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10 Questions with ... Maurice "Big Mo" Mayer
July 7, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started at WNAA (North Carolina A&T University's station. I worked Monday and Friday from 2-6pm. I also helped out in promotions, and music. Started at WJMH in 2002 doing part-time work, then in 2004 started full-time working overnights. I became the Assistant Music Director in 2008. Now I am the Music Director/midday personality!
1. What got you into radio?
Hot 97 and WBLS! When I was a child growing up in New York, I was always listening to those stations. I was always amazed by how much fun the radio personalities seemed to be having, and loving the music they were playing. I told myself that one day I would be doing the same thing they were doing! Having fun, and getting paid to do it!
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
So many things! I wanted to be a police officer first, but that was too violent. Then I wanted to fly, but too many plane crashes. Then I wanted to be a rapper or singer, but I couldn't do either. Then I wanted to be a football player, but that also didn't work out. I'm glad radio called my name!
3. JAMZ has quite a legacy of outstanding Music Directors. What was your initial feeling as you stepped into the spot?
Nervous at first, but also to just keep following the trend of rocking out. When I was in college, Boogie D was the MD, and the station always sounded good. Then Tap was the MD, and the station continued to stay rocking! So me coming in, I just want us to keep on rocking, and winning. That's what it's all about.
4. What do you think may be the most important thing that your veteran VP and PD Brian Douglas has taught you about being Music Director?
Do not stay in the box. What I mean by that is people have so many ways to get their music now. Social media as taken over the world, so by the time the labels get the records, they are a month old. That will not work in today's world. How can you call a song "Brand New Music" when the people know it as been out for 2 to 3 months? Brian told me when I was Assistant Music Director that he wanted me to find those street records, those records that the streets and the clubs are into, so we can play them on the radio early. People already know them, so why not play them on the radio. Now some work, but some don't, but it is worth a shot! Brian is not scared to give songs a shot, and that's what I love about him.
5. What would probably surprise most people about Greensboro?
How diverse it is! Greensboro is a college town, so you have people from Atlanta, Flordia, Virginia, DC, and New York that move here. We are right in the middle of those states, that is why we call Greensboro "The Middle East"!
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
I have two, and yes they are Fetty Wap songs, "679", and "My Way". Fetty Season! I remember I told Brian we were going to add Fetty Wap right before the Christmas break..."Trap Queen", and he said, "Who the heck is that? Didn't think we would add a damn Fetty Wap record right before break. Now Brian wants more Fetty songs! See...chances!
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
Ah man, no telling, I know I would've moved back to New York, and drove my dad insane! Maybe work for a airline, I like to fly.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watch anything ratchet on television, movies, play a little basketball, honestly anything relaxing!
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Love and Hip Hop Atlanta! I could give Steve J a run for his money! Family Feud, I could see my crazy family on that as well!
10. Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group or singer perform at your reception, who would you choose?
R. Kelly! Although my little cousins, and daughter would have to be in a different room while he was performing.
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
Italian! I freaking love Italian food!
You have a teenage daughter. Ever talk music with her?
Ever? All the time! She has an ear like her dad. She keeps me up on what the kids are into, and that is valuable tool.
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