I listened to her aircheck submissions many times on this website called UrbanInsite. That was the go-to site that all radio personalities and program directors would use to find their next big star.
NikkoNikole is more than a hustler! She has perfected the game of staying relevant and building her brand more than anyone I know.
She and I have never met personally, but we’ve been in contact professionally and I knew her story would be one that I know you would enjoy. Especially if you’re looking to get into the business of broadcasting on the levels of programming and production. She’s one radio chick to learn from.
If you’re ever in New York, look up my homegirl NikkiNikole at:
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Hot 99.1/Albany NY/Hip Hop/Middays Mon-Fri 10a-2p
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Streetz 94.5/ATL/Hip Hop/Weekends
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102 Jamz/Greensboro/Hip Hop
How long have you been in the radio business? 10 years
How long have you been in the television business? 2 years
What is more enjoyable/different? I love them both!
Would you say it’s hard to work with/for women in radio than it is to work with/for men? Yes, and No. In this industry you’re going to come across some crazies lol
What do you think is the most challenging being a talent in your career? Doing what my career calls me to do vs what GOD wants me to do.
Did you (or do you) have a mentor in radio? If so, who are they and what have they helped you on in reference to your career? People I have met along the way …. Tap Money, Uzi D, J-Dot, Waleed Coyote, Jay Tek, Steve Crumbley, I could go on and on. These group of people I talk to on a regular basis and I know that I can always count on them to give me solid advice.
What was it about radio that struck your interest? Production! I fell in love with everything that went into voicing and producing a commercial. I never had an interest to be on-air but I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and the rest is history.
What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why? Hip Hop | R&B mid 90s to the 2000s and I really love that old gospel sound. I could listen to Lee Williams all day lol
What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to) I would have to say the entire “Get Rich or Die Trying” album. It’s just a classic that makes you feel like you can become a millionaire over night.
You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview where it went terribly wrong? Describe. YES! Wendy Williams. We had a huge event for the station and they had assigned jocks to interview the guests. I was not told until 5 minutes before that I would have to interview Wendy Williams. I trusted someone to give me questions and notes, bad idea! Here I am interviewing Wendy Williams with 20 cameras in my face, and every question and statement was wrong to the point she said, “Where do you get your information from?” I played it off, but boy was I embarrassed.
Who was the best celebrity encounter and why? First interview ever! Amerie. She hung out with me in the studio so long the competition station told her not to come over. This is when U-Stream was popping too, so the listeners got to interact with her on another level. Very down to earth and beautiful spirit. She is the reason I get all my heels a 1/2 size bigger 🙂
What’s the biggest misconception about you? That I’m intimidating. Never judge a book by its cover because deep down inside I’m just a country girl with big city dreams and want to see others achieve their dreams as well!
What don’t people get about music when it comes to radio? That we have NO control over what we play. We’re not the DJ, we are the on-air talent lol. We get paid to talk.
Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why? I’ve seen a lot of my friends get cut due to downsizing and shrinking budgets but then I see them bounce back and I admire their strength to keep pushing. I admire the ones that have the passion to keep moving regardless of the situation.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? Teach someone else. Create your own lane, and make it yours.
What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio? If we climbed the ladder to success we must have slept with someone along the way.
Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15 years? I think radio is a medium that will always be around. Music will never die and as long as these big corporations understand the value of their personalities and those that make the station move efficiently, we will be around for a long time.
What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B? Nothing, its not my personal preference, but every generation has a different sound, so there are plenty of options.
Who do you think is the most underappreciated artist out there right now? Valerie June, Carolyn Malachi, BJ the Chicago Kid.
Who’s in your iPod/radar? Damaris Joi an R&B singer from NC who is SUPER DOPE!
What do you want your legacy to be? Helping people take it to the next level.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to be a radio personality, what would you say?
- Intern to see if it’s something you really want to do.
- Learn how to work every department.
- Have a plan B.
- Become an asset not a liability!
Biggest regret is…. NO regrets!
How can people reach out to you?
IG | Twitter | FB NikkiNikoleNC and NikkiNikole.net
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
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ThisRadioChickRocks 
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