10 Questions with ... Hoodrat Miguel

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Started Radio in 1995 at Youth Radio in Berkeley Ca, 1997 Started an internship at Wild 107.7/94.9 in promotions and high school Mixer, 1999 On-Air weekend jock, Promotions Coordinator till 2004.
• 2004-2005 On-air Overnights at KKFR/Phoenix
• 2005 night show host for KYLD/San Francisco
• 2006-2008 KPWR/Los Angeles night show host
• 2008-2009 KDAY/Los Angeles
• 2010-2014 KMVQ/San Francisco
• 2010-Current California Music Channel 6pm-10pm Video Host
• 2014 KRBQ/San Francisco as night show host
• 2016- current as KRBQ/San Francisco afternoon jock

1. What got you into radio?

It was an accident. I have always been into music and was mixing already for house parties and in my garage at 13. I really wanted to be a music producer. My teacher heard about my friend and I performing and mixing at house parties from other students. I was failing her class and I needed to pass to graduate. She had seen something on TV about a program for kids 18 and younger. She thought it was a music production class so Mrs. Diero and I made a deal, If I pass her class and she would get me in the program. Well I barely passed and she stuck to her word. She dropped me off at Youth Radio left and 15 minutes later. I found out that it was a radio program. I didn't Want to do radio, but by the end of the two hour class I was in love. I knew how to mix already. I loved playing music for people so it felt like this is what I would want to do forever. It's been amazing to live my dream after 22 years.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

I dreamed about being a Major League baseball player...nothing else. I said I was going to play outfield for the Oakland A's, make millions and be a superstar. I mean it could have happened if radio didn't take over my life! lol

3. You're back in your home, the Bay Area, after runs in Phoenix and Los Angeles. What makes being on the radio in the Bay Area so special for you?

It's special because this is where I started and where I'm from. I loved Los Angeles, but that hometown love the Bay has is different than any place I've ever been. We have the so much pride and respect here in the Bay. The love from listeners still humbles me. We grew up together is how I feel being on radio in the Bay Again.

4. How has going from young, single guy on the radio to married man changed you, in relationship to your professional life?

Well I started as a teen in radio and being single and young was amazing. I mean come on! I didn't really have any responsibilities and could party and make bad decisions and just have fun. But as always there is a point where you don't want the FUN to have FUN with you. I wanted to find that one woman that could give me a purpose besides work. Being married is the best thing that happened to me. I learned how to deal with situations differently inside and outside of work. It's taught me patience, for sure. When you are single it's only about you, being married it's now an US thing, A team thing. My personality hasn't changed but my mindset has become more mature. This has helped people relate to me in more ways than before. For example, I can talk about my marriage and what works for us when people ask for advice. Now with a baby on the way it's a game changer I'm excited and nervous to enter this next stage in my evolution.

5. Besides cheaper housing, what would you like to see more of in the Bay Area?

Lower bridge tolls! It's $6 to cross the Bay Bridge. I would also like to see more dog-friendly restaurants.

6. Who were some of your radio mentors?

Michael Martin (The guru), Jazzy Jim Archer, Strawberry, Big Von, Chuy Gomez, Xavier the X-man, and Victor Zaragoza.

7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Not too many people know that I'm an an electrician. I'm sure I would be working as an electrician.

8. What do you like to do in the spare time you have?

Monday through Thursday you'll catch me in the gym rolling Jiu Jitsu. I love hanging out with my wife. We have this thing. I catch BART on the Fridays that I don't have a club, we take each other to restaurant we have never been to, as long as Yelp approves. It's hit or miss. I also enjoy filming our YouTube channel. We Are M&J.

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

I'd like to be on American Ninja Warrior or Fear Factor, for sure. I know I could win. I also want to be on the Price Is Right.

10. What's been your favorite celebrity or artist interview?

Wow!!! This is a hard one but I must say it had to be Lil Wayne. It was smooth and he put my interview on his mix tape! lol

If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?

It would be Peruvian food. If you haven't had Peruvian, go take a break and go have some now!

Your "go to" romantic spot in the Bay?

Alamere Falls in Point Reyes or Santana Row in San Jose.