10 Questions with ... Tap Money

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started my career in radio at my alma mater, Winston-Salem State University, at WSNC-FM 90.5. Was intern at WJMH (102 JAMZ), 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'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. SVP/Programing Justin Chase and VP/Programing Buzz Knight 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 away and it's so cool to have that kind of support

2) Is it hard 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) Where did your name Tap Money come from?

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 ol' USPS to get things done. The spring semester came around and I got Brian Douglas on the phone to my surprise (no, not really ... LOL) he was unable to find my application and suggested I re-send 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 he had no openings now, but he 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 the same thing has opened 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) Weren't you interested in print journalism at one time?

Back in high school, I was the sports editor for the school paper and my advisor had the word FACT on the board. Fast, Accurate, Consistent, True ... Those principles help guide me day-to-day and I share with my staff daily.

7) Any advice those wanting to go into radio?

Be tech-savvy, stay on top of 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 been important to your career?

Mom: She never accepted mediocre from me 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. I can't tell you how many times he talked me off the edge; 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 a question you would like me to ask?

Yes, 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 okay in just being okay; take chances, make mistakes, but most of all learn from them and dare yourself to be great

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

You must 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.