HipHop Weekly’s Editor And Chief KimSoMajor Talks How Her Passion For Radio Has Turned Into A Career In Journalism

KimSoMajor grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, but at the age of 16, she relocated to Houston, Texas, with her mother and daughter. Major says she will never stop fighting to beat the odds against her, even if she isn’t able to, as it is the clear path to achieving her goals.  At a young age, she had a very upbeat personality that welcomed others.

Kim’s natural passion for music makes her on-air personality infectious. She also has a background in audio production and dreams of operating an all-female-run sound studio. As a journalist, she has conducted numerous interviews with notable figures such as James Prince, Gunplay, Moneybagg Yo, Diddy, Vic Mensa, Yolanda Adams, and Famous Dex, among others.

I recently caught up with Major to discuss how she developed her passion for music and what type of legacy she would like to leave.

When did you start to develop your passion for radio?

At the age of 5 or 6, I remember the excitement of calling and requesting my favorite songs over and over again. I was a pest caller, for sure. Good thing they didn’t have caller ID back then; I know I would have been blocked. Fast forward to some years later I got so heated at a radio station jock, I found his PD (program director)  and his voicemail and went ham on them because I thought he was asking Lil Kim stupid questions that nothing to do with her music, that’s when I kinda knew.

How vital do think your time at CBS Radio was to your career in the entertainment business?

Well, I’m still employed, but Entercom bought the company. Working in the radio industry for over ten years has been vital to my career, as it has significantly sharpened my skill set.  I have added so much value to my job by being able to build in audio engineering, voice talent work, station imaging, production as well as being on air in the number 7 market for a top 40  pop radio station as the only black woman has taught me how to weather more than a few challenges and obstacles.

You are currently the Editor-in-Chief at Hip Hop Weekly Magazine. What do you look for when you are looking to add writers to the platform?

I look for someone who loves writing, is excellent at painting a picture with words, is a team player, and a passionate journalist. But, as importantly, I look for someone who has specific views on certain subject matters that are unwavering. I look for diversity in thought and representation within the entire hip-hop culture. I look for someone who has their meter on the pulse of today’s climate and a forward thinker.

When you release content, what do you want your readers to gain from it?

I want them to gain valuable, accurate information delivered in a creative, entertaining and progressive way.

What has been your most inspirational interview thus far and why?

When I interviewed Sean Combs, I had a revelation from what he told me. I was asking my best questions, as usual, and since I wasn’t the only reporter in the room, I knew I had to be more assertive to get what we needed for the feature story. Initially, I was supposed to be by myself, but things changed, and you gotta adjust. During mid-interview, Diddy stopped and said to me  “I like you, your aggressive, you should be working at Revolt, somebody gets her info when this is done.” For me, being in the room was enough confirmation that I was supposed to be there, but I have to admit, Diddy’s statement, even in front of his own staff who were interviewing him, really blew my mind and made me think about my greater purpose. Some people have the energy that commands attention, and I believe what you do with that is super important.

How do you think Hip-Hop Journalism has evolved over the past five years?

It’s evolved, but halfway into a mess. With all the blog sites, instant posts, and web baits for gaining a quick look, I don’t feel there is as much hip-hop journalism being represented as there are hip-hop rumors and blurbs bylines. That’s why, at Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, we focus on accurate coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and creating engaging content that highlights pushing the culture forward.

Where do see yourself in five years?

Wow, great question that I’m never good at answering… It’s in God’s hands. I never thought five years ago when I started at Hip Hop Weekly Magazine I would be Editor In Chief so I can’t say in five years exactly but I know that it will be well deserved and I will be grateful wherever I’m at.

What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done?

Basically, when I can say “My great-great-grandchildren already rich, that’s a lot of brown children on your Forbes list.”