10 Questions with ... Greg "Hot Boy" Lemons

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career as an intern for KBLR/Omaha, NE. At the time, an Urban station in that found its way in a market with less than 7% of it's population being African-American. The PD at the time knew I was a great mixer, from the popularity that I had in the club scene. At the time, I would mix for 45 minutes a week on-air, but was determined to do more. I would put in 40-50 hours per week, without pay. As I look back, it was all preparation for the tasks which were to come. To make a VERY long story short, I did what it took to not just survive in a cut-throat radio world, but to thrive. Ten years later, I am seeing the fruit from the seeds that were planted.

1. What got you into radio?

When I was 18, I started writing morning show bits, parodies, and different types of radio content. I wanted to be on the radio. At 19, I fell in love with the art of DJ'ing. After a few years, I figured I would use my craft as a wedge to open the door that led to the place I knew of as "the RADIO".

2. What was the biggest change in the move up from MD to PD?

The biggest change moving from MD to PD is knowing that now, it's on me. All of the success stories as well as the potential failures here at Power 106.9, falls in my lap. I have had always had ton of influence since the launch on Power 106.9, but it was always from the number 2 position.

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a kid, I had a dream to be a Field Meteorogist. Yep, I too wanted to be a storm chaser! To the extent that my college degree is in biology.

4. KOPW has its roots as an Urban station. Is it tough to hold some of that core with Rhythm radio leaning so Pop today?

NO!!! The only people who know which songs are on what charts are radio people. Listeners want a station with an identity. What I do on Power 106.9 is take those concepts, and mesh them together. Power 106.9 is the life of the party. The same way I refuse to over Pop the station, I refuse to be overly aggressive on the really Urban songs. I take every song on a case by case basis. I do that to make sure my current core understands who we are, and who we are not.

5. What about Omaha might surprise people unfamiliar with the city/market?

The thing that may surprise people is that Omaha is very active. We have the College World Series every year. This year alone, we have been graced with major tours like Nelly, Lady Gaga, Usher, Janet Jackson, Fantasia, Ke$ha (August), Katy Perry (September), Jason Derulo, Kenny Chesney, Motley Crew & Poison, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Bowling For Soup, Sick Puppies, Martin Lawrence, Christina Perri, Blue October, 311 (July), Sublime (July), Switchfoot, Plain White T's, and many more. Long story short, we are a big city wrapped with a small town feel.

6. What's your favorite song on the station now?

Jeremih "Down On Me". When Jeremih was a local artist, I was the very first person to interview him. Before me he had never been on radio before. When I heard his first single (which was called My Ride) I KNEW it was a hit. I gave it it's first tracked spin. Since then, I have seen his career blossom. Now he has a song that refuses to leave the top 5 on the rhythm panel.

7. Besides www.allaccess.com, what's probably the web site you visit most?

I tend to visit HIPHOPDX.com a lot. I tend to find a lot of info that I can get to my audience regarding some of the artist we are playing. TMZ.COM... I am a radio guy. I always show prep over there.

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time? What is that? If I ever had it, I would say play drums. I LOVE playing drums.

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

That's a hard question. I don't watch TV, and I HATE reality TV. If I had to pick one, it would most likely be Extreme Home Makeover. At least I will get a nice house out of the deal.

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?

Now we all know the old saying of happy wife means a happy life, so I probably would have Shanice or someone that would appeal to her. But Ke$ha would do the bachelor party!

Do you have any phobias?

Losing. I strive to win. There is no other way. I feel like that is why I hold the title that I hold. I always give it my all, and it's not to say I tried, but it is to say "that's why I won".