Cipha Sounds Joins 94.7 The Block/New York for Middays

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | 11:39am CT

Cipha Sounds

Audacy welcomes Cipha Sounds (Luis Diaz) as midday host for WXBK-FM (94.7 The Block) in New York. He'll be heard weekdays from 10am-2pm, beginning January 26. Sounds is also currently the host of truTV's hit show "Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks." During his 17 years at crosstown WQHT (Hot 97), and as a host on Eminem's Sirius satellite station Shade 45, he helped launch the careers of artists like Rihanna, Rick Ross, 50 Cent and Sean Paul.

"I've been a Cipha fan for many years, so we're thrilled to bring him aboard the Block and add him to our weekday programming slate," said 94.7 The Block Brand Manager Skip Dillard. "His talent, immersion in hip-hop culture and on-air execution will be a welcomed addition to our all-star team."

"I am beyond excited to be returning to the airwaves in New York City," added Sounds. "I thought I had done it all in radio and was extremely happy shifting into my comedy career, but ever since I heard The Block pop up, I realized how much I missed rocking hip-hop and R&B to the masses. It's time for Cipha to come back home."

Over the course of his DJ career, Cipha Sounds has helped introduce various artists, has shared the stage with some of the world's biggest musicians and comedians, as well as becoming a respected figure in New York's stand-up and improv scenes. Sounds got his start at renowned New York nightspots, before his talent for song selection and infectious personality earned him a spot at Hot 97. There, he moved up the ranks from Funkmaster Flex's intern, to running his own show "Cipha Saturdays," to finally hosting the morning show.

In addition to picking hits for the radio, Cipha's keen ear also led him to work as an A&R executive for a number of record labels, including Jay Z's Roc-A Fella and Pharrell Williams' Startrak imprint. He has also served as a live DJ for many artists in venues around the world and was the official DJ for Comedy Central's "Chapelle's Show."