10 Questions with ... Shanik "Neek" Mincie

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Grew up in Neptune, NJ, went to college in Atlanta, GA (GA State University), College Radio, WRAS-Album 88 Atlanta, GA | WHTA-Hot 97.5 (Now 107.9) Atlanta, GA | WFXE-Foxie 107 Macon, GA | Currently at WHXT-Hot 103.9/93.9 & WWDM-The Big DM 101.3 FM Columbia, SC and I'm internationally known for rocking a microphone!

1) What are you up to these days?

Living and Loving Life! Thanking God for it all, that I continue to be #1 during my midday shift. Learning to be in a continuous state of having an attitude of gratitude, positive mind shifting, and figuring out how to make $1 dollar out of 15 cents.

2) What's something about you that would surprise most people?

I can play the clarinet and I know how to twirl a baton. None of these talents I use in present day activities.

3) What are you most proud of?

That my parents are proud of me!

4) How did get into radio?

I was a Mass Communications major at Georgia State University which has an on-campus 100,000-watt radio station (WRAS - Album 88). I was fortunate enough to co-host the Hip Hop show, Rhythm, and Vibes with Randall Moore. Before graduating, I met Chaka Zulu who told me about part time overnight positions at WHTA-Hot 97.5 (at the time, now 107.9). I submitted an aircheck, which if I heard it today, I probably would be ashamed of. Sean Taylor hired me, Thank you Chaka and Sean.

5) Would you share one of your funnier radio moments?

When I was working at Hot 97.5 in Atlanta, Jay-Z took over the radio station for 1 hour. He was in town for a performance. Emperor Searcy was on-air, and I was assisting with incoming phone calls. A young lady called in, Jay-Z answered the phone and she said: IS THIS REALLY JAY-Z? He replied: YEAH MA, IT'S ME IN THE FLESH! Then she said: OMG! I'M ABOUT TO CUM ON MYSELF! Needless to say, we all busted out laughing in the studio….

6) What do you think makes radio special? 3 Reasons (I could list more):

• Theater of the mind -We have the ability to stimulate the listener's imagination.
• Terrestrial Radio is Free -This allows access to all walks of life.
• Sense of Closeness -Between the on-air personality and the listener plus being local. I can't tell you how many times people say they listen to me every day, or point out an on-air feature, contest etc. Being local allows us to be connected to the community directly.

7) Was there anything else you ever wanted to do other than radio?

A lawyer, I was on the debate team in high school. I enjoyed using facts to argue a case, but the research part is what deterred me from wanting to make it a career.

8) What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Mike Roberts (Radio Veteran) said two things when I worked for him (of course I'm paraphrasing) Learn to enunciate words correctly when you are speaking on-air and always take pride in what you do. If you don't it will show.

9) Do you think radio's future is in question?

Yes, slightly, I'll explain. Technology plays a part with digital integration (streaming, podcasting, on-demand content, smart speakers, social media) captures and diverts people's attention away from radio. On the other hand, radio continues to entertain, inform and connect with people in creative and exciting ways that the other platforms cannot.

10) Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?

Growing up in NJ, I had the pleasure of listening to Frankie Crocker, his voice and delivery was like velvet! When I moved to Atlanta it was Mike Roberts, he had a morning show on V103 and later owned his own radio station. Joyce Littel who hosted The Quiet Storm on V-103. The texture of her voice was soft, romantic and her delivery was so fluid. At the live hosting, I studied and admired SiMan Baby and Jerry Smokin B. I was always amazed how they both were dynamic and very interactive with listeners at remotes or event hosting.

Any words of wisdom for up-and-coming air personalities?

Keep Learning and Evolving because the industry keeps changing.
• Embrace Change and be flexible, be able to handle unexpected situations and challenges.
• Maintain a Good Attitude, we are all a work in progress. Self-evaluation on your frame of mind daily is important
• Connect with Your Audience, you are speaking to real everyday people. Be Authentically you. Talk about your strengths, work on your flaws. And make everything you do relatable.