Part of the collective of industry professionals that make-up Soul Food, a monthly soiree that brings the grown and sexy together to party and socialize, Zenja Ricks is a force in the Los Angeles radio market. Producer of the highly-successful The Guy Black Show feat. Nautica de la Cruz morning show on the Stevie Wonder-owned Los Angles-based radio station KJLH-FM, Ricks is making waves in this male-dominated market. Urban Network recently chatted with the multi-talented powerhouse about her journey and the state of the music industry and this is what she had to say.

Tell us a little bit about your industry background.

I started my career, in Las Vegas, Nevada while I was in College at UNLV in 1994.  I interned at KCEP-FM 88.1 at the time; though a public station, it was also the only Black Radio station in Vegas. Under the tutelage of Program Director L.C. Connor, I was Lawrence Weekly's co-host on his weekly talk show, Straight Talk. From there I moved to mid-day's taking over for Ken Spellman who moved to NYC.  In 6 months I took my time slot to #1 at the station and cultivated a Friday night show called The Spot. You would have it locked to, 'The Spot with your girl Zenja Dunn' where I incorporated entertainment interviews and a mix show from 10 pm to 2 am every Friday night with different Vegas DJ's, featuring, Warren Peace, DJ Benzo, LA Transport, King Arthur, Prince Paul and so on. I left KCEP in 1997 and began working for KLUC 98.5 under the super PD Cat Thomas.  I worked as a weekend on-air personality and Cat suggested I try my hand at producing, so I started producing The Morning Zoo with Chet Buchanan and Amy Sweet. 

I left Vegas for Los Angeles in 1999, to assist Hollywood, the producer of the The Steve Harvey Morning Show at KKBT-FM-100.3 The Beat.  I worked there for about a year then was offered the position to produce for The Sinbad Show at Hot 92 Jamz at the end of 2001. By the end of 2002 I opted out of radio to pursue my acting career.  I was yanked back into radio in the Fall of 2004 by my fellow Soul Food brothern, P-Wee when he called me out of the blue and told me that the KJLH-FM morning show was looking for a producer.  I have been here with my KJLH family ever since.  I am currently a year into most successful show since I've been here, The Guy Black Show feat. Nautica de la Cruz. 

What are your duties as morning show producer for the Guy Black Morning Show?

My duties are to book the show with interesting and topical guest.  I get there between 5:00 am and 5:15 am to pull prep and out line that days show.  I then assist in controlling the flow of the show.  Finally, to make sure that my talent has everything they need to be their best!

What is your take on the current music climate?

The current music climate, for me is a bit bleak.  As a child of ‘true Hip-Hop' like Tribe, EPMD, KRS-One, 2Pac, Rakim, NAS, Jay-Z, MC Lyte, just a few of my faves; I'm having a tough time with where the Rap part of the culture, has taken us.  The story telling aspect is lost. The beat means more than the melody and the lyrics now days.  As far as R&B is concerned the outlook is similar. What was once innuendo or flirtatious, is now blatantly sexually explicit.  I champion the digital revolution taking place and the web is where the artist and the lover of good music meet without any interference. 

Favorite industry experience or guest on your show.

My favorite Industry experience hasn't happened yet.  There are a few honorable mentions: the first welcome conference call from Stevie Wonder; my boss (that still freaks me out!); also, meeting folks who were at one time my heroes who are now my friends like Big Brother Heavy D and MC Lyte. 

What is the vision of Soul Food?

Soul Food is a sexy, smooth, vibey, break for grown folks who want to dance, be catered to, open their minds, and just have a good time! It's not the same Top 40 club bangers and teenie boppers hassling you out side of the ladies room; it's industry and great pairings every day.  It's independent artist meets established artist.  It's love meets rhythms over a glass of wine.  I love being a part of the team

What's playing on your iPod right now?

Lauren Hill (The Miseducation of...) Jazmine Sullivan (Fearless), Robin Thicke (Something Else), Ise Lyfe (Prince Cometh), Almost September and Eric Roberson (Left).

If you could put together your own concert tour what artist would you pick (any genre...past or present artist)?

A Tribe Called Quest would open, then Rakim and D'Angelo and Prince (the one that cussed lol!) would headline.