It is one year after iHeartMedia Philadelphia debuted its newest station, Real 106.1, to the throwback listening public, and it’s about time they had a birthday party worthy of its reputation and its playlist. For a radio station partying hard to the sounds from the ’90s, what better way to celebrate than to throw I Love the 90s at BB&T Pavilion on August 24.
This debut concert experience and Philly/Jersey radio party welcomes ’90s hit makers such as Salt N Pepa with Spinderella, Coolio, Tone Loc, Rob Base and Biz Markie to the Camden stage, where they’ll rap and sing old school smashes such as “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Shoop,” “Just a Friend,” “Gangsta’s Paradise” and many more. The promise of potential guest stars is also bright, as other I Love the 90s tour dates feature Vanilla Ice, All 4 One and Color Me Badd.
I Love the 90s comes to town
Of Real 106.1’s new old radio format, Timothy “Chio” Acosta, of “Chio in the Morning” – the popular local morning show heard throughout the Philly area for 14 years-and-counting – has nothing but love. “Look, there are only seven to eight stations in the nation doing what we’re doing,” says the morning radio host. “I hope this becomes as big a format as classic rock.”’
Chio is on a two minute break from his “Morning” radio show with Shila, and he’s just revving up. “Think about it. There was no classic rock stations – everyone was just playing regular rock – until somebody pointed out how all that great legendary rock stuff was being ignored,” says Chio, who’s hoping that the old school ’90s/early 2000’s format of Real 106.1 can become a legitimate format, and grow in the manner of the classic rock radio boom. “If we can get two stations in every city playing classic hip hop from its golden era, we will have started something and become a part of something that is very special.”
Choosing a favorite from back-in-the-day is like naming a favorite child among one’s brood. “Can’t name just one,” he states. Chio did claim to be an aficionado of west coast style, early gangster rap. “Tupac, NWA, Dr. Dre. I love Biggie, but I just happen to like west coast rap more than east coast.” Is Chio trying to ignite another battle between the coasts? “I’m just keeping it real,” he says with a laugh.
As for the cast of Saturday night’s I Love the 90s showcase – the femme-empowered sound of Salt N Pepa with Spinderella, the rough rock-hop of Tone Loc and such – Chio is wildly enthusiastic.
“This is the best hip hop of that era, feel good music that is perfect for a live show,” he says. “This music is legendary, and the listeners will want to come out, support and party.”
