“Dirty South Block Party” goes off air in December (Interview with Bo Bo Luchiano and DJ Fish)

by Edward "Pookie" Hall of Urban South

Around this time 8 1/2 years ago was the start of something new and the birth of a critical piece to the DFW music scene. It was the beginning of a non-programming local radio show on KNON for rap music which was originally pioneered by Bo Bo Luchiano and the late Big Al from the legendary group Nemesis. From there, Bo Bo Luchiano took the controls, linked up with DJ Fish and changed the name of the show to what we know as the "Dirty South Block Party" radio show on KNON 89.3 FM. This is the only live radio show in Dallas on the airwaves supporting DFW street/hardcore rap artists on a consistent basis without any politics.

Every Saturday night from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. you can actually turn on your radio and hear something other than top 10 or top 8 rap music. You will not only hear the songs that have videos on BET's 106 & Park countdown but you will also hear rap music the people in the South & DFW choose to listen to. For people who are sitting at home on Saturday nights browsing the internet, visit KNON.org at 10pm and click the radio player to listen live.

You would think that local artists are running to the station with their music for airplay with it being that good and easy, right? Well, even a show like this is struggling for support from the local DFW music scene. We do not have people running to the door with music. We do not have a lot of the local music industry supporting this show with pledge donations. If you did not know, pledging donations to the DSBP show on a community radio station is how the DSBP show stays on the airwaves. If you are thinking to yourself right now that we, the local music scene, are crazy then you are correct for once in your life. I have tried to figure it out so much to the point that it started confusing me and making my head hurt.

The "Dirty South Block Party" radio show will be missed and marked in my DFW rap history books as legendary. Though pledged donations were at a low from the local rap scene, it's not the reason why we are announcing the departure of the DSBP radio show this December when the last live episode is recorded at the KNON studios. I caught up with Bo Bo Luchiano (host) and DJ Fish (co-host) to better answer that question and more.

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You all were known names before the show started. Bo Bo you were doing music along with being the hype man for UGK (Pimp C & Bun B) and Fish you were a club DJ. Where in your paths did you both decide to bring the DSBP show into existence and who came up with the name?

Bo Bo Luchiano: Well, I actually came up with the name 'Dirty South Block Party'. The show was originally mine and Big Al's from Nemesis (R.I.P.) until he dropped out to pursue other projects. DJ Fish just showed up the first night and I was like "Who is this guy?" Then he showed up the next week and I was like, if he's going to be here I might as well put him to work. When Big Al left the show, I made up the new name and made DJ Fish my producer and that lead to him being the co-host of the show.

DJ Fish: The show was already conceived when I got there. I actually got on the show by accident. Ed Bell from the Bomb mixed tapes and he knew me from the Safari Bar & Grill where I was an opening DJ. He told me that the late "Big Al" was starting a radio show with this cat named Bo Bo and that they needed a mix DJ. Ed Bell introduced me to Big AL and told me to come by the station with a mix. That's when I first met Bo Bo Luchiano. The next week I came back and Big Al told me he didn't like the mix. I asked him if I could hang out and he said cool. From there I started helping Bo Bo answer the phones every week and the rest is history.

What role does each DSBP member play and how did you all get artist Pikahsso from the group PPT to get involved with the show?

Bo Bo Luchiano: My role is the lead. I push all the buttons and play all of the music. DJ Fish is my co-host and he pulls all the commercials. David and Kitty Kat answer the phones and Pikahsso is the producer. The way Pikahsso got involved was that I was in dire need of a good producer. At that time he was working at the Eargazum's CD shop in Irving. I figured that since he had access to all the artists that came through Eargazum's, [knew] all the new music, [and was] a wiz on the computer with promotions (i.e. Dallaspeeps.com and more) that he would be a perfect producer for the show.

DJ Fish: DJ Drop is our mix DJ, Kita Khat is, well, Kita Khat. David is a funny dude [who] hangs out and helps with the music. He actually picks the "Jam it or Damit" songs, has the beer and [is] the one we can always pick on. Pikahsso is kinda like a lil' bother to me. I have known him since he was like 10 or 11 (when he got a whippin' by Brother Marzuk in the Masjid one night). Bo Bo thought it would be a good idea to have Pikahsso on board for his networking skills. Bo Bo was also impressed by how he did his internet thing and asked him to be a part of the family.

What separates the DSBP show from the other local radio shows and how does it benefit the DFW music community?

Bo Bo Luchiano: What separates us first is we're all born and raised in Dallas, so that gives us an edge on knowing what the streets want to hear. Second, we play more local artists that I feel are jamming and have a good business head on their shoulders. Third, we have the freedom to play and say what we feel, which gives us a big edge on the competition. We benefit the community by supporting the local rap scene by not just playing any old bullshit that I get. The music has to be a certain standard for me to play it. I don't want someone from out of town to hear me play a song that's not jamming to think that song represents Dallas. So I pick the music very carefully.

DJ Fish: Freedom! We have the ability to play what we want to play without all the politics. You don't have a program director telling you what to play. The benefit of the show is the same. It's the freedom and the ability to have your music heard by 40,000 plus people for free. No BS at all. Give us the music and if it's hot we will play it.

How has the music scene changed in DFW from then to now and how can we make things better?

Bo Bo Luchiano: When I first started the South was on the rise. No Limit Records was still rolling, Cash Money Records had just gotten their major deal with Universal, and Swisher House was still underground. What's changed is the generation. A new, younger generation dictates what's being heard on the airwaves and I don't always agree with the song choices out there now. The internet has saturated rap to [the point] where everybody who thinks they can rap can make a CD. You got people from other regions biting from an artist from another region after he or she has heard it on the web. The South has taken over now and other regions hate it especially when you got bullshit songs on the radio that don't really represent our lifestyle in the South. "Quit Hating Tha South!"

DJ Fish: To me, it's not fun anymore. You have too many artists that really don't take the business seriously enough; they just put out anything and expect it to be a hit. I think artists and the whole music scene [should adopt] the attitude that being an artist is a privilege and not something anyone can do. They must realize that not everyone is an artist. I also think that artists should have more respect for the music and themselves. Hell, get a job and take care of you family and kids before you try to do this full time. It will be a lot less stressful and your mind will be a lot clearer. Don't put out music if it's not ready and keep doing it over and over until it's perfect even if it takes a year. Don't half-ass it. One more thing: learn the business!

A lot of people think the struggling support of the pledge drive is why you all are leaving. We will speak on why you all are leaving shortly. I want you all to explain the importance of the DFW music scene pledging donations to your show and KNON 89.3 FM.

Bo Bo Luchiano: It's very important! I worked for free for eight years and KNON 89.3 FM has no corporate sponsorship. Therefore, we need the pledges to keep the lights on. All the money goes to the station for bills so it's very important that you contribute if you want that format to stay around.

DJ Fish: The show and the station are kept on the air by our listeners. We don't have sponsors. Our listeners are our sponsors. If you don't pledge, then the bills don't get paid. If our show doesn't help pay the bills, then we get off the air. Now you don't have an avenue for your music to be heard without the BS.

How important is your show to surrounding inmates looking for peace of mind and hearing "shout outs" from loved ones on Saturday nights?

Bo Bo Luchiano: Very, very important! We get a lot of phone calls and letters from inmates and their loved ones, so I just incorporated that into the show. I get people who walk up to me on the streets and say they were listening to me for five or six years and that made their time go by a little easier. That means a lot to me because people seem to forget about our inmates. They are still human and have feelings. We all have or know someone that's incarcerated or that's been incarcerated. I just have major love for my inmates. Actually, the inmates are the ones that kept me going for as long as I did. Big up to the penitentiary holla's and pen pals. Free Twisted Black!

DJ Fish: It's very important; you won't believe how many people tell us that The DSBP show kept them happy while they were on lock. My brother was locked up for 18 years and he knew about us way where he was. The show keeps them going and that is what I will miss the most.

Why is the show coming to an end and will we continue to hear the DSBP show on KNON 89.3 FM?

Bo Bo Luchiano: The show is coming to an end for several reasons. First, I don't feel we get the support from the community. Second, I don't agree with the direction that Hip Hop is going (too many generic songs on the radio) and third, it's time for a change. I've got a wife and two daughters that I have been neglecting for 8 years to help my city out with this music. I had to ask myself is this really worth it? Do the people even care? I need to leave to get my life and family in order. I hope it's not too late because I love my wife, my family and my girls more than anything. I don't think that I can live without them. I don't know if you'll hear about DSBP again. I want to pass the torch! I've got a good candidate but it's up to the powers that be.

DJ Fish: Myself and Bo Bo decided this a year or so ago. Personally a lot of things conflict with my spiritual beliefs. The path that "Rap" music has taken recently is on a crash course with my faith. Over the past few years I have grown a lot spiritually and I have outgrown a lot of things. I pray a lot more and do a lot more for my community than I used to. I'm really beginning to see what it means to put God first in your life and honestly I don't feel like I'm respected as much as I used to be. When you start to get "left out" and "not invited", that's a sign that it's about time to "hang it up" and go with some dignity. A lot of the music community doesn't appreciate what Bo Bo and I have done over the past 8 1/2 years. That is a major factor in my decision, not the main one but one of them. Also I'm trying to become a better person. I'm 46 years old and a lot of things that I promote on the show is kinda outta place for a person my age so its time for me to grow up. Hopefully, I'm not done with music and being a DJ but if I am..... "It is what it is". I say this a lot but being a DJ for more than 25 years cost me a lot. I wanna make it right with God, my family and most of all myself. I'm not saying it's not going to be hard but I LOVE being DJmotherkcufingFish!!!! I LOVE THE DSBP!!!! I'm really going to miss it but its time for the "Rebirth" of M. Roberts.

That void would cripple the entire local music scene. Why announce leaving without passing the torch and bringing on a replacement rap show?

Bo Bo Luchiano: I know it's bad for the city and I apologize for leaving but I do have a replacement in mind that would continue where I left off and most likely take the show to the next level but it's not up to me. I wish it were because I hate to see all we've built going down the drain.

DJ Fish: Hopefully, we can come up with something cool. We are working on something right now and if it pans out I will stay on a few more shows to work out the kinks (shhhhh don't tell nobody).

What are some of your best & worst memorable moments at the show?

Bobo Luchiano: I would have to say that some of the best moments on the show we're some of the interviews that I had. Like when Swisher House came through before their major deal. Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Michael 5000 Watts, it was like 20 people that showed up at our show. Also all the Pimp C interviews were very memorable especially the first interview after his release (our show did his first radio interview after his release). The pledge drive party we did at the station was huge. It allowed me to see how much love the fans had for our show. It was great. To be honest with you, there were not too many bad times. I would have to say that missing my family for 8 1/2 years is my low point. I should have put my family first. They are my backbone. And again I want to apologize to my lovely wife and daughters for the time that daddy was not home.

DJ Fish: Wow!!! That's a tough one. I really don't have a best one, more often than not, one week always outdoes the other, so every week is a party, but one night for some reason I remember more than another one. One of our guests after the show one week told us he talked to Jesus in his cell. That was something. As far as my worse moment...well I had a bad week one time after this "local" radio station wanted to put a show together "without" me. I think I remember that as the worse week, my most embarrassing moment was when Bo Bo was off one week, and I forget who it was, but somebody called and said they wanted Lil John to do a call in, I said okay cool, I announced on the air that I was going to interview Lil John after the break. When I introduced Lil John on the air the caller said "This isn't Lil John. This is Big Sam...I'm like where is Lil John????? He said "he in the shower"....I'm like...damn

Bo Bo you are still doing music and currently have a single out now called "Stop Playin with Yo-self" featuring Pimp C & Bun B of UGK. Can we expect to see you being more involved as an artist or are you retiring from the game period? What are your future plans?

Bo Bo Luchiano: Actually I'm retiring from the game completely. I will release my final CD next year on Roggish Life Entertainment LLC. From there I'll be looking for a young fresh artist to produce and release to the world. I'll be in the streets a little to promote. Basically, I've been involved for over 20 years. It's time to take a break but rap music is in my blood. It's hard to say goodbye! I'll play the background and produce other artist so if you got the gift holla at ya boy. "Stop Playin with Yo-Self!!!"

Fish, for past few years you have been deeply involved in photography. Is this your transition into a different part of the same game?

DJ Fish: Yes it is! I love taking pictures! Photography is my new passion and I especially enjoy photographing artists. I plan on taking photography of music to another level. I plan on being one of the best "live" photographers in the game. First it's Dallas, then Texas, then the US, the world. If they have a concert in space, I want to photograph it. My ultimate goal is to pick up the torch that other historical African American photographers carried. I don't see myself a "local"

What is officially the last date of the show live and can we expect a DSBP bash?

Bo Bo Luchiano: December 29th, 2007. Everybody is invited to the station for the last show. We are planning a big farewell bash for the early part of December at Club Ecco on lower Greenville Avenue. Be listening for the details because it's going to be huge. I might even perform that night.

DJ Fish: Dec 29- last live show and DSBP Bash-Ecco lounge... TBA

Bo Bo, you are known for having artist Pimp C call in and expose the music industry. Will we get more of this before December?

Bo Bo Luchiano: Awready! You know it's all good!!!

Fish, can we bring the 'rap, rap news' back one more time?

DJ Fish: Oh yeah, and Imma tell it like it really is

How do locals get their music to you for airplay before December?

Bo Bo Luchiano: Send it to 5353 Maple Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75235 or get at me in the streets. I'm approachable!

DJ Fish: Contact us in the streets or call the show at 214 637-1893 or 972 647-1893.

Man, I hate this show is coming to an end but I know it's the beginning of something beautiful for you both and we wish you both success in your future endeavors. Any last words, comments and/or shout outs?

Bo Bo Luchiano: I would like to thank God for giving me the chance to serve you all with something I truly love and it's been a pleasure. I want to thank my wife and daughters for standing by me for this long. Daddy's home now and I will make it up to you I promise. Thanks to all the fans especially the inmates. I've got big love for you all. Thanks to everyone in and down with Roggish Life Entertainment. Thanks to all the local artists that kept it trill with me and DJ Fish. I want to apologize to all the female listeners for some of the vulgar comments I've made over the years just to get a laugh. A person shouldn't have to compromise their integrity to be successful. Remember "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten" Stay trill with yourself and trill things will happen. Much love and Peace!

DJ Fish: First of all, thank God for creating me and allowing me to be me and thanks to my family, friends loved ones.

Man. There's soooo much to say, too many shout outs, and I don't wanna forget anyone. First of all, thanks to Bo Bo for letting me answer the phones that night. You revitalized my career and I was done until the DSBP. I was quitting forever! Thank you for being a real brother for the past 8+ years. You are the realest cat I have known in this crooked ass business; you have never done anything foul to me or committed any type of "fu*kery" on my part. You have always made me a part of everything and I thank you for that. Thank you to Pookie from Urban South for allowing me to say things in this interview I may have never said...man thanks to everyone that listened to the show, came to the show, wrote the show, and called the show. Special thanks to our listeners on lock. Thanks to Vonne for all our cards...we love you!!! Thanks to everyone that made us laugh with your wack tracks....lol.....or your parking lot stories....damn thanks to everyone that has been a part of the show....Jazzy K, Steve Below, The Twins, Heaven, David (the fat gal mack) DJ Drop, Push, Kitha Kat, of course my boy Pikahsso. Thank you to the people who got me in the game and made my skills better like DJ Raydio, CJ the DJ, and DJ Stricknine. Thank you to all my enemies because if you would have never gotten me fired from the club I would have never been here. Thank you to Ed Bell for introducing me to Big Al (R.I.P). Thanks Al for having faith in me......I'm sorry I can't say all I want too but THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY!!!!! Imma miss ya'll

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