Award-Winning Radio Icon Cherry Martinez and VS The King on Grinding to Become Music’s Next Power Couple

We all love inspirational stories and interviews from music and entertainment executives and industry icons. Today, we’re bringing you gems from dynamic husband and wife duo, Cherry Martinez and VS The King. Cherry is a radio personality, DJ, program director, philanthropist, and 2x Grammy-winning Chairman/Publisher of Cherry On Top. Cherry Martinez was a long-time host of the number one evening DJ program in New York, Power 105.1, as well as host for the nationally syndicated radio program “Power After Hours.” Her husband, VS The King previously worked for major record labels, and is an experienced recording artist and music publisher who was just released from doing time and has returned to the studio to prepare for the release of his album project.

I love to see a power couple overcoming obstacles and breaking down systemic barriers. I sat down with these two talented folks for a quick interview and to give them some flowers:

Cherry Martinez, Radio personality,DJ, program director, philanthropist, and chairman/publisher of Cherry On Top

You’re a media maven, publisher and radio icon. Can you take us back to the beginning of your career, and tell our readers how you got started?

My career started in my hometown of Boston, MA. I was blessed with an internship at WILD radio with some of the best talent in the world. I just soaked up all that good information and became laser focused. I was a natural, so it was easy for me to flourish especially with the guidance I had.

You were a longtime host at New York’s Power 105.1. What is one of your fondest on-air memories?

When I got my late-night show and I surprised the industry & my peers by talking about SEX. I just went raw dog with it and the audience loved it!!!!! Ratings went through the roof!

Tell us more about the Girl Power Awards…what is the mission and what inspired you to start this with Mona Scott?

To put it bluntly, I’m the inspiration. I felt I had to kick so many doors down, that I wanted to shed light on other women who have done the same. Girl Power Awards gives us a platform to recognize women who deserve more credit.

You’ve accomplished so much, whether as a philanthropist, radio personality, DJ, executive. What does your “next level” look like?

My next level is solidifying FMHIPHOP, my new digital radio station & music publication. Very excited about the growth of this platform!

As you go throughout your day, or strive for success, what gets you HYPE?

Knowing I have a strong gift of manifestation. I just watch everything that I want appear and that gets me HYPE!

VS The King, Recording Artist and Music Publisher

Shifting gears to speak with you VS The King, Tell us about your work in the music industry (past & present).

MY WORK IN THE MUSIC BIZ WAS ALL GRIND AND HUSTLE. I WORKED AT BAD BOY, DREAMWORKS, AND ROAMED THE HALLS OF DEF JAM. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I PLAY A MAJOR PART IN HIP HOP HISTORY. VERY BLESSED THAT NOW IT’LL BE DOCUMENTED. CURRENTLY I’M PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON MY DEBUT ALBUM TRILLION $ DREAMS, I’M ALSO PUTTING MY FIRST TOUR TOGETHER CALLED THE PROJECT TOUR. THAT’S RIGHT I WILL BE DOING A TOUR OF ALL MAJOR PROJECTS – CITY TO CITY, STATE TO STATE. LAST BUT NOT LEAST I’M BUILDING MY OWN STUDIO WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES.

As an artist, if you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?

IF I COULD PERFORM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD BE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN BECAUSE OF ITS DEEPLY ROOTED HISTORY.

What keeps you HYPE and motivates you to go hard everyday?

WHAT MOTIVATES ME IS THE LEGENDS AND HISTORY OF HIP HOP. THE ESSENCE OF IT ALL. ONE MINUTE, YOU’RE POOR AND NOBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME, AND THE NEXT YOUR NAME IS IN LIGHTS. THATS HIP HOP.

What’s your definition of a boss?

MY DEFINITION OF A BOSS IS SOMEONE WHO HAS EMPLOYEES AND PAYS THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS. SOMEONE WHO MOVES IN THE RIGHT CIRCLES AND IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR BETTER WAYS TO GROW. A BOSS DOESN’T STAY IN THE SAME LANE HE CREATES LANES AND THEN STAFFS THEM.

You guys are both so talented and building an empire. What can we look forward to seeing from you both in 2022?

IN 2022, MY WIFE AND I ARE MOVING INTO A POSITION OF POWER TO GIVE TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT POSITIVE OUTREACH. I’M PROUD OF WHAT SHE HAS CREATED AND EXCITED TO WORK ALONGSIDE MY QUEEN.

What advice would you give other couples who are building together while also maintaining separate brands?

MY BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD BE, DON’T LISTEN TO OUTSIDE NOISE. BELIEVE IN THE GOAL AND TRUST THE PROCESS.

We love to see the hustle and wish them nothing but success! Keep up with Cherry Martinez and VS The King on their social media channels by visiting:

Cherry

@iamcherryontop

@VSTheKing

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Tags: Cherry Martinez, Interviews, Music Business, music executive, radio, VS The King

About the Author

Crystal Willis Crystal Willis is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Entertainment Publicist and CEO of The Omni Firm. She is also a Transformational Life Coach and Founder of The Crysalis. Her personal story has been seen by millions of people on media outlets like Marie Claire Magazine, PBS, Blaze TV, Daily Signal and more.