Audacy has flipped Rhythmic AC “Q102” 102.1 KRBQ San Francisco to Classic Hip Hop “102 Jams“.
The new brand launched at 6:00 this morning with 2 Pac/Dr. Dre “California Love”, Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like Its Hot” and Luniz “5 On It” kicking off the revamped format. The station is promoting “Commercial Free Fridays” as part of its new identity. The move pushes KRBQ back closer to its original music position following its launch in 2014. In recent years it had evolved from Classic Hip Hop to a broader R&B based Rhythmic AC.
Chuy Gomez, who previously hosted mornings on KRBQ from April 2018 to August 2019 has rejoined the station to host afternoons. Gomez is best known in the market for his two decade run at iHeartMedia Hip Hop 106.1 KMEL from 1993-2013 and also has worked at “Wild 107.7” KYLD and “Hot 105.7” KVVF in the Bay Area.
KRBQ is ranked tied for twelfth in the San Francisco market with a 2.3 share in the February 2022 Nielsen Audio ratings. It added an additional 1.4 share in San Jose.
The “Jams” moniker plays off the branding used by KMEL through most of the 1990s, while cloning the branding used by the company’s “104.3 Jams” WBMX Chicago.
With the format change, previous afternoon host Efren Sifuentes exits.
Audacy today announced the immediate launch of 102.1 JAMS (KRBQ-FM) in San Francisco. The station, previously known as The New Q102.1, will continue to feature a wide collection of classic hip-hop hits and throwbacks, including favorites from 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Dr. Dre., Missy Elliott and more.
“We’re pleased to introduce the Bay Area’s newest station and continue to bring our listeners a home for their favorites in throwback hip-hop,” said Stacey Kauffman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy San Francisco. “JAMS will embody the very best this format has had to offer and we look forward to continuing to grow this brand as the Bay Area’s go-to for hip-hop.”
102.1 JAMS will launch with Bay Area legend Chuy Gomez assuming the role of afternoon drive talent. Additional lineup updates will be announced in the coming weeks.
