DJ Cipha Sounds Parts Ways With Hot 97.
DJ Cipha Sounds is the latest jock to throw in the towel at WQHT FM Hot 97, following the lead of Angie Martinez who pulled up stakes in June for the greener pastures of competitor station WWPR-FM Power 105. According to Billboard, Hot 97's parent company Emmis Communications issued a brief statement about Ciph's decision to call it quits:
"Effective immediately, Cipha Sounds is no longer with WQHT HOT 97 FM. We wish him well on his future endeavors," the statement reads.
The announcement follows Ciph's decision to unload about his frustrations with the station following Martinez's departure during a recent episode of the Juan Epstein podcast - the program he co-hosts with Peter Rosenberg. Being shafted as Martinez's replacement for the prime afternoon slot was chief among Ciph's complaints:
"One boss told me one thing. Another boss told me another thing. They then fired one of those bosses. Another boss came in and told me one thing, and then a boss of another station came in and became our boss and told me another thing. All nice people, all different opinions on what the show should be and how it should run," he said.
Ciph commented on the decision to jump ship in an Instagram post today, noting:
"After 17 years, I'm leaving Hot 97. I'm changing my relationship status from 'it's complicated' to 'single.' It's been an amazing ride -- from intern to weekends to morning show host to fill Angie's seat in afternoons. Many years of incredible, life-changing experiences and enough amazing memories to last five lifetimes. The next move is already underway and I promise it's going to be huge."
There's been no word on where Ciph is headed yet. Stay tuned for more and pour a little out for Juan Ep.
