Angie Martinez

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Angie Martinez
Martinez at the 2015 Urbanworld Film Festival
Martinez at the 2015 Urbanworld Film Festival
Background information
Birth nameAngela Martinez
Also known asThe Voice of New York
Born (1971-01-09) January 9, 1971 (age 53)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Radio personality
  • podcaster
  • rapper
  • singer
  • actress
Years active1992–present (media personality)
1996–2003 (rapper)
Labels
AwardsRadio Hall of Fame (2020)
NAB Marconi Radio Award (2018)
Rutgers University Honorary Degree (2020)
Presenting career
StationPower 105.1
Time slotWeekdays, 2-6pm Eastern
CountryUnited States

Angela Martinez (born January 9, 1971) is an American radio personality, podcaster, entrepreneur, former rapper, and actress.[1] Nicknamed "The Voice of New York", she was prominently known for her twenty-eight year run at New York City station Hot 97 (WQHT). She left the station in 2014 to join crosstown competitor Power 105.1 (WWPR).[2]

As a rapper, she received attention for her appearance on the remix for Lil' Kim's "Not Tonight". She later released two albums, Up Close and Personal (2001) and Animal House (2002), before retiring in 2003 to pursue her radio and entrepreneurial careers.

Early Life[edit]

Martinez was born on January 9, 1971 in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City. Her father is Puerto Rican and her mother is of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican descent. She was raised by her single mother in Brooklyn as well as Washington Heights. As a teenager, she would often drink with her friends, smoke marijuana, and listen to music. She was often absent from school. As such, her mother decided to move her to Miami to live with her aunt. Her mother later moved as well where she became the programming manager for radio station WPOW. Martinez later gained an internship at the station. [3]

Radio career[edit]

Martinez got her first break in FM broadcasting in 1986, at the age of 15, answering hotlines at the urban radio station WQHT, known publicly as Hot 97. While there, she met popular DJ Funkmaster Flex, and began working as his protégé. Martinez quickly picked up on the craft of running a successful radio program. She hosted the Afternoon Drive weekdays, alongside fellow comrade DJ Enuff, where she interviewed the biggest names in music such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Mariah Carey. During her tenure, she worked alongside Wendy Williams, with whom she reportedly clashed with. [4]She resigned from Hot 97 on June 18, 2014, but confirmed that she was on good terms with former comrades Ebro Darden, Funkmaster Flex and Cipha Sounds.[5] Shortly thereafter, it was announced that she had signed on with Hot 97's main New York radio competitor, Power 105.1 (WWPR-FM) on June 19, 2014.[6]

In November 2014, Martinez was signed to a management deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.

Martinez won the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Radio Award for "Major Market Personality of the Year" in 2018,[7] and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020.[8]

Acting[edit]

As an actress, Martinez received a small role in the independent hip hop film, Blood Is Thicker Than Water.[9] In 2002, Martinez appeared in a cameo on the Damon Dash-directed comedy, Paper Soldiers, which starred Kevin Hart. That October, she appeared in Brown Sugar,[10] starring Taye Diggs, Queen Latifah and Sanaa Lathan. Martinez was also noticed in an uncredited appearance as a drug dealer's car girl in the film, Paid in Full. The film itself was based on the 1980s crack epidemic in New York City and its war on drugs, as well as the partnership between Azie Faison, Rich Porter and Alpo Martinez. In 2005, Martinez reunited with Dash for State Property 2, the sequel to the 2002 film, which starred rapper Beanie Sigel.

She also appeared in Video Girl, with actress Meagan Good in 2011 and Generation Um... in 2012, respectively. Martinez was one of the few Hot 97 personnel to appear on the VH1 reality docu-comedy television series, This Is Hot 97, which premiered in 2014, but was later cancelled after one season.[11] The show was produced by Mona Scott-Young, co-founder of Violator Management, founder of Monami Productions and creator of Love & Hip Hop.

Music career[edit]

In 1996, Martinez was encouraged to give rapping a shot by friend KRS-One. She appeared on his track, "Heartbeat", from his 1997 album I Got Next.[12] After the song gained a strong fan following, another friend, Lil' Kim, offered her a spot on the "Ladies Night" remix of her song, "Not Tonight" for the soundtrack to the action buddy comedy-drama film, Nothing to Lose.[13] Along with Missy Elliott, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Da Brat, the performers enjoyed one of the most successful singles of 1997. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number six,[14] reached number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number two on the Hot Rap Songs charts respectively.[15] The single sold over one million copies and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America that November.[16] All four artists were invited to perform the song live at the MTV Video Music Awards.[17] The song was also nominated for a 40th Annual Grammy Award for Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1998.

A major label battle began to sign Martinez to a recording contract. Her appearance on other rapper's material was in high demand. She recorded songs with yet another close friend, singer Mary J. Blige ("Christmas in the City"),[18] as well as Cuban Link ("Freak Out"), N.O.R.E. ("Oh No" remix),[19] Beenie Man ("Tell Me" remix)[20] and Funkmaster Flex & Big Kap's compilation album The Tunnel ("Wow").[21] She also recorded interludes for mixtapes by Kid Capri, DJ Clue and DJ Kayslay. In 2001, she appeared in the music video for Jay-Z and R. Kelly's single, "Guilty Until Proven Innocent".[22]

On April 17, 2001, she released her debut studio album, Up Close and Personal.[23] The album included production by Salaam Remi, Knobody, Rockwilder and the Neptunes, as well as featured guest appearances by Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, The Lox, Fat Joe, Prodigy and Kool G. Rap among others. The first single, "Dem Thangz" was produced by the Neptunes, and featured background vocals by Neptunes member Pharrell Williams and former Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-Tip. The album debuted at number thirty-two on the Billboard 200,[24] and number seven on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart,[25] selling 69,000 its first week. The second single, "Coast 2 Coast (Suavamente)" featuring rapper Wyclef Jean, re-sparked interest in the album.[26][unreliable source?] She promoted the album with magazine posters, in-store signings, club appearances and television appearances with MTV and BET.

Following her first album's release, Martinez began work on a second record, 2002's Animal House. In order to build anticipation for the record, she appeared on BET's Rap City[27] and began a nationwide radio tour. She recorded a verse for the remix to her artist Sacario record "Live Big". It became the number one record in the tri-state area and coincidentally coincided with the release of Martinez's first single from her second album, "If I Could Go" which also featured Sacario and singer Lil' Mo. "If I Could Go" became a huge crossover hit on pop radio, climbing into the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 at number fifteen.[28] It became the most-played song on urban radio in the summer of 2002. Martinez's sophomore studio album, Animal House (named after Martinez's own production company and recording posse), was released on August 21, 2002. It entered the Billboard 200 at number eleven,[24] and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at number six, selling 92,000 units in its first week. The follow-up single, "Take You Home" featuring R&B singer Kelis, became a minor hit reaching the bottom end of the Billboard Hot 100.[29] Despite its moderate commercial performance, the album was more strongly received by critics and fans. Following the release of the album, she was featured on a remix for former Elektra Records labelmate Lil' Mo's track, "Gangsta ", and Nina Sky's single "Time to Go". Following this, in 2003, she announced she was retiring from the recording industry to concentrate on her time as a radio personality and other ventures.[30]

She appeared in the music video for Ja Rule's single, "New York", which became controversial due to the guest appearances of Fat Joe and Lox member Jadakiss, in the midst of Ja Rule's feud with rapper 50 Cent, who responded to the track with "Piggy Bank".[31][32] Luckily, Martinez was not named negatively throughout the track.[citation needed] She also appeared in an album intro with La La Anthony for R&B musician Babyface's album, Girls Night Out, which was released in October 2022.

Other ventures[edit]

In 2002, Martinez was hired to be a judge on the second season of American Idol, but quit after a few days of auditions, citing discomfort with crushing the dreams of auditioners.[33]

In 2008, she became the opening speaker for then-president of the United States, Barack Obama. In 2022, she attended a summit with former first lady, Michelle Obama, whom she later invited to appear on her radio show.[34]

In June 2016, she released an autobiographical novel titled My Voice: A Memoir.[35]

In May 2018, to further promote and support rapper J. Cole's album, KOD, Martinez conducted an in-house interview with him in producer Salaam Remi's house in Miami.[36] It had received over four million views on YouTube, as of September 2023.[citation needed]

Then, in 2019, she hosted a We TV interview series called the Untold Stories of Hip-Hop, but in 2020, the show was cancelled.[37]

On March 4, 2020, Martinez received a degree for honorary doctor of fine arts at Rutgers UniversityNewark.[38]

In June 2023, in celebration of the fifieth anniversary of the foundation of hip hop music, she hosted an ABC special titled Soul of a Nation: Hip Hop at 50; she is also the executive producer of the project.[39]

Podcasting[edit]

In 2022, it was announced that Martinez would launch a podcast on iHeartRadio, Apple Music and YouTube called IRL. It has been conductive in interviews with Lauren London, Kim Kardashian, Taraji P. Henson, Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige and Janelle Monáe, among others.[40]

Charity work[edit]

In 2014, Martinez ran the 2014 New York City Marathon in support of CC Sabathia's charity, the PitCCh In Foundation.[41]

Personal life[edit]

She has a son, Niko Ruffin,[42] born in a New York City hospital in June 2003.[43][44][45] Her son's biological father is Tamir Ruffin, better known as Nokio the N-Tity, the founder and bandleader of R&B boy band Dru Hill.[46]

Martinez's close friend is singer Mary J. Blige, who coincidentally was born two days after her, and is also the godmother of Martinez's son, Niko.[47]

Car accident[edit]

In late 2019, it was revealed that she had sustained major injuries, including a fractured lumbar and shattered vertebrae, in a serious car accident.[48]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
1998 "Not Tonight" (Ladies Night Mix) Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Nominated
2002 BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nominated
2018 Major Market NAB Marconi Radio Award for Personality of the Year[49] Won
Radio Hall of Fame 2020 Inductee Won

Discography[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

Year Album Peak chart positions
U.S. U.S. R&B
2001 Up Close and Personal 32 7
2002 Animal House
  • Released: August 20, 2002
  • Label: Elektra
  • Format:
    • CD
    • digital download
11 6

Singles[edit]

Year Song Peak chart positions[50][51] Album
US U.S. R&B U.S. Rap UK
2000 "Mi Amor" (featuring Jay-Z) 51 Up Close and Personal
2001 "Dem Thangs" 80 24
"Coast 2 Coast"
2002 "If I Could Go" (featuring Lil' Mo & Sacario) 15 26 11 61 Animal House
2003 "Take You Home" (featuring Kelis) 85 62
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Hispanic Heritage Month: 7 NYC power players". amny.com. October 9, 2014. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018.
  2. ^ Fleischer, Adam (June 23, 2014). "Angie Martinez Finally Sheds Light On Why She Left Hot 97". MTV News. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  3. ^ https://money.cnn.com/2016/09/17/media/angie-martinez-radio/
  4. ^ https://www.essence.com/news/angie-martinez-reveals-she-got-fight-wendy-williams/
  5. ^ "Angie Martinez Resigns From Hot 97". Vibe. June 18, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  6. ^ "Angie Martinez joins Power 105.1 after leaving Hot 97". NY Daily News. June 19, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  7. ^ "2018 Marconi Radio Award Winners | National Association of Broadcasters". www.nab.org. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  8. ^ "Angie Martinez". Radio Hall Of Fame. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  9. ^ "Paper Soldiers". IMDb.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  10. ^ "Brown sugar". IMDb.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  11. ^ "Series Premiere: VH1's "This Is Hot 97" [VIDEO]". Hip Hop Vibe. March 24, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  12. ^ "KRS-One - Heartbeat / A Friend (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  13. ^ "Lil Kim f/ Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, & Left Eye "Ladies Night (Not Tonight Remix)" (1997) - The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women". Complex. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  14. ^ "Lil' Kim - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  15. ^ "Lil' Kim - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  16. ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Archived from the original on August 30, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  17. ^ "Lil Kim - Ladies Night "Live" (Not Tonight Remix 1997)". YouTube. March 23, 2012. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  18. ^ "Mary J Blige - Christmas In The City (Feat. Angie Martinez) Lyrics". Lyricsty.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  19. ^ "Noreaga - Oh No (Remix) (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  20. ^ "Beenie Man – Tell Me (Remix) Lyrics | Genius". genius.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  21. ^ "The Tunnel (Edited) by Funkmaster Flex". Rhapsody. January 1, 1999. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  22. ^ "JAY-Z - Guilty Until Proven Innocent ft. R. Kelly". YouTube. June 16, 2009. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  23. ^ Kerry L. Smith (April 17, 2001). "Up Close and Personal - Angie Martinez | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  24. ^ a b "Angie Martinez - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  25. ^ "Angie Martinez - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  26. ^ "Yahoo". Voices.yahoo.com. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  27. ^ "Sacario & Angie Martinez BET Rap City The Basement. Classic Episode!!!". YouTube. March 15, 2010. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  28. ^ "Angie Martinez - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  29. ^ "Angie Martinez - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  30. ^ "Angie Martinez On Shelving Rap Career: "I Cringe Sometimes When I Hear Some Of Those Songs" – For The Best In Hip-Hop News". SOHH.com. December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  31. ^ Says, Hyy (April 14, 2009). "Throwback Video: Ja Rule & Friends "New York" - Rap Radar". rapradar.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  32. ^ "Meaning of "Piggy Bank" by 50 Cent". www.songtell.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  33. ^ "Angie Martinez Quits 'American Idol' After Two Episodes". MTV. October 31, 2002. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  34. ^ "Angie Martinez Meets w/ Michelle Obama, Winnie Harlow, Kelly Rowland, H.E.R. & Tina Lawson in POWERFUL Conversation | New York's Power 105.1 FM". Angie Martinez. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  35. ^ "My Voice by Angie Martinez: 9781101990346 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  36. ^ Mamo, Heran (May 16, 2018). "8 Things We Learned From J. Cole's Interview With Angie Martinez". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  37. ^ "WE TV ANNOUNCES ORIGINAL TELL-ALL SERIES "UNTOLD STORIES OF HIP HOP" FROM THE VOICE OF NEW YORK, ANGIE MARTINEZ". July 24, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  38. ^ Simon, Marisa (March 4, 2020). "Angie Martinez Receives Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree From Rutgers University-Newark". ROC NATION. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  39. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (June 14, 2023). "ABC News to Air Special on 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop With Angie Martinez, Master P, The Lox, MC Lyte (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "Angie Martinez Launches 'IRL' Podcast With Lauren London As First Guest". HipHopDX. July 8, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  41. ^ "CC Sabathia's wife Amber gears up for NYC Marathon". NY Daily News. October 27, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  42. ^ "Niko Ruffin - Men's Basketball". Syracuse University Athletics. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  43. ^ "Angie Martinez Gives Birth". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  44. ^ "Dotdash". Archived from the original on December 25, 2007.
  45. ^ "Undercover". Undercover.com.au. Archived from the original on May 21, 2007. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  46. ^ "Son Of Dru Hill's Nokio And Radio Host Angie Martinez Is Way Older Now". I Love Old School Music. December 12, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  47. ^ "Mary J. Blige Reflects On Her Friendship With Angie Martinez". BET. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  48. ^ "Angie Martinez Suffers Shattered Vertebrae In Severe Car Accident". 1035 The BEAT. November 4, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  49. ^ "Here Are The 2018 Marconi Award Winners - Radio Ink". Radio Ink. September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  50. ^ "Up Close and Personal - Angie Martinez - Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  51. ^ "Animal House - Angie Martinez - Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved March 9, 2015.

External links[edit]