During my SMES weekend in Myrtle Beach I came across one of the hardest working females in the Carolina music industry, Ms. Nanci O. We actually bump heads during the SC Music Awards this year BUT it was so hectic that I’m pretty sure she doesn’t remember that encounter lol. She has one of the hottest online radio shows that the Carolinas has to offer. After a couple of emails back and forth, I was able to get her on the site. Here is what she had to say: ENJOY!

Who is Nanci and what does she represent?
Nanci O, simply put, is a female who loves hip hop. I’ve had respect for various aspects of the culture for many years. I represent women in hip hop who have a love for the culture, are original and creative.

What other major moves are in store for you?
Preliminary planning for the 2nd Annual 2010 Women Of Hip Hop Radio, Honors & Concert begins this Fall. March 2009 was the first year for the event. I’d been doing a Women In Hip Hop radio special annually for Women’s History Month for the past 3 years. Women’s History Month is March. The feedback for the radio special was growing and positive so this year I decided to add the additional elements of an honors and concert. Female emcees from all over the United States came to Raleigh, NC to attend the event. The (SIS)Tem, which is the largest female hip hop collective in the US [they are like the female Wu-Tang Clan] traveled the furthest from Los Angeles, CA. There were artists from Columbus, GA, Atlanta, and Alabama as well as NC. The DJ for the event was Toronto, Canada’s DJ SiVuPlay; she is also one of the official DJs for House of Dereon. In addition to the concert we honored businesswomen in the culture of hip hop whose work has a positive impact and helps moves it forward. Women of Hip Hop 2009 received front page coverage in the Lifestyles section of The Raleigh News & Observer, North Carolina’s largest newspaper. I am very excited to bring the Women In Hip Hop event back for a 2nd year and intend to make it a positive and memorable experience for attendees in March 2010.

What are the ups & downs of being a radio personality?
The ups and downs of being a radio personality? The biggest down is corporate programming. The greatest up is I love it. In traditional radio you have to conform to corporate programming, politics and huge egos. There is less freedom and creativity to the playlist and the type of music played. In college radio you have alot more freedom and less programming however some people do not respect it because it’s not a big time radio station. I am fortunate to air on both a college station and on a “regular” radio station. This gives balance and allows me to use creative ways to expand the Nanci O brand and connect with listeners from many different backgrounds and cultures. Whether I am at the regular radio station or at the college station each and every time I sit behind the boards to do a show I learn something new. I also have the opportunity to hear the newest music first, attend concerts/events and meet people.

How can people get in touch with you?
People can find me online at the following locations:
www.nancioradioshow.com
www.twitter.com/nancioradioshow
My email address is thenancioradioshow@gmail.com
I love hearing new and creative music, so feel free to email and let me know about your movement.