10 Questions with ... Tap Money

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started my career in radio at my alma mater, Winston-Salem State University, at WSNC. Was intern at WJMH (102 JAMZ) in 1995, was hired one month in as street coordinator in promotions. Got my break on-air as a mix show host when someone was out sick after coming back from a street hit on a Friday Night. Was swing weekend talent until I was hired to do nights at WJWZ/Montgomery, AL from 1999 to 2000. Returned to WJMH in 2000 to nights and then afternoons and MD duties in 2001 and named APD in 2007 ... In January 2015 was named PD for WZFX (Foxy 99)/Fayetteville, NC and named OM for WUKS in January 2017.

1) What are the keys to putting together a station event?

Just this past weekend we did our first Foxy 99 Car Show at The Crown Expo and let me tell you it took a total team effort to pull this off. You have to do something that fits your station DNA as far as doing something you believe your listeners will get into and of course create revenue for the station. In our case, we partnered with people who has a strong allegiance and relationships with several car clubs and knew what is needed put on a great car event.

2) How do you balance being on the air as a personality and programming?

Still trying to figure it out ... to be honest, for me it's important I stay as organized as possible. I have a to-do list and write almost everything down. I understand my job requires me to wear many hats so I do my best to find that perfect balance. Now here is my little secret as far as being on-air that is what I call my social therapy; I can kick back and be myself and just have fun cut loose and entertain none thing like being an on-air talent.

3) What led to you becoming Tap Money?

Funny story: I grew up in New Brunswick, NJ. Like every kid in the city, I loved playing hoops in the rec leagues and parks. I had a decent jump shot and my Prince Paul was to always say when I got on a roll "Tap is on like money" then all of a sudden, he started calling me Tap Money and it stuck.

4) How did you get your first job in radio?

This crazy so I stated earlier I did my internship at WJMH ... But that was after I went to hell and back to get my foot in the door. I mailed in my application in the fall semester my final year in college. I waited for weeks; no answer or reply and this was before the smart era, so we were still using the good ole USPS to get things done. The spring semester came around and I got Brian Douglas on the phone to my surprise (no, not reall. LOL) he was unable to find my application and suggested I resend again in the mail. Not to take the risk in falling prey to be misplaced I got in my 1978 Pontiac LeMans hit up the old I-40 east and dropped it off myself. The receptionist said, "Look, there goes Brian walking in from lunch..." It was crazy how this worked out. I re-introduced myself and he said, "Well, if you have a few minutes let's talk now." Brian made it very clear I have no openings now but I will see," and assured me that it was hard work, no divas allowed. He called me back that afternoon and it was so funny he said, "Tap, I got a morning show internship available and it starts tomorrow at 5:30a, so you probably don't want it." I said, "See you tomorrow." He told me that I showed him a lot of "go get it" attitude that stuck with him and which open doors for me through the years.

5) Who did you grow up listening to?

Before Hot 97 and Power 105 in NYC it was the great radio wars and legends of 98.7 Kiss and 107.5 WBLS. Kenny Spyder Webb, Rocking Frankie Crocker, Kool DJ Red Alert, Vaugh Harper, Mr. Magic, Marley Mall, Chuck Chill Out, and Bugsy.

6) Have you used those skills you learned from print journalism?

I have. Back in high school I was the sports editor for the school paper and my advisor will have the words FACT on the board. Fast, accurate, consistent, true ... those principles help guide me day to day that I share with my staff daily.

7) How do you advise those who want to get into radio?

Be tech savvy, stay on top current events and trends. Be able to articulate and embrace all social media platforms and be good at it and be able to brand yourself that a potential employer will want to be a part of what you got going on. Be humble and listen know that it will take tons of sacrifice.

8) What people in your life has been important to your career? And tell what each one did specifically to contribute.

Mom: She never accepted mediocre from in any shape and form she instilled my hustling working ambitions.

Dad: Once told me the most important job you have is to be a man and don't compromise who you are to get where you want to be.

My Coaches: All the coaches I had coming up taught me the importance of dedication and role is imperative in the team's outcome.

Joe Watson was my college station manager; he gave me my first taste in radio.

Alvin "AC" Stowe, my mentor and big brother can't tell you how many times he talked me off the edge and I miss him dearly. Brian Douglas taught me the game, I'm forever grateful. Michael Newman was the one who gave me my first full-time gig; he always believed in me. Mac Edwards told me when he hired me I was going to be a great programmer. He gave me my first PD gig and has been one of my biggest supporters.

9) Is there anything you would wish someone ask you about concerning radio?

Are all the sacrifices you made and risk you took worth it? Yes, very much, so I tell folks all the time to get out of your comfort zone to be ok in just being ok take chances make mistakes but most of all learn from them and dare yourself to be great

10) What's it like working for Beasley?

I couldn't ask for a better group of radio stars to work for. What I really appreciate is that every programmer here at Beasley Media Group are resources that are available at any time, which is golden. Justin Chase, our SVP/Programing, and Buzz Knight, our VP/Programming, both encourage all of us to share ideas and get on calls with each other to help bring a product and brand we can be proud of. Justin and Buzz are always just a call a way and it's so cool to have that kind of support

What is something you've done that might surprise people?

In 1998, I gave my bone marrow to young man who was dealing with sickle cell anemia and was able to extend his life for three years. I never had chance to meet him before he passed, but I got a beautiful letter from his family that I kept over the years.