Emmis Launches “Where Hip Hop Lives” WQHT- NYC and KPWR-LA Streams

Emmis Communications is looking to a subscription model to increase its streaming revenue. The company has launched a new mobile app using an old slogan, “Where Hip Hop Lives” that aggregates content from “Hot 97” WQHT New York and “Power 106” KPWR Los Angeles. Included in the app are Hip-Hop and Entertainment news and access to the two station’s streams. The premium subscription features add commercial-free streams for both stations with added content replacing on-air commercials and an exclusive “New At 2″ stream dedicated to new music and curated by the on-air talent at both stations. The name comes from the new music programming feature at 2pm on WQHT and KPWR. The premium level costs $3.99 per month. The app is already available in Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The two most powerful brands in hip hop, Hot97 and Power 106, have joined forces to launch a new mobile app, Where Hip Hop Lives, a must-have for true Hip Hop fans. Where Hip Hop Lives aggregates music, news and social media, curated not by technology but by music trendsetters. The free app, available now for download for iPhone and Android devices, is a one stop shop for up-to-the-minute entertainment news, Instagram photos and video feeds from Hot97 and Power 106 on-air talent and relevant Hip Hop Artists.

A subscription-based model is available for a monthly fee of $3.99 which grants access to commercial-free Hot 97 and Power 106 online radio, along with an exclusive channel dedicated to breaking new Hip Hop music ,“New At 2,” an extension of both Hot97 and Power106’s terrestrial broadcast daily 2 pm feature hour dedicated to new music. New At 2 on the Where Hip Hop Lives app delivers 24 hours of uncensored new music curated by the DJ’s closest to emerging music. New At 2 will allow Hot97 and Power 106 DJs to break music online prior to breaking it on radio. “Hot97 and Power106 personalities are the authentic curators of the hip hop lifestyle,” said Jeff Smulyan, Chairman and CEO of Emmis Communications, parent company of Hot 97 and Power 106.

”The Where Hip Hop Lives app provides Hip Hop fans worldwide access to everything Hip Hop straight from the DJs in New York and Los Angeles that set the lifestyle and cultivates the next generation of superstars. From news and images to hip hop radio like you’ve never heard it before, Where Hip Hop Lives promises to deliver an experience unlike other music apps.” “We have been breaking the hottest new artists in hip hop for years,” says Hot97 and Apple Beats DJ, Ebro Darden.

“Like so many things in the tech landscape, people want everything at the tip of their fingers, especially music,” said Felli Fel, afternoon drive host on Power 106 and New At 2 mixer. “This app will allow the consumer to access the newest most cutting-edge Hip Hop. As a DJ, we see and hear the reaction of the consumer when we are out and about in the clubs. We also have access to info the average consumer does not have. Most importantly, all we do is look for what the consumer is going to love, it’s our job to do this every day.”

Thanks to Lance Venta for providing info for this article.