Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden are just a few of the many celebrities who will have to find a new platform to host their radio shows as Amazon Amp will soon be closing its doors.
After only about a year and a half, Amazon will pull the plug on the streaming app. As a result, a number of Hip Hop A-listers will be left hanging after the company’s vision to “reimagine radio” didn’t go as planned.
In addition to those mentioned above, Pusha T, Tinashe, Lil Yachty, Big Boi and more were summoned to enhance the new app’s output when it first launched.
The platform allowed its users to take on the role of DJs by playing music from major labels and talk over the songs selectively. The operation, unfortunately, never fully came to fruition.
Joe Budden revitalized his career when he jumped into the podcast space in 2015, and he decided to extend his luck into the radio world soon after.
Last year, Budden and Amp announced that they would be teaming up for a brand new show, Music Lovers Only With Joe Budden, that launched in mid-May.
According to the press release, the show was intended to be a new innovative experience where Joe would use the app’s live call-in features to strengthen the connection between fans and artists, as well as curate a list of his favorite songs every week. The former rapper also provided commentary on everything happening in the culture while giving artists a chance to share the mic with listeners who called in.
“As music lovers all we have is each other to spread the word of a good song, a good vibe, and a good set for the spirit,” said Budden. “Get to your favorite spot in the house and get comfortable, we’re just here to have a good time.”
Additionally, Nicki Minaj also announced a partnership with Amp that saw her popular Queen Radio show live on the new app. The program was a hit on Apple Music Beats 1, after which she took her talents to Amazon.