TV and Radio personality DJ Megratron, whose given name was Corey McGriff, was shot in Staten Island at about 2 a.m. and pronounced dead on the scene a short time later. The Staten Island resident had just moved to a new house and his girlfriend recently gave birth to his third child. “Everybody is shocked,” said a close friend who asked not be identified. “He just had a new baby. He wasn’t feuding with anybody. Everybody liked him.” His buddy said it was normal for Megatron to get back to Staten Island around 2 or 3 in the morning after working at a club or music event.
“I’m still shocked that somebody killed him,” he said. “I can’t even understand why. It could be somebody that he didn’t even know. At that time of the night people do all kinds of crazy things. I can’t see it being a personal thing because I don’t know of anybody who had a personal issue with him,” he added. “But at the same time, when you start getting success you have people who don’t necessarily like that.” Law enforcement officials would not immediately confirm McGriff’s identity. A police source said detectives have thus far not been able to track down an eyewitness to the murder.
Keith Robinson, who identified himself as Megatron’s father-in-law, said his family was distraught. “He was a good person,” Robinson said, visibly upset, “Everyone’s just shocked.” The Staten Island performer was a regular on BET’s “106th and Park,” and worked on HOT 97 two years ago. A friend who arrived at the scene at about 4 a.m. said she talked to him a few hours earlier. “He just called me,” Lisa Torres said, “He asked me if I was going to [a friend’s] party.” She became inconsolable as the news sank in. “He’s right there on the ground. I can’t believe this,” she screamed as she broke down in tears. “You’re lying, you’re lying! That’s not Megatron right there!”
A very sad story, and a tragic end to someone who’s talent has touched not only my life, but has undoubtedly helped shape the styles of many Hip Hop DJ’s. Rest in piece DJ Megatron.
DJ Cipha Sounds Suspended From Hot 97 Following Comments About Haitian Girls Having HIV
Cypha Got Gassed.
Popular radio/TV personality DJ Cipha Sounds has been suspended from Hot 97’s following comments directed at the Haitian community (“The reason I’m HIV negative is because I don’t mess with Haitian girls.”) You can read the press release below, Cipha Sounds has already apologized (watch video below) “I made a stupid, tasteless joke that was a one-liner that was taken totally the wrong way,” he said in an on-air apology. “I want to say sincerely that I apologize.”
HOT 97 today announced a three-part plan to address a recent comment made on-air by DJ Cipha Sounds. First, the station announced that DJ Cipha Sounds has been suspended indefinitely. Second, Cipha will immediately undertake sensitivity training focused on the Haitian community and specifically, the challenges the Haitian community has faced in terms of the HIV epidemic. Finally, HOT 97 announced it will work with local community leaders to utilize the influence of HOT 97 to increase awareness of HIV and community programs to address the HIV epidemic. “Cipha made an immediate public apology and recognizes his insensitivity and the negative impact his comments have on all Haitians,” said Alex Cameron, SVP/Market Manager of Emmis-New York. “The Haitian community is an important part of our listenership whom we respect and value. The suspension is an indication of the importance we place on delivering a product that respects our Haitian audience. It’s a very regrettable and unfortunate circumstance for all involved and particularly because we know this is not the nature of this young man who has been an advocate of the Haitian community and a big part of our fundraising efforts for Haiti. He is committed to working with the Haitian community to make a difference and turn this negative incident into an opportunity for increased learning and awareness.”
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DJ Cipha Sounds
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HIV
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