Editor’s Note: The video included in this article is an independent interview conducted by Flintside contributor Tia Scott. See more of her work on her YouTube channel.
FLINT, Michigan -- Radio personality David Weaver, better known as Soopa Dave, brought Hip-Hop and humor to Flint’s 92.7 WDZZ-FM in the mid-1990s while creating a new standard for local radio.
Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Weaver’s interest in radio began when he started listening to a DJ at a college radio station in his hometown. He went up to the station and was able to meet the DJ which inspired him even more. Weaver soon began interning for a radio station in his area and was offered an opportunity to host his own radio show in Flint. He accepted the job, packed up his belongings, and headed to Vehicle City.
As soon as Weaver hit the airwaves with his distinct Southern drawl and playful banter, the show became a hit amongst teens and young adults. His catchy theme song “It’s 6 o’clock, it’s 6 o’clock, it’s time for Soopa Dave to rock” continues to be a long-standing memory for many millennials in Flint who tuned in faithfully to his weekly evening show.
Contrary to WDZZ’s rotation of old-school jams and current R&B, Weaver filled his timeslot up with the latest rap songs and gave his own personal commentary about the happenings within Hip-Hop culture.
A highlight of the show was the “Bump It or Dump It” segment where he premiered a new song and listeners called in to vote on whether the song should be in regular rotation or never played again. The segment often pulled in prank callers who joked around with Soopa Dave, adding another layer of entertainment to the show.
Weaver’s departure from WDZZ came in the year 2000 when he was offered a record deal under his rap name, Moochie Mack. His full-length album,
Broke Pimpin, boasted a large regional hit "Dirty South is in da House" and featured production from national recording act Lil Jon, among others. After the album’s release, Weaver eventually made his way back into radio in Georgia, where he is now helping independent rap artists get their music heard.
The impact from the Soopa Dave show helped set a new standard in Flint radio and influenced some of the city’s brightest radio hosts such as Kelvin “K-Dubb” Washington, formerly of Flint’s Club 93.7.
“He had a huge impact on Flint, folks really liked him,” said Washington. “For a while, I was in his shadow. It showed me that even if you're not from somewhere, you can leave your mark on that place and I hoped to have also done that in Flint.”
Lev “LV” Hunter recalls listening to Soopa Dave and being inspired to leave his own legacy in Flint radio.
“Growing up in Flint in the mid-to-late 90s, you listened to Soopa Dave at 6 p.m every weekday,” said Hunter. “When it was my turn to be on the airwaves, I wanted to make my own impact like Dave. I wanted to be like him.”
Although Weaver’s show at WDZZ only lasted a few short years, he was able to create a long-lasting impression on Flint and his presence is still felt in the city. Mark “Marky Mark” Nichols remembers the influence Soopa Dave had on the city during the height of his show.
“Soopa Dave is a legend in Flint, there will never be another,” said Nichols. “Everyone will chase that legacy of creating a show that nostalgically brings you joy whenever you hear a name. He’s a true pioneer of Flint Hip-Hop radio.”
Stay connected with Soopa Dave on Instagram and visit his website.
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