2014 was a hell of a year for Hot 97. The crew lost Hip Hop titan Angie Martinez to Power 105, but has re-vamped with new fresh faces. Cipha Sounds has replaced Angie in the afternoon time slot. Program Director Ebro Darden and agent provocateur Peter Rosenberg have emerged as bonafide radio personalities next to new Hot 97 host Laura Stylez. Out of office initiatives like “Peter Palooza” and “Who’s Next” show a dedication to grassroots Hip Hop as well as mainstream artists. The future of Hot 97 is looking bright.
The Morning Show (Ebro, Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez) sat down with HipHopDX to discuss the re-emergence of the DJ in the Hip Hop scene, finding balance between work and health needs, their upcoming concert “Christmas In Brooklyn” and more.
Ebro Darden Explains Picking Lecrae For Their “Christmas In Brooklyn” Show
HipHopDX: When was the first time you guys saw Run or LL perform?
Ebro: I was a little kid and my cousin got tickets to FreshFest. (laughs) It was my first concert. It was Run DMC and LL Cool J on the same bill.
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DX: What does it mean to have an artist like Lecrae on the bill for Christmas in BK? Why did it make sense for you guys?
Ebro: I was the one that came up with the idea to have Lecrae on the bill. I felt like Run DMC and LL Cool J are legends and I felt like Lecrae’s Christian-Rap fan base would mesh well with Rev Run. We anticipated a lot of adults bringing their kids to this one, and we wanted to cater to both bases. Lecrae is dope and his album is doing great. He also isn’t a bible thumping pushing wisdom type of guy. He is a rapper who just happens to be a Christian. He has a legitimate fan base just like the other headliners and people will come out to see him and support him as well.
Peter Rosenberg Reveals Why The “Underground” Is Getting Some Respect
DX: While you guys may focus on mainstream music, you still try to find balance in supporting rising underground artists with programs like “Hot 97’s Who’s Next,” Peter has “Peter Palooza.” Why do you think there is a negative stigma that says “underground” means non-profitable?
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Peter: I think that is changing dramatically. You can see it with a bill like we put together for “Christmas in Brooklyn,” as you have a headliner in Lecrae who is independent and built his a serious following naturally. The rap touring business is probably as good as it has even been across the board. That’s not all due to mainstream success but there are some legitimate underground artists that are seeing great success on the road. I think the stigma is going away. People are starting to see the value in underground artists. I mean you see artists like Flatbush Zombies who just got off a successful tour run yet they don’t have any records approaching the mainstream pipeline.
Laura Stylez Chooses Young Thug & How To Stay Healthy In Hip Hop
DX: Laura, you guys bought in artists such as Diggy and Rae Sremmurd to merge with titans in Rev Run and LL Cool J. if you could choose a young rising act to add to this bill who would it be and why?
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Laura: I would have liked to see Young Thug mesh into this show. He may not be the best rapper lyrically but he has a strong fan base and gives a great live show. I think this is a great bill though regardless because we are catering to both sides on this one.
DX: DJ Khaled has been changing his life through healthy eating and lifestyle. How do you guys look at the health/ work / life balance?
Laura: I think I have the hardest time with this. Ebro and Rosenberg are pretty good with this, but I am struggling with it. I have been working on eating healthier. I think the hardest part for me is getting sleep. I don’t sleep as much as I should.
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Peter: For me I get sleep during the day but I sleep in two small shifts. This doesn’t do a great job for calorie burning and things like that. You just have to prioritize it. I take my nap game very seriously. I need to know that when Ebro goes to me that I am energetic and funny. If I don’t get my sleep then it’s not there. I also do my best to eat well, lots of salads.
Why The DJ Is Making A Return
DX: In separate genres you see the emergence of the DJ as a focal point in the performance experience, Diplo and Skrillex come to mind as successful DJ’s outside of the hip-hop realm performing in front of massive crowds . Do you see the DJ re-emerging on that level in Hip Hop anytime soon? If so are there any you would pay to see mix live?
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Ebro: I would say you have guys like DJ Drama and Khaled who are marquee names and they are doing well. I have heard discussions of guys doing tours in the future. It’s really interesting to see the success of EDM and the DJ’s success because in Hip Hop the DJ was always in the forefront in the beginning. Its only been in the past ten years that we have seen a shift. With that being said you still see guys like DJ Premier and Jazzy Jeff in the Hip Hop realm that tour around the world and do big parties and concerts. I think we are still doing well but you just have to look for it. You also have producers who do live shows. For example guys like Araab Musik and El-P who is currently on tour with Killer Mike.
Peter And Ebro Talk The Diddy And Drake Fight, The Eric Garner Decision & How Hot 97 Stays On Top
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DX: It’s been a year of wild stories in Hip Hop. Which one surprised you guys?
Ebro: Diddy and Drake getting in a fight is real. Let’s be real, no one would expect a titan like Diddy who is pushing 50 to knuckle up with a young rapper in a club.
Peter: Even knowing Diddy it is still surprising. He has never been one to stray away from a problem but I wouldn’t have expected it right now.
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DX: After the Eric Garner decision, NYC is more on edge than ever. How did you look at that decision, and do you think Hip Hop should be taking a larger role?
Ebro: From what I see artists like J.Cole are stepping up to the plate and are actively involved. We have seen athletes and musicians take a stand on the issues that are sweeping the nation right now. We have to be careful not to put too much pressure on people who are not fully informed but are famous, it has to be real and organic interest. Trendy activism can be an issue as well. Just because these famous people go to a protest doesn’t mean there is going to be change. Each person is equally responsible in doing their part to push change.
DX: As the Rap landscape changes so does the communications landscape. How does The Morning Show team stay ahead of the game?
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Ebro: I think for us what we try to do is connect with the people who are locked in develop deep relationships with them within our brand. We also focus on building relationships with the people who create the content who make our listeners feel good. We want everyone to feel at home when they tune in or come into our station.
Laura: We want to connect with the listeners and touch their everyday lives. We are really committed to our show and pushing it to another level everyday. I try to keep my ears to the streets and stay in tuned with what the listeners are saying or issues they want to talk about. There have been times that listeners have approached me out the station with something new and I push it as a topic of discussion to the show.
DX: Laura you have really emerged on the scene in 2014, you moved from a Latina Radio Station, to Digital Producer to now a host on The Morning Show. How do you gauge success in your new role?
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Laura: Everyday I learn something new as a member of this team. I am super focused on the show and I am blessed to have partners like Rosenberg and Ebro pushing me on the show. I take in the constructive criticism just as well as the complements and apply new things I have learned each day. I always want to find new ways to connect with the audience.
