Journalism senior William Ketchum III, left, physics freshman Eric Huffman, center, and journalism senior Jahshua Smith surf the Internet before going on air Saturday during Cultural Vibe on Impact (88.9-WDBM). Ketchum and Smith host and Huffman is an unofficial intern.
Blending homegrown flavor with rare selections, local hip-hop music aficionados Jahshua Smith and William Ketchum III are hosts of Cultural Vibe, the hip-hop radio program on MSU’s Impact (88.9-WDBM).
“We want to bring both perspectives and respective tastes to the show, but overall collectively we are bringing true hip-hop to MSU,” Smith said.
Ketchum and Smith, journalism seniors, took over the Saturday 8 p.m. slot at the beginning of this semester. Smith is known in local hip-hop circles as aspiring lyricist JYoung Da General. Last year he released his concept mixtape titled “The MegaMan Mixtape,” featuring production from the popular cartoon series.
“Because of what we know, the people can trust us,” Smith said. “(Ketchum) and I have been very involved in the music scene. That’s how we can give advice on what’s good music.”
Ketchum has written for hip-hop publications including magazines XXL, Scratch and URB. Smith and Ketchum said they seek to reveal a side of hip-hop and rap music missing from today’s radio canvas.
“It’s all about showing the people we know what we’re talking about,” Ketchum said.
Ketchum said bringing these tracks to the forefront will promote hip-hop’s true art form and expose local talent.
“Being an artist myself, I can understand the struggle of getting radio play and getting out and hustling your mixtapes and demos,” Smith said.
The duo is staying away from criticized artist marketing tactics within the hip-hop community, such as buying radio play and spinning monotonous records, Smith said. Ian Walker, production director for Impact, said this is Smith and Ketchum’s appeal. Walker said the duo outshined competition with expertise and diverse playlists.
“That’s the great thing about these guys,” Walker said. “Even if you don’t like what they’re playing at the time, in five minutes they will play something different that you will like.”
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