On the Cover: “Rappers vs. the Radio”

Back in October, a crew of local hip-hop artists confronted (unofficial) representatives from KPRS Hot 103 Jamz at a local recording studio. I posted a blog about it, and that post blew up, with many of the participants in the “Summit on Summit St.” weighing in.

This week, I wrote a cover music feature about the escalating demand for more local music on Kansas City’s leading urban station and how one man in particular, Jaz Brewer, owner and engineer of 64111 Studio (where the summit was held), is leading the charge.

For the article, I spoke with Jaz and also with Kenny Diamondz of Hot 103, Charlie Chan Soprano of St. Louis’ urban station, Hot 104, and KC rappers Stik Figa and James Christos.

The story, I hope, sheds some light on the inevitable tension between a commercial radio station’s business interests in an Arbitron age and the interests of local artists who are desperate for hometown play. Are these differences reconcilable? That’s the big question.

The moral of the story, to paraphrase something Charlie Chan said: Musicians need to promote themselves as if the radio doesn’t exist.

Read the story here and let me know what you think.

Jaz, Diamondz and others are participating in a public forum on January 23 to discuss the relationship between radio and the hip-hop community. That forum, which is set to be the first in a series of events geared at helping artists promote and network, will be held at the Southeast Community Center at 4201 East 63rd Street. For questions, hit up the Jazman at jaz64111@hotmail.com.

Update: Local comedian Jus Jay has posted a Facebook video on the issue at hand that has drawn nearly 200 comments, including some by KPRS program director Myron Fears.