Binky Griptite is well known to soul fans around the world as a founding member of the legendary Dap Kings. If that’s news to you, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings revitalized modern soul music with Sharon’s dynamic performances, and the Dap Kings’ vintage sound would eventually propel Amy Winehouse to superstardom and Sharon Jones to legendary status. All emceed by your Master of Ceremonies Binky Griptite.
After Sharon’s passing in 2016, Binky turned his attention to his long held dream – a radio show just like the ones he grew up listening to in the early 70s.
“The experience of emceeing on tour for 20 years was invaluable. It taught me I could talk to large groups of people. So after we couldn’t tour I started thinking about how people have always told me ‘You have a great voice. You should be on the radio’. That’s always stayed on my mind ever since I was a kid.”
Binky found a supporter in WFUV Program Director and SJDK superfan Rita Houston. On July 22 2017 The Boogie Down was born! It quickly became a fan favorite on the influential NYC station. Listeners around the world commented that The Boogie Down helped them cope with the tense summers of protest, the isolation of 2020 lockdowns, and post election stress.
“That’s what it’s there for, thank you”
In life and career Binky holds women in high-regard.
“The biggest and the most important people in my career have mostly been Black and Brown women”.
This time is no different. KZMO-HD, the new home of “The Boogie Down with Binky Griptite,” is a Black, woman-owned cultural media network broadcasting original content in high-definition. Binky couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to celebrate the black women who have given him so much, especially his dear friend, the late Ms. Sharon Jones
Listen to The Boogie Down on KZMOHD.com
