As ItzYourzRadio celebrates eight incredible years on Live 97.5 FM, it’s the perfect time to look back on the journey that has shaped both the station, the show and its loyal listeners. From its humble beginnings to becoming a cherished part of the local community, ItzYourzRadio’s evolution provides valuable insights into the radio broadcasting landscape.
Show coordinator and host, Dondre’ “Donni-Oh!” Phoenix added more talent to the platform, which includes co-hosts, Jonathan “J-Mo” Molock, Devon Beck, entertainment reporter LaShia. Show DJ’s include DJ Cheese, DJ Randy P, DJ Ill Kid, DJ Lynx and sports reporter, Devon “POV” Mason.
A Passion for Music, Culture and Community
It all started with a simple love for music and a desire to strengthen community bonds. ItzYourzRadio show coordinator and host, Donni-Oh! envisioned a radio platform that would entertain and connect listeners with music, culture and community.
It started in 2002 in Washington, D.C on XM Satellite Radio, as Donni-Oh! was show coordinator and host of "The Essence", Hip Hop and Neo Soul Show on Channel 61 The Flow, which aired Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm until 2004. He would eventually become the Flow's Assistant Music Director until XM Satellite Radio's merger with Sirius Satellite Radio in New York, which is currently known as SiriusXM Radio.
Donni-Oh! would then take his talents across town to WPGC 95.5 FM. Shortly thereafter, he was offered an opportunity to return to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to, once again, coordinate his own show at WSBY Magic 98.9 FM. It was there where he birthed ItzYourzRadio. It was also there, where he was able to connect his passion for music, his love of culture and his heart for helping the community.
Connecting With The Community
From the outset, ItzYourzRadio established a strong connection with the community. From its beginning at Magic 98.9 in 2006 through its current platform on Live 97.5, the platform has interviewed over 150 local and national recording artists, community leaders, entrepreneurs and event promoters, allowing listeners to feel a part of the unfolding story of their culture and community.
The local/independent guest list have included LegaCi, Level 4, UNK, Definite Origin, E Warriors, Fatal Da Cannon, King Aboriginal, Loreal Lewis, Uncle Nitty, SB, Hots, Marques Hale, Mont Gee, Jada Lee, Hulk City, Nubo. Shampz, Pauly Dinero, 218 Bank Boy, Jae Russ, Skee Da Great, Corallo Bux, Yung Easy, Jayy Grams, Rumors Stackabilli, Shotty, Juante Wilson, OG Bang, GCR, Burn Unit, S Da Don, Lil Scub, Notes82, Mic Handz, Bizz the Prince, PST8 Prop, Trackz Musiq, DE. OG, Joni Grand, Weavers Laa, Singlton, Iceman Banks, and many more.
Local authors, entrepreneurs and community leaders on the show have included Lewanda Jackson, Senator Jill Carter, Michelle Boulden-Hammond, Robin Lake, Urban Vision Works, Etta Bland, Ty Bolden, Donielle Davis, Jason Crafton, Cliff Reed, Shelton Hawkins, Shyheim Washington, Terae Warner, Ryan Brice, Durrell Miller, Mr. Martin Detailing, Eric Lewis, Andre and Monique Sorrell, Bernard Johnson, Danielle Johnson, Dondrell Banks, Shawn Tucker, Gary Tucker, Nick Purnell, Dionte Hyson, Ty Newman, Boo Ricks, Jonathan Tilghman, Jeff Stevenson, Jordan Pearlstein, Andre Collins, Urban Jess, Ty Wongus, Davin Johns, Simon Edwards, Tarence Bailey, Lance Wilson, Richard Lewis, Stacie Burton, LaJan Cephas, Norman Townsend, Na'im Whitaker, James Carter, William Cooper, Jr, Doncella Wilson, Ricky Sanabria, Jr, Johnny Beasley, Bro Dyrell Muhamad, S.J Claybon and more.
ItzYourzRadio has helped celebrate and share local achievements and information from many AAU youth programs, civic organizations and community organizations.
Donni-Oh! has also created a youth program, "Media 101 For Our Future", through ItzYourzRadio, in which youth are offered an opportunity to learn the history of music, deejaying, production of commercials, podcasting, show construction and more.
National interviews have included Judge Joe Brown, Mike Bivens (New Edition), Emory Jones (Rocnation Apparel), Bernadette Stanis (Good Times), Eric Nolan (of the legendary O’Jay’s), Scola (Dru Hill), Agnez Mo (International Pop Star), Monifah (singer and R&B Divas reality show star), Wes Moore (author and Maryland Governor ), Doctor Dre (Yo! MTV Raps), Shiggy Sha of the NYGz (hip-hop artists), Stokey Cannady (Rocnation), Ron G (legendary DJ/producer), Nanci Fletcher (R&B artist, Death Row Records), Daniel “Booby” Gibson (former NBA player and TV Reality star), Big Pat Doughty (Charlotte Hornets PA Announcer), Citilimitz (R&B group), DJ Flexx (Go-Go artist), Trouble Funk (Go-Go artists) Young Hump (Digital Underground), Ochino Sparks (hip-hop artist), Smooth B (hip-hop artist from the legendary group Nice & Smooth), JuJu (Love & Hip-Hop), Bill Pettaway (legendary music producer), Rampage (hip-hop artist), Kenyatta Griggs (Business Partner of Dame Dash), Special Ed (hip-hop artist), Edo G (hip-hop artist), Positive K (hip-hop artist), MC Shan (hip-hop artist), Ruff Endz (R&B group), Gina Thompson (R&B singer),Yvng Swag (Wildin Out), 4th Disciple of The Wu-Tang Clan (music producer), Pop The Brown Hornet (hip-hop artist), The Wise Guys (hip-hop artists), Kyle West (legendary music producer), Paula Perry (hip-hop artist) and Simone Green (former Chief Photographer of Death Row Records), amongst many others.
ItzYourzRadio receives several letters from listeners who are incarcerated. ItzYourzRadio would always send a shout-out to those who are incarcerated, particularly ECI and SCI, located in the Salisbury, MD and Lower Delaware areas.
Even when he was at Magic 98.9 several years ago, Donni-Oh! would talk to formerly incarcerated men that he knew and they would share with him the impact that ItzYourzRadio had on them. Being that he knew many incarcerated, were tuning into the show, he made it a priority to recognize them and to give them some words of encouragement.
He opened up his show to allow those who are incarcerated to send in poems that he would read on the air and even give their own shout outs through letters, if they’d like. Just allowing them to have a voice through the platform.
During local events, such as the Hilltop Reunion, Pohanka Live Remotes, Live 97.5 set up booths, allowing fans to interact directly with their favorite on-air personalities. This closeness creates a sense of belonging, making Live 97.5 and ItzYourzRadio much more than just a source of music. This commitment to diversity has cultivated a unique identity for their platform.
Innovative Programming
The programming on ItzYourzRadio sets the platform apart from other shows. With a focus on both emerging talent and forgotten classics, that are designed to surprise and delight listeners. For instance, the “Indie Artist Spotlight” and "Hit or Miss" segments feature artists who would have otherwise gone unnoticed, highlighting the importance of timely discoverability in today's fast-paced digital world.
They also include fun segments such as "Pick-A-Side", "4 Da Culture Song Challenge" and entertainment news with In My Opinion with Think Different TV's LaShia and ItzYourz411.
Listeners can also enjoy the platform discussing music history, providing valuable context and appreciation for the music they love.
Courtesy of the Jonathan Molock Agency, ItzYourzRadio conducted a contest for local artists to compete for a chance to open up for the 2017 Summer Fest Concert (feat Rick Ross, Monica, Fabolous, Money Bagg Yo, YFN Lucci) and 2017 Fall Fest Concert (Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, Money Bagg Yo) in Baltimore, MD.
Celebrating Diversity
Diversity is central to ItzYourzRadio’s programming. The station celebrates various genres and cultural backgrounds (Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Go-Go, Reggae, Urban Gospel, House and Breakbeats) enriching the listening experience.
The Role of Technology
In today's digital-first environment, ItzYourzRadio has adapted by embracing technology. The station offers multiple ways for listeners to tune in, including its website, mobile apps, and its 24/7 streaming platform, ItzYourzRadio247. This flexibility has increased audience reach significantly–approximately 40% of listeners now tune in online. The result is a seamless experience allowing fans to connect with the station, no matter when and where they are.
Embracing Challenges
The journey for ItzYourzRadio has not always been smooth. The industry has faced substantial changes, requiring the platform to adapt quickly. For example, during the pandemic, ItzYourzRadio transitioned to phone-only interviews for nearly a year, and shared more video content on its YouTube channel, ensuring continuous engagement with fans. Instead of seeing these challenges as roadblocks, the station views them as opportunities to innovate, expand, and improve, ultimately enhancing the listener experience.
Awards and Recognition
For community involvement, outreach and efforts, including the usage of ItzYourzRadio's platform, Donni-Oh! has received multiple community awards, such as 100 Men of Distinction, BAAM Award for dedication to service in the community, STARDOM magazine feature for partnership with Simon Says Shoot Hoops Not Guns youth mentoring program and the Hill Award for dedicated service in the community.
Reflecting on the Journey Ahead
February 26, 2017, at 4pm, Donni-Oh! cracked that mic open and the eight-year journey of ItzYourzRadio at Live 97.5 FM tells a profound story of passion, community, and a steadfast commitment to sharing good, quality music.
This milestone is not just a reflection of the past but a springboard for a bright and promising future. As ItzYourzRadio continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission: to entertain, educate, connect, and celebrate the vibrant world of music, culture and community with its cherished listeners. Here’s to many more years of fantastic tunes and shared experiences!
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