Angie Martinez

About Angie Martinez

Angela (Angie) Martinez (born January 9, 1972 in The Bronx, New York, USA) is an American radio and television personality. She also has a son with Tamir "Nokio" Ruffin of Dru Hill, Niko Ruffin (born 12 June 2003).

Angie Martinez got her first break in radio at the age of 16 answering hot lines at the urban radio station Hot 97. There she met popular DJ Funkmaster Flex, and began working as his protégé. Martinez quickly picked up on the craft of running a successful radio program. Executives at the station decided to give her a chance, even though she lacked on-air experience. After only 3 months working over nights, Angie was offered the 6-10pm time slot Monday-Fridays, following the stations headlining talent Wendy Williams. She quickly gained a large fan following, and the popularity of her radio show quickly began to surpass Williams in the ratings. Williams became very competitive and a silent rivalry between the ladies quickly ensued. The tension between them made afternoons at the station very uncomfortable. One night as Williams was delivering her trademark celebrity gossip, she announced that Martinez had been secretly dating rapper Q-Tip, and then questioned her position at the station insinuating that her famous boyfriend had played a role in her promotion. Angie had been in the studio preparing for her own show, and grew infuriated. She stormed into Williams studio and the two ladies began hurling insults back and forth, which led to a physical altercation on-air. Producers and security attempted to break up the fight between the two women. The entire altercation had been broadcasted all over New York City.

Station producers and executives of Emmis Broadcasting began reviewing their options. Since she had started the feud, Williams was released from her contract with the station and Martinez was given her 2-6pm time slot, the most desired time in all of radio. The Angie Martinez Show quickly became the most popular show in all of New York. Black owned radio station "WBLS" hired Wendy Williams for a rival 2-6pm radio show. Because of her radio success, Angie now calls her self "The Voice of New York".