My Voice: A Memoir

Angie Martinez

May 2016 · Sold by Penguin

About this eBook

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Angie Martinez is the “Voice of New York.” Now, for the first time, she candidly recounts the story of her rise to become an internationally celebrated hip hop radio icon.
 
In her current reign at Power 105.1 and for nearly two decades at New York’s Hot 97, Angie Martinez has had one of the highest rated radio shows in the country. After working her way up as an intern, she burst on the scene as a young female jock whose on-air “Battle of the Beats” segment broke records and became a platform for emerging artists like a young Jay Z. Angie quickly became known for intimate, high-profile interviews, mediating feuds between artists, and taking on the most controversial issues in hip hop. At age twenty-five, at the height of the East Coast/West Coast rap war, Angie was summoned by Tupac Shakur for what would be his last no-holds-barred interview—which has never aired in its entirety and which she’s never discussed in detail—until now. 
 
Angie shares stories from behind-the-scenes of her most controversial conversations, from onetime presidential hopeful Barack Obama to superstars like Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown, and describes her emotional, bittersweet final days at Hot 97 and the highly publicized move to Power 105.1. She also opens up about her personal life—from her roots in Washington Heights and her formative years being raised by a single mom in Brooklyn to exploring the lessons that shaped her into the woman she is today.
 
From the Puerto Rican Day Parade to the White House—Angie is universally recognized as a powerful voice in the Latino and hip hop communities. My Voice gives an inside look at New York City’s one-of-a-kind urban radio culture, the changing faces of hip hop music, and Angie’s rise to become the Voice of New York.

Ratings and reviews

Great read!!! Being brought up in the culture as an 80s baby in upstate New York (Power Kingdom), Angie played a major role in how my piers and myself approached the rest of the world that didn't get Hip-hop. She served as a commander in the "THEM against US" war. It's great to finally get the personal side of her journey, and to learn she always stayed true to her audience and her position within the culture. We felt it but know we know it.

As a hip hop head and someone who grew up inspired by Angi Martinez's career, this book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I geeked out over the unreleased Tupac interview as well as more detail into the Lox and Diddy issues. So many pleasant surprises and incredible stories. Wouldn't expect any less from the legendary Angie Mar though. I love you Angie and I loved this book.

A beautiful rendition of a career that is steeped in RICH hip hop AND radio history! Angie Martinez's voice is so clear and honest and compelling and inspiring. I laughed with her, cried with her, rooted for her, and left the last page motivated by her. This is a book that can be read by all ages (12 and up lol)! Please support this amazing legendary woman!!!! I'm sure glad I did! Excellent work Ms Martinez!

About the author

Angie Martinez is recognized as one of the most influential personalities in popular culture and multimedia. Angie’s nearly twenty years of on-air hosting experience has led her to become the media trailblazer that she is today: multimedia host, spokeswoman, actress, recording artist, entertainment personality, author, and philanthropist.