Why NYC Radio Station Hot 97 Has Been the Scene of So Many Hip-Hop Gun Battles

Hot 97 has been one of the most popular and influential radio stations for fans of hip-hop in New York City. The station -- especially its biggest DJ and personality, Funkmaster Flex -- has in past been so influential that it had the power to practically turn unknown local rap artists into major stars almost overnight. In many ways, Hot 97 is the most important radio station for hip-hop itself. The station is a destination for hip-hop artists and their entourages, who come in to do the all-important Hot 97 live interview or freestyle rap performance. With so many rap stars and their posses coming and going to and from Hot 97's West Village studios, the building that is home to the station has been the scene of many shooting incidents and fights between rival posses ,and even DJs, as this recent New Yorker article explains. Apparently, Hot 97's success may be in decline, and its home in the West Village may be in doubt, as its neighbors are fed up with the violent clashes on their doorstep.

Posted by Robsam at July 21, 2006 07:08 AM