In case you missed it, a Twitter exchange between Hot 97′s Program Director Ebro Darden and Rap Radar’s B.Dot about whether or not Hot 97 are doing enough for the New York rap scene. B. Dot made claims that New York radio is not giving unknown rappers enough play saying that NYC radio should be first to break new music from the city. Ebro fired back saying that Hot has broken new NYC artists and the two had a lengthily exchange. Now, Ebro sat down with Combat Jack, after they had a Twitter exchange as well, to talk about turning music down, why he even voiced his opinion to B. Dot, how the Hot 97’s DJs feel about new music and what they play, and more. Ebro said that bottom line it comes down to ratings and if the music is moving, bringing up the first time Enuff played Jay Electronia and how his buzz flopped. Ebro even breaks down how it is decided which songs stay in rotation, how songs are “tested” to see how well they are liked, the risk he takes by allowing certain shows (Late Night With Peter Rosenberg, the New at 2 with DJ Camilo, the Rush Hour with DJ Enuff, Funk Flex’s show, Kay Slay’s show, etc) play new music that hasn’t fully been tested, and more. Listen to what he said below.
