“This is a formal event, but people can expect to loosen their bowties, take off their shoes and party,” said DJ Kut, who will be tearing up the ones and twos at the 26th Annual St. Louis American Foundation Salute To Excellence in Education Budweiser Black Crown After Party on Friday, September 13.
“I’m pulling every trick out the bag,” Kut said. “My goal is to get everybody in that place rockin’. I want to see Dr. Suggs on the dance floor.”
Kut is known around the nation for his skills as a DJ. Before he returned home as a featured personality on Radio One St. Louis’ Old School 95.5, he was mix coordinator for the top-rated Ed Lover and Dr. Dre morning show, which aired on New York’s Power 105.
He’s been home for the past two years and is excited to get the Salute gig.
“I feel honored,” Kut said. “I think about the heritage of the newspaper in our city. And finally, being able to do it like I want to do it – and to do it with MC Lyte, who is a friend of mine – we are going to have some fun.”
Lyte, a hip-hop icon and pioneer among female MCs, is equally thrilled.
“It’s going to be lovely,” Lyte said. “I love Kut. I’ve known him for years now, so it only makes sense that if I’m in St. Louis that I hook up with Kut. Kut is the best at what he does, so I’m looking forward to it. They can expect a good time. We’re just going to have one big party and a walk down memory lane.”
Neither would spill the beans on what partygoers can expect.
“It’s a couple of top-secret things that are going to happen,” Kut said. “I can’t let the cat out of the bag, but I guarantee that nobody is going to walk out of that party disappointed.”
They have 50 years of hip-hop experience between them. Now they are both popular radio personalities. Kut is in the 6 p.m. slot on Old School and is known for heating up some of the most anticipated shows in the area – most recently The Kings of the Mic Tour starring LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Public Enemy at Scottrade Center and The Kinfolks’ Soul Food Festival starring Gladys Knight.
Lyte has enjoyed status as trailblazer since she burst on the scene as a 16-year-old raptress back in 1986. She went on to enjoy a run as one of the most respected MCs (male or female) thanks to hits like “Cha Cha Cha,” “Cram to Understand,” “Georgie Porgie,” “Ruff Neck,” “Lyte As A Rock” and countless guest features. In addition to a successful career as an actress, voice over talent and DJ, Lyte forayed into radio three years ago with “Café Mocha,” and her show is now syndicated in 30 markets.
“When I do a party I’m on a mission. It’s about rocking the crowd,” Kut said. “So St. Louis, if you want to party grown-folks style – if you want to party with class – this is your opportunity.”
Previous Salute after party celebrations have been hosted by the likes of Dougie Fresh, Biz Markie and Spinderella. And Lyte and Kut are thrilled to join the ranks of the major names who have set the party off.
“If you live in this city and you’ve never been to a St. Louis American Foundation Salute To Excellence in Education …. yo … move,” Kut said. “You lose your St. Louis card for that. But seriously, this event is going to be better than a New Year’s Eve celebration. Come on out. You have no excuse. Just come prepared to party.”
The Budweiser Black Crown after party will kick off immediately after the 26th Annual St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education (around 10 p.m.) on Friday, September 13. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception (7 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony). For more information, or tickets, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.
