As part of a major schedule shakeup at U.K.
Radio stations BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, the legendary DJ Tim Westwood will be
stepping down as host.Announced this past weekend, the 55-year-old DJ’s
prominent Saturday night show, which has been pivotal in introducing American
rap stars to a U.K. audience, will no longer be part of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s
respective radio programs due to a shuffle that will see new show slots for DJ
Target, Charlie Sloth, MistaJam and Clara Amfo.
Westwood has been dropping bombs as the voice
of hip-hop on BBC Radio for nearly two decades, getting his start with the
station in 1994. Throughout his reign his reign, the DJ’s popular show saw
notable appearances from acts like The Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, Nas, Eminem,
Kanye West, Snoop Lion, Kid Cudi, 2 Chainz and many more. A major component of
the program was the freestyle segment, on which major artists would spit some
bars in Westwood’s studio.
In a statement, the station’s Controller, Ben
Cooper, said, “I’d like to thank Tim for the last 20 years on Radio 1. His
passion for hip-hop is legendary. I wish him all the very best.”
Westwood’s former slot will be filled by DJ
Charlie Sloth, who’s interview with J. Cole in May of last year sparked
headlines, as the rapper announced that TLC would be featured on his new album.
