In 2009, the popular Houston rapper and philanthropist was the center of controversy after one of his events ended in gunfire. Houston Hip Hop station 97.9 The Boxx blamed the rapper’s music as a reason for the violence.
After a publicized feud, the artist was officially banned not only from 97.9, but all Radio One stations; which specifically targets urban markets at 69 radio stations in 22 cities throughout the nation, including his hometown of Houston.
The ban itself extended beyond traditional radio play; it also included not acknowledging any event featuring Trae, including charity endeavors, and resulted in the firing of former Boxx personality DJ Brandi Garcia, after she played a track featuring the artist at at 50 Cent concert, despite the fact that it was a personal event.
In the five years since then, other stations have come onto the scene and quickly fizzled due to lack of funding and resources; but on December 31, 2013 this all changed when Clear Channel, the largest radio conglomerate in the nation, debuted 93.7, seemingly ending The Boxx’s reign as Houston’s sole source for Hip Hop. While The Boxx’s ban against the emcee still stands, Clear Channel has made it clear that it doesn’t apply to themselves, already inserting the Diddy and Jeezy assisted “Hold Up” off of Trae’s latest “I Am King” release into their regular rotation.
“To (finally) be heard on Houston radio again after five years is a true blessing,” says Trae before adding “I’m grateful for them creating a platform. I’ve been in the streets, but not everyone else is in them. Not everyone else could access my music easily, and now they can.”
Also set to debut in Houston is the famed morning show “The Breakfast Club,” which has featured Trae before, but will now be played in Houston as well.
Explains Trae, “A big salute to Doc Wynter and Eddie Martiny, they were responsible for not only giving me a chance, but getting me back onto the radio over at Clear Channel. I think it’s the beginning if a powerful relationship.”
Fans can also look forward to the return of the “I Am Trae” app for iPhone and Android as well as a recently launched outlet for prison art, inspired by the incarceration of his brother.
“I have a lot more things to come with I Am King and in general. There’s also Tip’s solo album, a Hustle Gang project, and a release from Doe B for those that are still waiting on it,” says Trae.