thedewsperspective

Once there was a time in Baltimore radio that thee voice was Squirrel Wyde.

“Aye Squirrel, come pick me up” wasn’t just a catchphrase. It was a double entendre of sorts.

For decades Squirrel Wyde picked us up from around the way aboard his illusory Hooligan Express. Having listeners call in and represent their neighborhood.

If I’d call in, I’d say, “Aye Squirrel, come pick me up.”

When he asked for my location, I’d reply, “East Baltimore, Harford Road and Darley.”

Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by Squirrel Wyde for me to proudly be on the radio and shout out my hood.

But truth be told, Squirrel Wyde wasn’t just allowing callers to proudly represent where we’re from.

He was also “picking” people up in a somewhat spiritual manner as well.

He was picking people’s spirit up.

He was encouraging people, highlighting community, celebrating our accomplishments.

He was making people’s days better.

A Baltimore Institution

Squirrel Wyde is a staple in Baltimore.

And not just in Baltimore’s arts and entertainment.

He’s a man of the people.

A mirrored reflection of us.

He’s much more than a DJ, or even a radio personality.

He’s a kid from Campfield.

Old school to the core.

When we met to do this interview, he was dope boy fresh attired in that 1986 Fila sh!t!

My Squirrel Wyde Story

All of us in this town have a Squirrel Wyde story.

He dj’d my 30th birthday party more than twenty years ago.

Around the same time, he let me be a guest as a “battle rapper” on his acclaimed Tuesday Night Fights.

Needless to say, I sounded just like my age.

This was well before thirty-year-old rappers were a thing.

I went up to the radio station and embarrassed the hell out of myself.

When I asked my homeboy how’d I do, he hollered out,

“If it was ’89 and you was still in your prime.”

We still laugh about this!

Discovering The Foundation

Recently I was on social media, and I gladly stumbled across a page that warmed my heart.

The Instagram page is the Squirrel Wyde Foundation page.

It showed Squirrel Wyde teaching the younger generation everything he knows about radio, podcasting, disc jockeying, and engineering.

He’s continuing to do what he’s always done:

giving a voice to the voiceless.

Not just giving people a platform to speak.

But also teaching them how to speak.

Squirrel Wyde is still picking up his community in more ways than one.

So it was mandatory that I reached out to him and provided a platform for him to tell his story.

I told him that I wanted to give him his flowers. 

And after spending time with him, I left convinced that Baltimore still needs Squirrel Wyde just as much as Squirrel Wyde still needs Baltimore.

Please be blessed by this conversation that I had with Mr. Michael “Squirrel” Wyde.

The Interview

How old were you when you knew you wanted to become a DJ?

I always wanted to be a DJ. My dad was a DJ, so you could say I wanted to be a DJ from birth. It’s always been a part of who I am.

What was it about music that captivated you?

It was the rhythm. It’s always been about the music, the drums, the snares, and the instruments, all of it meshed together. That’s what captivated me.

Who are your musical idols?

I really love Larry Smith. He’s a producer that a lot of people probably don’t even know. He made all of Houdini’s music, a lot of Run-DMC’s music, and the Fat Boys’ music. He was way ahead of his time. Larry Smith is definitely one of my musical idols.

What’s been your greatest accomplishment in the music/radio business?

My greatest accomplishment is probably my longevity, being in the business for more than 20 years. To still be here, still relevant, and still doing what I love, that’s my biggest accomplishment.

You were a staple on local radio for years. Was that ever your goal?  To be a mainstay in Baltimore radio.

Absolutely. My goal as a child was to be a DJ on the radio. I never knew it would become as big as it did, but yes, I always wanted to be on the radio.

Who was your favorite guest throughout the years in music?

I would have to say 50 Cent because he was super cool, really knowledgeable, and just down to earth. He was on some regular, cool stuff.

Tell me all about your Squirrel Wyde Foundation. What’s your mission and overall goal?

The Squirrel Wyde Foundation was really an extension of everything I learned in radio. I just wanted to give it back. I wanted to teach podcasting, teach kids what to say and what not to say on the radio, help them get rid of the “uhs” and “ahs,” and introduce them to DJing and broadcasting. Everything I learned, I wanted to pass on to the next generation, and that’s what started the foundation.

Have you received the support needed to support your foundation’s mission?

You get a little support here and there, but you just have to keep pushing and keep believing in what you’re doing. Eventually, people start recognizing your work, and then the support and resources come.

What inspires you to serve the community?

I just love round way. I love regular people. I like being around every day, normal people. That’s what inspires me.

Who are your Top 5 favorite local DJs? And why?

I don’t like putting people in a Top 5 because there are just too many talented DJs in Baltimore.

Who are your Top 5 favorite Hip Hop DJs?

I would have to go with DJs like Kid Capri and Ron G. Those are the kinds of Hip Hop DJs I really bang with because of their style, creativity, and influence on the culture.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want my legacy to be that I was really for the people and really for the community. I wasn’t fronting or being phony. I actually touched hands, shook hands, hung out, and sat on the stoop with people.  I entertained people. I got people through hard times, even their jail bids, while I was on the air. I connected the community through the airwaves, and I want my legacy to stand for that.

As a DJ, what’s been your favorite Hip Hop moment?

Probably mixing on the radio during the 9 o’clock mix when I was filling in. This was with records, real wax. That was special.  And DJing at Twisters. I turned that club into something different.

Is the Hooligan Express still picking people up?

Of course, the Hooligan Express is still picking people up. I’m round way. Where you at?

How many years of your life have you dedicated to the music business?

I’ve dedicated my whole life to music. If I wasn’t listening to it, I was DJing it. Music has always been a part of my life.  I started in radio around ’96 or ‘97, so that’s a big chunk of my life right there.

Was there ever a time you felt like quitting? If so, what prevented you?

There was never a time I felt like quitting. Like I always say, find something in life that you would do for free every day and do that. Eventually, you’ll get paid for it.  I was living my dream, so I never wanted to quit.

Have you accomplished the dreams you set forth in the industry?

No, I haven’t accomplished all of my dreams yet. I’m still pushing toward them.

What dreams are there for you to still accomplish?

I want a fully developed Hooligan Express Radio where I can continue spotlighting local artists. I also want my nonprofit in every school and recreation center so kids can learn podcasting, radio, DJing, communication, and even the technical side behind the camera and equipment.  The kids need it.

Which radio personality inspired you the most? And why? Was there anyone you patterned yourself after?

Definitely Reggie Reg because Reggie Reg was like the mayor of Baltimore. He ran round way.  Frank Ski inspired me because I got to watch how he maneuvered in the office, with clients, and on the business side of radio.  C. Miles and the Talk How You Like Underground Posse are probably number one for me because he taught me the importance of radio and the importance of being yourself.  And K-Swift taught me about branding. She had Club Queens, and seeing how she built her brand is what helped inspire me to create the Hooligan Express.

If you could do anything differently as it pertains to your career, what would it be?

I don’t think I would change anything. Everything happens for a reason. Timing is everything. What you think isn’t happening on time is usually happening exactly when it’s supposed to.

The last question has everything to do with the reason why we’re here.  What do you need to see your dream of the Squirrel Wyde Foundation materializing into everything that you foresee it being?

Simple.  Partnerships with like-minded individuals.

Final Thoughts

Thank you Squirrel Wyde for investing yourself in our community for almost three decades.

You’ve been a blessing to the city of Baltimore.

You’ve put on for your city, in many ways.

And you’re continuing to do so through your foundation.

I pray that the right person reads this and reach out to you.

I pray that people see the benefit in your work and partner with you to help fulfill your dream.

Which will ultimately fulfill the dreams of the young people you serve.

The Squirrel Wyde Foundation is a needed entity in our city.

Please visit the Squirrel Wyde Foundation on Instagram and learn about all of the great things he has going on.

Then ask yourself,

“How can I assist him as he diligently works to better the youth of Baltimore by helping them curate their dreams through the Squirrel Wyde Foundation?”