Kool DJ Red Alert is leaving radio with a four-hour farewell set on WBLS after more than four decades of helping Hip-Hop reach new listeners.
Kool DJ Red Alert has announced his retirement from radio, ending a groundbreaking and prolific career on the airwaves. The legendary spinner revealed the news in an Instagram post, thanking fans and industry peers for the love and support he’s received over the years. Red Alert will spin a 4-hour farewell set dubbed “The Final Broadcast” on Monday, Nov. 30, on 107.5 WBLS – New York. The veteran boardsman also shared that in addition to 50 years behind the turntables, he’ll also be celebrating his 70th birthday, calling both “extraordinary” milestones “blessings.”
Red began broadcasting on KISS-FM in October 1983, bringing records from the clubs onto a commercial station while Hip-Hop was still building its audience. His support gave early exposure to Boogie Down Productions and Native Tongues artists, including Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. Despite his decision to step away from radio, Kool DJ Red Alert insisted that he’ll remain active in music and entertainment, with plans to focus on spinning at special events and community celebrations.
Numerous hip-hop luminaries and fans flooded DJ Kool Red Alert’s comments with their gratitude for his impact and service to the culture, including Jermaine Dupri, DJ Doo Wop, Big Daddy Kane, Questlove, Rakim, Kid Capri, Pos of De La Soul, Pete Rock, Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa, and DJ Tony Touch.