10 Questions with ... J Will

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I'm a 22-year old, 12-year veteran that started hosting a Saturday morning show on WAJZ at 10 years old, moved to heritage Top 40 WFLY (Fly 92.3) at 16. I left for college and college radio at WPNR/Utica and then came back to FLY as morning show producer and now waking up the city the right way on Jamz 96.3! (phew, never really thought about it until now, it's been quite a ride, thus far)

1. What got you interested in Radio?

My father (The Sugar Bear). We have a very unique story. He was the first Program Director for Jamz 96.3 back in 1998 and because he's in the industry, I caught the bug.

2. What was most difficult about the transition to doing mornings?

Not being able to take my wife, Rihanna, out to dinner every night anymore! The morning hours alter your social life a bit. Luckily, before I was offered the position at WAJZ, I was producing the morning show for our sister station FLY 92.3 so I was accustomed to the morning hours

3. How can you tell if your boss, Tanch, is in a bad mood?

If he comes in the studio with a Red Bull for our cross over at 9:50.

4. What's the downside of being in radio in your hometown?

I guess the fear of not growing as a personality. It would be that wherever I was.

5. What do you like to do with your down time?

I'm a die hard Knicks fan so when I'm not hitting half court shots.

(yes, that's me 3 years ago) I like to go to games, work out, and Facebook creep just like you.

6. Did you ever get really discouraged about a career in radio?

When I was 16-years old two things happened. First, the same day my father was fired I came in, watched him pack his desk (from the studio) and hosted the night show (you're never promised tomorrow). At 16, I was also told I wasn't good enough to be on the station I now call home. I guess to answer your question, I'm discouraged when I hear about huge egos in the industry. We're in a business where you can be gone in an instant and you are what the listeners make you. I do my best to not let my ego get the best of me and because of that, I'm now living a full circle dream come true.

7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?

Definitively my father because he was a programmer and personality. I also listen to numerous personalities that I've either worked with growing up or follow today. I'm a student of the game. I'm always listening and trying to learn my craft. Ed Lover and Dr Dre, Joe Rosati, Wendy Williams, Ryan Seacrest, Tom Joyner, John Foxx, D Scott, Kane, Brian and Chrissy, Angie Martinez, Star and Buc Wild. They've all impacted my radio career.

8. Who has been your favorite celebrity interview?

Naughty By Nature. They're my hip-hop uncles. When this show goes syndicated the whole world will be singing the jingle!

9. What would you like to more of in 2012?

Becoming an even better personality and being more memorable to my listeners. They make me a part of their morning despite everything that happens in their world and I want to make our time together worth it.

10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

A cop. Growing up if there wasn't a mic in my hand I had a toy gun and used to run around thinking I was Malik Yoba on New York Undercover. After I made my arrest though I would pull out a mic and ask my teddy bear why he did what he did.

If you were going to roll with an artist on tour, who would you want that artist to be?

Jay-Z. What more can I say?