Angie Martinez, one of the leading voices of New York radio, often referred to as the “voice of New York” comes second to none with her daily afternoon show on HOT 97. Angie is regarded as one of the most influential voices in the urban community, featuring guests from Jay-Z to Bill Clinton; Biggie Smalls to Jennifer Lopez. Over the years, Angie has built herself a number of solid relationships with some of the hip-hop community’s key players. She has released two of her own rap albums entitled, “Up Close and Personal,” and “Animal House.” Angie’s has appeared on the big screen movies such as “Paper Soldiers” and “Brown Sugar.”
Apart from being a well-renowned DJ in the New York area and one of hip-hop’s latest female stars, Angie has also become a beloved ambassador of NYC’s Puerto Rican Day Parade. With Angie’s energetic voice and successful career makes her no stranger to the industry as matter of fact, she could almost be considered a veteran in the game. Our team at Loren’s World was so excited to interview the “Voice of New York.”
LW: 1. You were born in the Bronx and then moved to Miami, where did you first get your break in radio. What brought you back to New York?
AM: I actually moved to Miami when I was 16 because I was messing up in school and my mom was worried that NY was a bad influence on me. Go figure! Lol while I was there I got a job answering the phones at Power 96 and loved it, but I missed home! So, when I turned 18… I moved back to NY got an internship at HOT97 and never left! š I got coffee, drove the vans, and worked my way thru every dept before landing my slot.
LW: Where did the title āthe Voice of New Yorkā originate?
AM: Well, people used to say that when they’d come back to NY after being away for awhile… hearing my voice made them feel like they were home. I was always really flattered by that. I think that was what lead someone to make a drop calling me the “voice of NY” and it kinda stuck.
LW: I canāt think of many DJ/radio hosts who have been as successful as you. Did someone mentor you or help define who you are today?
AM: Thanks š well, I learned some of the business of radio from my mom. She was a program director for many years and I learned a lot about branding myself from Funk Master Flex. But honestly I’m still learning and being inspired…. I have an amazing team at HOT 97. And of course I have friends like you who inspire me outside of radio. This year I will be venturing into other businesses.
LW: You deliver great shows with the best artists and guests. How much pressure does that create for you on a daily basis?
AM: I don’t think of it as pressure because I genuinely love what I do. But, I do feel a responsibility to be in touch with my listeners and what they’re interested in so that I can deliver it everyday.
LW: Your voice has become renowned in the music industry. When it comes to artists- entrepreneurs who want to promote what they are doing, you are the āgo toā person. Does someone like Jay-Z or Nicki Minaj call you from the studio and say āCan I play this record for you?”
AM: sure, I will often get advance copies albums. Or asked which single I think people should drop first. I try not to get too personally invested so that I don’t have a biased view. but if there is a personal relationship like with Mary, or Jay or Kanye…. I definitely will make a trip to the studio.
LW: Who would like to interview that you havenāt interviewed yet?
AM: That’s tough because I’ve literally interviewed everyone from 2pac to President Obama. But let me see, at this very moment since I’m such a huge Knicks fan….I want to talk to Carmelo Anthony and Lala.
LW: When did you realize that you were influencing millions of people on whatās hot in the music industry?
AM: Probably when I started highlighting bonus songs on my show. I started to notice that those records would pick up steam after that. I think my show and listeners could take credit for breaking quite a few songs.
LW: What collaboration between artists would you like to see that hasnāt taken place yet?
AM: Gaga and kanye I guess! What a spectacle that would be! Lol
LW: Whatās on your iPod right now?
AM: Rhianna, Ceelo, Kanye, the El Cantante soundtrack, Stevie Wonder greatest hits and a few mix tapes.
LW: What or who gets you up in the morning?
AM: That would be my 7 year old son Niko…. at 6am… Everyday! . It goes like this…. “Mommy…. Mommy…. Mommy….. Are u up???”. Lol As exhausting as that is, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. He’s the best kid ever!
LW: You are great at using Social Media as a platform. Has social media helped to grow your brand?
AM: Absolutely! It gave me a voice off the air and outside of the tristate area. when I used to answer the request lines it was mostly people from NY, but now with my interviews being posted on my site (angiemartinezshow.com). I notice that when I answer the phones there are people listening from all over the country. And world for that matter.
Ā LW: If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs what would it be?
AM: Find your passion, learn the business and GO!!! And don’t be afraid to make your own rules.
LW: You and Jay-Z are good friends. Is there anything that you have learned from him?
AM: Sure. Tons. He’s always re-inventing himself and pushing the envelope and most importantly… he does it under his own terms. How could anyone not be inspired by that?
LW: Who are some of your other friends?
AM: Well I have the same best friend that I’ve had since I’m 8yrs old. Her name is Nikki and obviously at this point she’s more my sister than friend. But in terms of people that are in the business… Mary J Blige is probably my one of closets and dearest. We’ve seen each other through a lot of ups and downs and she’s one of the most genuine and loyal people I know. We had an amazing time on your boat btw! š
LW: Describe Angie Martinez in 3 words.
Mom. Friend. Voice.
Can’t get enough of Angie? Follow her on Twitter @angiemartinez
