Menu

wake up crew

So What Happened to Gregg Hammer?

, , , ,

Gregg Hammer has been missing from the 98.5 Wake Up Crew for a long, long time. I thought he was on a break, but it’s been way too long so something must have happened. What, I don’t know, but I do know I hardly tune in without Hammer. Slick Vic ain’t bad, but he’s just not Hammer and doesn’t have that chemistry with Rory. While you didn’t want Gregg Hammer as the lead DJ, you needed him for his comedic genius and fast wit mixed with local style.

The morning drive just isn’t the same without Hammer. Two Voice Tuesdays, no more? Good thing I have some memories. Chris Rock and Martin Yan “Can Cook”. Will we hear Tufi Claus any more?

You remember Hammer’s rendition of his Kumu Hula singing I Ride the Dongs.

[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hammer-kumu-singer.mp3|titles=hammer-kumu-singer]

Then there’s former UH football coach Greg McMackin’s apology which Rory and Gregg absolutely ripped into. Admit it. You laughed at this painful intrepretation.

[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/audio/coach-mac-apology-wake-up-crew.mp3]

Wow, I’ve been following the Wake Up Crew for a long time. Their move from Hot I-94 to Island 98.5 and the rough times that ensued but got better and better.

Where ever Gregg is, I sincerely hope all is well and more so, hope to hear him on the air waves once again.

Update 4-23-2013: After posting this, I was informed that Mr. Hammer left the radio station on good terms and is now pursuing ministry as his life’s mission.

You can still catch Gregg at Dave & Busters monthly. Now if Gregg reunites with the Wake Up Crew on a gospel music channel, that’ll really test my music preference.

Good luck and Godspeed, Mr. Hammer!

Two Voice Tuesday

, ,

On Island 98.5, Tuesday mornings are designated as Two Voice Tuesdays where Gregg Hammer mashes up two impersonations. You call in with two personalities, and Sir Hammer does his impromptu magic. This past Tuesday, you could have heard a Samoan Linda Lingle, a Micronesian Frank Delima, a Samoan Hitler, Larry Price mixed with Al Sharpton, and more. Did you catch it? If so, take a listen!

Gregg needs to un-Japanese his Chinese impersonation though. Wonder what a Chinese Bubba Fujimoto would sound like? 🙂

Here Comes Tufi Claus

, , , ,

You definitely know it’s Christmas time in Hawaii when Tufi Claus makes an appearance. If you’re unfamiliar with Tufi Claus, he is one of the many politically incorrect, stereotypical impersonations done by the comedian DJ Gregg Hammer (come to think about it, which of Gregg’s impersonations are not politically incorrect?)

So here’s the setup. Rory and Gregg of the Wake Up Crew were talking about old school, smashmouth UH football. A caller jokes about former players like Tufi Punch-you-in-da-jaw. After short banter, Rory emphasizes “Tufi” and Gregg smoothly transitions to his infamous Tufi Claus character. It goes something like this:

[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/audio/tufi-claus-mp3.mp3]

The Wake Up Crew Still at It

, ,

Like an addict that I am, I couldn’t stay away forever. Yeah, I held out for some time, but that craving was still there.

This morning, I shunned the safe haven of my iPod and tuned to FM 98.5 to satiate my hunger for Rory Wild and Gregg Hammer. It seems the remixed Wake Up Crew is doing well and has compromised the Island reggae music format with the unique stylings of Wild and Hammer.

What did I hear this morning? Gregg and Rory ripping on UH Head Coach Greg McMackin’s apology for his recent incident. This skit was so wrongfully right. Playing Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror as a backdrop was classic! You missed it? Oh no you didn’t! Take a listen…

[audio:https://www.pulpconnection.net/audio/coach-mac-apology-wake-up-crew.mp3]

Then unfortunately the music began, and I changed stations with my addiction abated.