Legacy: Vibes
The Madd Hatta was formally Operations Manager of KTSU and Content Director for The Vibe powered by KTSU-90.9 FM at Texas Southern University from 2020-2024.
Program Curator for two 24/7-365 digital music platforms: Klassic Joints Radio, featuring classic hip-hop, and Super Throwback Party, offering the best hip-hop and R&B of the 1990s to 2000s.
“I stay in the middle. I don’t experience hi’s nor lows...I keep a steady flow under pressure!”
As of February 2024 Madd Hatta returned to radio to Host The Madd Hatta Show on KMJQ-FM - Majic 102.1 2pm-7pm weekdays and The Madd Hatta Show Podcast available via most streaming podcast platforms (i.e.: Apple, Spotify, iHeartradio) and on YouTube.
Benjamin E. Thompson III, professionally known as Madd Hatta and by his rap moniker Mista Madd, is an icon in Houston, Texas, the nation’s fourth-largest city. The Houston transplant originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’s had a 20 year stint as host of the popular Madd Hatta Morning Show at KBXX - 97.9 The Box and is currently Afternoon radio show host at KMJQ-Majic 102.1, founder and president of the hip-hop label Paid in Full Entertainment, Texas Radio Hall of Famer and tireless community supporter, this is one legend that’s never been content to sit back and rest on his accomplishments. Maintaining his customary high-energy pace, Hatta currently has his hand in several endeavors:
Radio Personality
A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Hatta kicked off his radio career at 90.1 FM (WNAA-FM) on the campus of NC A&T State University to Greensboro’s commercial power house radio station, 102 JAMZ (WJMH-FM).
He arrived in Houston in 1993 to handle nights for 102 Jamz formerly called Majic 102.1 (KMJQ-FM), later moving to afternoons then eventually to morning drive time for 97.9 The Box (KBXX-FM), Houston’s hip-hop hitmaker. There he hosted The Madd Hatta Morning Show for 20 years. His show was consistently rated in the Top 5 Houston morning shows and listed among Source Magazine’s Top 30 Morning Shows for several years in a row. In addition, Hatta was the renowned DJ mixer on sister station KMJQ-FM’s Club Majic show, mixing hip-hop, old school, funk and soul (rated #1 among adults 25-54).
He's been recognized for his many achievements in radio and his contributions to his community, including being nominated for the prestigious Marconi Prize for achievements and advancements made in the field of communications, and Billboard Magazine’s Air Personality of the Year award. He received a Community Hero Award from Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas. In 2014, Madd Hatta was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Musical Artist
His vocal and freestyle rap talents were spotlighted in the blockbuster hit film Jason’s Lyric and the sitcom Sister, Sister, and he also appeared in the movie Fifth Ward. Hatta has several albums to date, including his 2007 project Still Standing.
“the voice of calm”
Music Producer
Hatta’s hip-hop label, Paid in Full Entertainment, has boasted the talents of some of Houston’s top hip-hop artists, including Paul Wall & Chamillionaire and 50/50 Twin, and gospel music talents Gary Mayes and Shei Atkins.
Community Supporter
Hatta has generously given his time to many community causes and organizations, including HIV awareness programs, The Boys & Girls Club, Coca-Cola’s Share the Dream essay contest, and his own initiatives, Hatta’s 100 Dressed for (School) Success and Hattaz Elves December Christmas Bike and Fun Giveaway through the Madd Hatta Cares! Foundation.
Hatta is a native Houstonian with a passion for entertaining, educating, and serving his community. During the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he provided continuous news and information for fleeing victims and used his show to reconnect families across Southeast Texas. In 2008, while Hurricane Ike raced toward the Houston skyline, Hatta stayed behind and remained “the voice of calm,” dispensing vital information and support for his listeners. Just a few months later, during a 90-hour, live on-air voter drive he singled-handily registered 5,000 people to vote in the historic 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama.
What’s Next For The Madd Hatta
You’d better believe Hatta has projects in the works, including the release of two greatest hits albums, Legacy: The Classics under his Mista Madd rap moniker and Legacy: Vibes. He’s also got a couple of books in the pipeline: Everybody Has A Motive (pending title) and a children's book called "Kase's Fun Adventures.” Stay Tuned.
