Kool DJ Red Alert Celebrates 25 Years on the Radio!

Kool Dj Red Alert being honored at Harlem Week August 17th, 2008

"Hey Daddy, Stop Buggin'!"

Those of you who remember that shout from his son Little Red Alert signaled the impending boom bap that Red would throw down at the height of his run on 98.7 Kiss FM in NYC through the mid 80's to 90's. I first became exposed to Kool DJ Red Alert through the Zulu Beats show on NYC's WHBI (later WNWK) in the early 80's. Hosted by Afrika Islam ("Son Of Bambaataa None Hotter") this is where I first heard the style of DJing that Red has become famous for. Kool DJ Red Alert is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip Hop music and culture. Red is considered an icon of contemporary DJs and a pioneer of the radio mix show format. Red began his career on commercial radio at 98.7 Kiss FM in October 1983. After eleven years, he moved down the dial to Hot 97 where he rocked for seven years. He then returned to 98.7 Kiss FM for two more years. In 2002 he switched over to Power 105.1. In 2007, Red Alert returned back to where it all started for him: 98.7 Kiss FM! To commemorate Kool DJ Red Alert's 25 years on the radio, many events have been planned, culminating with a special tribute celebration hosted by 98.7 Kiss FM to be held at the Izod Center in New York on November 21st, 2008.

Kool DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Music by Rolling Stone Magazine. He has been honored by the Rock and Roll hall Of Fame with his own exhibit. Uncle Red is also honored in the The Bronx Walk of Fame with a street named after him! He founded Violator Records and Management, now headed by Chris Lighty and will soon present new artists through his Red Alert Productions. We love Kool DJ Red Alert and wish him continued success and thank him for his contributions in shaping hip hop music.