Angie Martinez Leaves Hot 97, Joins Power 105.1 & Miami’s 103.5

In an unexpected announcement, Hot 97 afternoon personality and “Voice of New York,” Angie Martinez, has resigned from the city’s iconic New York rap and R&B station, landing at cross-town rival, Power 105.1, owned by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

The statement came via her Instagram account, and said the following:

Today I resigned from HOT97. I am grateful to the Emmis family for my time with the company and the immeasurable way that it has shaped my life. We made history together in so many ways and I will cherish those memories and my friendships forever. This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make but ultimately it is time to move on, to grow and to be challenged in new ways. Saying goodbye is always emotional and bitter sweet but I am extremely excited about the future. Thank you HOT97 and most importantly….the listeners… for an unimaginable journey. Today will be my last show ❤️ stay tuned…. Love, angie

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Angie Martinez has been a fixture on Hot 97 for many years, and has interviewed countless music stars, celebrities and politicians, including President Obama.

In an equally stunning follow-up, Clear Channel announced that Martinez will be joining rival station Power 105.1 in a deal that will feature the veteran during her 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. afternoon time slot, with syndication bringing her to the airwaves of Miami’s 103.5.

“Angie is the Queen of New York City radio. She is an incredible talent who continues to blaze trails and we are excited to have her join the team at Power 105.1 and The Beat in Miami,” said Thea Mitchem, Senior Vice President of Programming ­ Major Markets, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment in a statement.  “Angie has a long, successful history and we look forward to expanding her distinctive style and compelling content to more of our listeners.”

For her part, Martinez said, “I want to thank, Thea Mitchem, Tom Poleman and Doc Wynter for this incredible opportunity. I¹m excited to join Power 105.1 in New York and The Beat in Miami and expand my brand even further in the coming months.”

On Thursday morning following the announcement, the Power 105.1 airwaves were filled with songs that Angie Martinez was featured on during her short-lived stint as a rap artist, while morning show DJ Envy, a previous Hot 97 to Power 105 defector, praised her move repeatedly.