Draft:Greg Mack

Greg Mack (The Mack Attack) is a radio personality and music Program Director (PD) known for his contributions to the development of West Coast hip-hop and the popularization of the genre through his radio show, The Greg Mack Show, which first aired on the Los Angeles radio station called, 1580 KDAY AM during the 1980's. He is credited with being one of the first D.J.s to play and promote West Coast hip-hop music and creating the first 24-hour hip-hop radio station in the world beginning in August 1983, according to Dan Charnas's book The Big Payback. His show helped launch the careers of many notable hip-hop artists, including Ice-T, N.W.A., and Dr. Dre.

Mack is regarded as a pioneer in the hip-hop industry and has been recognized for his significant contributions to the genre. Mack has been in radio for 48 years. He was also portrayed in the movie, Straight Outta Compton. Referred to as the "Godfather of Hip-Hop Radio", Mack is known for helping to break hip-hop groups such as N.W.A., Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Tone Loc, M.C. Hammer, LL Cool J, Young MC, J.J. Fad, Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, and so many more.

Mack has a syndicated radio show, The Greg Mack Show, in over 30 cities across the U.S. and 3 countries, with well over 7 million listeners weekly. He also works as a live on-air radio personality in Los Angeles, California, on 94.7 The Wave and as the Program Director for Precious 95.7 radio station out of Bakersfield, California. Mack can also be seen in several hip-hop documentaries like The World's Most Dangerous Radio Station, Set in the West: A History of L.A. Hip Hop (2016) and Unsung (2008).

Early career
Mack got his start in radio while he was still a high school student at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, TX. Additionally, he worked at KTSA-AM/KTFM-San Antonio, TX, moving on to KEYS-AM in Corpus Christi, TX, then KMJQ-FM Majic 102 FM in Houston, TX before landing at 1580 KDAY AM in 1983 where he would create and launch the first, what is called 24 hour Rap Music CHR Rhythmic Format, playing a mixture of Hip Hop, R&B and Freestyle music.

Realizing the potential of this new genre, Mack fully embraced it, and used his show as a platform to promote up-and-coming West Coast hip-hop artists and help bring their music to a broader audience. The hip-hop genre's impact influenced a multitude of West Coast talents. In the 1980s, the breakthrough for iconic West Coast rappers like Dr. Dre, NWA, Ice Cube, Easy E, Ice-T, and others contributed to the success of the 1580 KDAY AM radio station in Los Angeles, CA. Most notably known as "The World's Most Dangerous Radio Station," Mack created this title through the controversial hip-hop music he would play on his radio show, regardless of the backlash. Mack would later influence a host of award-winning rappers and inspire political conversations about the freedom of speech. His show quickly became a hit with listeners and helped establish 1580 KDAY AM as one of the country's premier 24-hour radio stations for hip-hop. After working for 1580 KDAY, he crossed over to KJLH-FM, Los Angeles, before leaving these radio stations and venturing on his own. Mack purchased several radio stations in various cities throughout his career in radio before returning back to radio as a host. His discography includes deals with MCA Records and Motown even a collaborative hit song with the late rapper Easy E called, "Radio."

Community service
Mack has volunteered in various communities. Mack has also supported education by providing lectures about the history of hip-hop.

Legacy and honors
Mack has worked in the music industry as a consultant, manager, producer, radio station owner and as an executive producer for various record labels and artists. He has also been named number twelve out of twenty top Black radio jockeys in the history of radio. In 1987, he released a three-CD compilation highlighting his D.J. mixing crew called the "MixMasters". Mack's discography includes the 1989 album Greg Mack: What Does it All Mean? which features the hit "Highroller's Girl" by the late MC Trouble. He also received countless recognition awards from various communities where he had served. Mack hosts, and is the program director, for the syndicated radio show that is heard worldwide called the Greg Mack Show.