Philly Radio: Fans To Protest Laby B's Firing From WRNB

Lady B

For decades, Lady B has been a mainstay of Philly culture. She was a pioneering female rapper (known for her 1979 hit "To the Beat Y'all") and an integral member of the hip-hop scene as one of the first DJs to play recordings by local artists like Will Smith. But she was also known for her cultural insights and philanthropic efforts around Philly.

Earlier this month, those decades of history came to a screeching halt when Lady B was let go from her position deejaying classic R&B and hip-hop at Old School 100.3 WRNB.

According to MetroUSA, no clear explanation has yet been given for the firing, but Lady B’s supporters aren't taking it without a fight. At a news conference on Tuesday at the offices of the NAACP’s Philly branch, they promised to assemble “B’s Army” for a rally on today outside her old station's offices to demand a spot for Lady B on the airwaves.

Lady B, also known as Wendy Clark, started as an intern to Mary Mason, the queen of Philly radio. She made her name in the 1980s at Power 99 FM, and in recent years DJed "The Lady B Show" on weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m. on 100.3 FM. Fans recalled her as a positive influence on Philadelphia.

Urban One, which owns WRNB, has not respond to requests for comments on the firing.

Lady B herself has not complained, announcing the end of her career on Dec. 12 with positivity:


“I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all of you,” she wrote in a Facebook post thanking her fans. "I am still here for you. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be in the community."

But activist, civil rights attorney and Lady B supporter Michael Coard questioned why Lady B was let go and said he believes there were disputes over her “culture-oriented programming.”