No matter what city you visit in this country, the local radio stations do things that set themselves apart from the competition. With more and more music crossing over to different formats and stations sharing similar music and imaging elements, getting a station to really stand out can be somewhat of a challenge to any programming staff. One programming element that that seems to be the "norm" at most CHR and Urban stations is mix-show programming. At KXHT (Hot 107.1)/Memphis, station owner George Flinn, along with his programming and marketing staff, have definitely gone against the grain of traditional music programming by mixing around the clock -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "If you're a hip-hop station, mixing is definitely apart of the culture for you," says KXHT PD D Rock. Join us in our next issue (streets Oct. 17) of R&R as we get insight from D Rock and the station's Marketing & Promotions Director, Mo Better, on Hot 107.1's all new mix format.

G G G G G Unit!
After much anticipation, 50 Cent, Lloyd Bands and Young Buck, otherwise known as G Unit, officially arrive on the scene with "Stunt 101," the first single from their upcoming album, Beg for Mercy. The CD is slated for a Nov. 18 release, and 50 Cent himself pushed back the release of his next album to June in order to give Mercy room to grow. Pop/R&B diva Brandy guest-stars in the video for the cut as a car salesperson. Reportedly, each member of G Unit will have solo songs on the album, and songs recorded by Tony Yayo prior to his incarceration will also be included. Eminem and Dr. Dre are among the producers on Beg for Mercy, and G Unit are currently in talks to embark on a joint tour with Mobb Deep and LOX's D-Block crew.