You can hear her on WPGC in the morning cracking jokes and revealing some crazy news about this celebrity or you can find her tweets that startle you with the opening line “OMG!” or “Did you know?” or “Have you heard?” (genius by the way).
Poet Taylor is one of those radio chicks that can make you laugh, think and chuckle which are the three most important tools every radio personality should have to be successful. (words from the late/great Jerry Boulding)
Poet’s been in major markets like Maryland, Florida and now Washington, DC as the Executive Producer for the Joe Clair Morning Show on WPGC 95.5FM.
Poet and I are always chatting it up about “the game” and she’s just as passionate about it as I am. I respect her hustle because through adversity, she still wants to play and most importantly, she wants to WIN! You need someone like that on your team!
Shouts to you Poe! You’re on your way!
Read her story:
Poet “ Poe” Taylor, Morning Drive WPGC FM 95.5FM
How long have you been in the radio business?
Hmmmm as long as I’ve loved bacon …
Who helped you get your start in radio?
Dion Summers, who is currently the Program Director at Sirius XM in DC. Prior too, Dion was the PD at WERQ FM (92Q Jams) who had a “Wanna Be A QJ” contest. It was supposed to be a 6mth internship. However, Dion heard something in me during my intern period, and gave me a shot at Afternoon Drive with Konan. I was given the best mentors ever, with that opportunity. I got to work with Neke Howse, and the legendary K-Swift. That move jump started, and set the foundation for the career I am blessed with today!
Are females harder to get along with in radio?
I don’t think females are necessarily harder to work with. I think we’re constantly pitted against each other some, in doing so; some fall for the bs, others like myself see through the shade and understand that in order to continue being blessed you must be a blessing and not a bother to others.
Can women in radio be intimidating or does management play their female announcers/personalities against each other? If so, what happened and how did you deal with that? If not, are you prepared for that and how?
Anyone can be intimidating, I’ve worked with intimidating men & women. The trick is to not allow them that kind of power over you, to address friendly but firmly. Even if you’re shaking in your booties. I’m thankful, I’ve never had to experienced being pitted against my co-worker or the like. If it should ever happen, I’d deal with it like I’d deal with any other situation, where we may not see eye to eye. Assess my self first, then move forward from there. It depends on the person as to which I step I take from there…
What pressures do you face being a woman on radio and in the #7 market? (Image, status, money, etc.)
Ahhh the pressures. LOL!! I definitely feel like there will be some, that will pick my image to pieces. I’m a size 18 who loves bacon and works out in moderation. However, I know the more folks get to know me, they’ll get past that and appreciate the beautifully flawed person I am. Would I like to achieve a comfortable amount of success, who wouldn’t? However I refuse to let how others think I should live or be, define me in the process. I shall continue to evole, grow & edutain all while balling on a budget..LOL!
Do you think it’s a lot of competition?
Honestly, every morning I wake up with the intention of out doing my previous day. I’m competing with myself, and am way too focused on my own lane to concern myself with the next persons. There’s more than enough pie for all of us.
How do you deal with the changes that happen in the radio industry? (Staffing and program changes, format changes, etc.)
Evolution is the key of life. If our lives remain changeless for too long, they become stagnant. I choose to face periods of change with an openness unhampered by excessive fear and worry. I’m a professional chameleon; there’s no change I can’t adapt to. I get it from my momma!!
What’s the biggest misconception about you?
I actually had to ask folks, to help me answer this, the answer: What you see is what you get, no real misconceptions here. I AM WHO I AM J … a beautifully flawed person!
What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to)
Wow…sorry but it’s a serious tie because it depends on the mood/situation…LMAO!!!:
- Kanye “All Of The Lights ” – Extended Version
- Jay-Z “So Ambitious”
- Nas “Bye Baby”
- Fat Trel “She Fell In Love”
- Taylor Swift “Shake It Off” tied w/ Drake “How Bout Now” …. Don’t kill me KiKi!!
(Poet w/ fellow Radio Chick DJ Heat)
You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview or encounter where it went terribly wrong? Describe.
I had serious gas, interviewing Twista. It was horrible; I mean the kind of poots, that signal a bathroom break is severely needed. I tried to mask it, but low and behold, he later told folks, I smelled…LOL!
Who was the best celebrity encounter and why?
Jay-Z!!! He is a funny dude, even though he always looks so serious. I remember off mic during our interview he complained of lower back cramps. I asked how much water he’d had over the past couple days, he gave me the saddest look…LOL!!! I’m sitting there telling him he needed to consume as much water (and possibly cranberry juice) as he did his liquor of choice. Imagine my surprise when during his performance that night they had water & cranberry juice lined up on stage…LMAO! Couldn’t believe he actually listened to lil ole me..LOL!!
(Poet and rapper T.I.)
Why don’t people get about music when it comes to radio?
It would be this belief that radio doesn’t want to support “Locally Grown” artists. Although WE DO!!!!! We know EVERYONE who’s ever made it, started from somewhere; however my dear “Locally Grown” artist if I can only add one or two songs, could/would what song you’re presenting match the fire or top _______________ (enter any national artist here) song… is all we’re asking….
Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why?
There are several people I admire Michelle Wright, Mocha, Neke Howse & KiKi Brown to name a few, all the ladies mentioned seriously ROCK; I’d have to say the late great K-Swift & Angelique Alston are my most admired. Khia (K-Swift) took over the “Boys DJ Club” even though she was told she couldn’t repeatedly. Swift made her own lane and excelled at it! I admire Angelique for her willingness to share her knowledge, with no strings attached. Both ladies willingness to educate & help fellow women in this industry navigate the obstacles they overcame, speaks volumes for their character and inspires me daily to do the same!
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen twice as much as you speak, never try and keep up with the Jones’ it’ll leave you broke and that I am my own competition.
(Poet and Common)
If given the chance, I’ve always wanted to try: (fill in the blank)
Directing documentary shorts, based off social media. I think everyone has a story to tell. Or filming my own cooking TV show. I love cooking and have toyed around with the idea of youtubing my time in the kitchen at home.
What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio?
That we can’t run this sh*t, without the male co-sign! This belief that we are too emotional to handle things is such a horrible misconception. When it comes to a lot of the power positions in radio; and abroad, it seems as if women are the 3rd or 4th in command on paper, when in reality they are the mental strength and glue behind it all. Not just in radio but period! Let the ladies SHINE and get this work in!
(Poet and singer Syleena Johnson)
Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15 years?
Gone! It seems as if music in general is starting to be presented as a mash-up/blend of music vs individual genres. So not just Urban radio, I feel like soon, all radio will be playing a little of this and a little of that! Radio gumbo!!
What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B?
The substance and the message. I remember hip-hop (even R&B) were at one time THE voice for the voiceless and its strayed so far from that. R & B has become so “cookie-cutter”; there is almost zero originality. It’s as if people are afraid to be themselves…or stray too far away from what society deems normal.
(Poet and rapper T.I.)
Who do you think is the most under-appreciated artist out there right now?
J Cole & David Banner … their messages are so Tupacish, and right on time. However, I think we live in such a “popularity contest” world, that unfortunately many great artists music will be consistently overlooked.
Who’s in your iPod/radar?
On my radar Mzery Loves Company, Logic, Fat Trel & Meghan Trainor…On the shuffle I’m still rocking to Jill Scott, Emily King, , J Cole, Drake, Eric Roberson, Taylor Swift and Jay-Z … there will always be some Jay-Z…LOL!!
What do you want your legacy to be?
That while I entertained you daily, I also educated you along the way. It’s where my platform of #Edutainment comes from. I also want to be remembered as a walking testimony of what hard work, faith & persistence will get you; regardless of the cards originally dealt or how many doors are closed in your face.
Biggest regret is….
Not flirting with Drake when I had the chance… seeing as he likes his women BBW… LMAO!!
How can people reach out to you?
EMAIL: POET@WPGC.COM
FACEBOOK: POET TAYLOR
TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @JUSTCURIOUSPOE
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
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