a new (but familliar station has come to our market thanks to the largest black owned communications company Radio One Communications. WENZ (107.9) which used to be an alternative station has switched format to Hip Hop and R&B. (Notice I said Hip Hop and R&B not the other way around!). Hip Hop is big everywhere, that is except Cleveland. Because of this we were programmed and forced to hear Levert and other local groups that sucked up to Zapis' crew, or had "national reps" (not to dis Levert, don't get me wrong, I love Levert songs) but if you didnt dance to their tune you gots no play!!!!
This may come as a surprise to my readers in other states, we heard of Bone Thugs and Harmony at the same time you did. Not because they didn't but in work, but because they only had WZAK as a "vessel" for their music, which they didn't play. For the last 3 years, I boycotted radio as a tool for my consumtion of Hip Hop music, (Cable was my hook up and I listened to talk radio, it was more entertaining). This station had a bias to local Hip Hop and until 5 Years ago they had a bias against Hip Hop totally!
Hip Hop fans that were at least 5 years old in 1980's can remember 107.9 WDMT, it was the number one R&B and Hip Hop station in Cleveland. They gave all local Rap & R&B talent much props. They had a section of time reserved for local DJ's called "Club Style". The hottest DJ's did some dope shit that was only rivaled by N.Y.C. (The originator of Hip Hop). Those 3 hours made Cleveland a place to hear good music. WENZ has come full circle with this format change. Let's hope they take a interest in this city and show our locals much respect and make the home of the Rock Hall a Home and headquarters for all music.
Larry Dee
Editor of Larry Dee's Hip Hop Connection
Contact WENZ to let them know that we need more local support and we'll make them #1 again.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wenz
(KISS FM) 107. 9
1041 Huron Rd E
Cleveland, OH 44115-1706
Phone: (216) 861-9999