Today we’d like to introduce you to Walil Archer
Hi Walil, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2011, while doing charitable work in Atlanta, I was invited as a guest on Downtown Hott Radio in Philadelphia. That opportunity opened a new chapter for me. By January 2012, I became a co-host on the station, and shortly after, I began hosting The Real RAPP Radio Show, airing every Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
In 2013, Downtown Hott Radio expanded by opening a location in the Atlanta Metro area, and my journey continued to grow. That same year, I added photojournalism to my skill set, capturing images to enhance storytelling on social media and in the Downtown Hott Radio newsletter. Combining visuals with compelling narratives allowed me to connect with audiences in a deeper, more impactful way.
I started interviewing music artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and business owners—building connections and telling their stories. By 2018, I stepped into a bigger role, working with celebrities and conducting red carpet interviews. Over the years, my focus for The Real RAPP Radio Show has shifted toward getting out into the community, covering celebrity events, and shining a spotlight on authentic voices and stories.
As a host, I’ve had the opportunity to interview incredible celebrity guests, including Goodie Mob, Brownstone, Yung Joc, Scrappy, Khaotic, TIP “T.I.” Harris, Taraji P. Henson, Yandy Smith, Ceelo Green, Killer Mike, Dallas Austin, Blue Kimble, Jermaine Dupri, Dr. Bobby Jones, Kirk Franklin, MAJOR, Master P, and Attorney Ben Crump. Each interview has brought unique stories and perspectives to the forefront, enriching the show’s legacy.
I’m proud to be a traveling media professional, providing hosting, red carpet and sit-down interviews, photography, and video services in major markets such as Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; Orlando, FL; Charlotte, NC; Miami, FL; and Las Vegas, NV, with plans to expand into more cities.
About The Real RAPP Radio Show
The Real RAPP Radio Show is an award-winning radio show dedicated to providing authentic insights into hip-hop culture and the world beyond. Each week, the show combines thought-provoking conversations, exclusive interviews, and dynamic storytelling to highlight the voices shaping music, entrepreneurship, and culture. The show also delves into real stories of success and struggle, staying true to its mission of community engagement and cultural impact.
Downtown Hott Radio, the home of The Real RAPP Radio Show, is also an award-winning radio station, recognized for its contributions to the media landscape and its commitment to amplifying diverse voices.
Currently, I conduct pre-recorded interviews remotely via Zoom, which are broadcast on Saturdays starting at 2:00 PM. The remainder of the show features celebrity interviews from the red carpet, mixed with music and commercials.
As for myself, I’m proud to be an award-winning photojournalist, using my lens to capture stories that resonate. My work blends photography, storytelling, and community engagement, creating a unique voice both on-air and in visual media.
My Recent Awards
In 2022, I was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Also in 2022, I won the Media Mogul Award from the B.L.A.C.K. I.A.M Awards.
In 2023, I received the Best Photography Award from the Hip Hop Fraternity Awards.
In 2024, I earned the Best Photography Award again from the Hip Hop Fraternity Awards.
Additionally, in 2024, I was awarded the Prestigious Media Personality Award from the Behind The Scenes Achievement Awards.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has definitely not been smooth, but each challenge I faced helped shape who I am as a person and as a media professional. Like many in the industry, I’ve encountered obstacles that tested my determination and drive.
One of the biggest struggles early on was gaining credibility in a crowded media space. As a newcomer, it was challenging to carve out a unique voice and establish trust with both my audience and potential guests. I had to prove that I wasn’t just another radio host or photographer, but someone who was deeply invested in telling authentic stories and making a real impact. Building those connections and networks took time and patience.
Another obstacle came with balancing my various roles. Juggling hosting, photography, and media coverage of celebrity events while managing a personal life is no easy feat. Often, I had to make difficult sacrifices to ensure I was providing the highest quality of work in everything I did, even if it meant working long hours or missing out on personal moments. There were times when burnout seemed inevitable, but I kept pushing forward because I was passionate about my craft and the impact I wanted to make.
As I expanded into red carpet interviews and worked with higher-profile celebrities, there were moments of doubt and self-reflection. Some of the challenges included breaking into certain circles and gaining access to major events. The industry can be competitive and tough, and breaking through sometimes meant facing rejection or feeling overlooked. But each “no” made me more resilient and motivated me to keep pushing forward.
In recent years, the media landscape has evolved with new technologies, shifting trends, and changing consumer behaviors. Adapting to these shifts has required staying current with new tools, formats, and audience expectations. As a photographer and radio host, it’s been important to stay flexible and open to innovation, learning new platforms and strategies to reach my audience in more meaningful ways.
Despite these challenges, I’ve learned that perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to my vision are key to overcoming obstacles. Every setback has been a lesson, and every triumph has been the result of hard work, belief in myself, and a commitment to always improving. The struggles have made me appreciate the victories even more and have given me the strength to keep pushing toward even greater achievements.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Downtown Hott Radio is an award-winning, innovative radio station known for providing a platform that celebrates culture, entertainment, and community. Founded with the goal of bringing diverse voices and stories to the forefront, Downtown Hott Radio has become a prominent name in the media industry, offering a dynamic range of content from music and talk shows to exclusive interviews and live event coverage.
What sets Downtown Hott Radio apart is our authenticity and community-focused programming. We specialize in promoting hip-hop culture, entrepreneurship, and local talent, all while delivering high-quality content that resonates with a diverse and engaged audience. Our station blends cutting-edge music with thought-provoking discussions on culture, business, and the arts. We’ve carved out a niche as a cultural hub where listeners can not only stay updated on the latest in entertainment but also gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, social issues, and community building.
What makes Downtown Hott Radio truly special is our commitment to community engagement. We don’t just focus on entertainment—we aim to provide educational and uplifting content that speaks to the challenges and triumphs of real people. Whether it’s offering resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, raising awareness about important social causes, or simply entertaining our listeners, we’re here to make an impact.
We are most proud of our ability to bridge the gap between mainstream and grassroots communities. Our platform serves as a bridge for artists and entrepreneurs who might not always have access to the same opportunities as larger, mainstream entities. We pride ourselves on offering a voice to those who are often overlooked or underrepresented in traditional media.
Our Offerings & Services:
At Downtown Hott Radio, we offer a variety of services to meet the needs of our audience and clients:
Radio Programming: A mix of exclusive interviews, live shows, and music programming that reflects the latest trends in hip-hop, R&B, and urban culture.
Red Carpet Interviews: Exclusive, on-location interviews with celebrities at major events.
Event Coverage: We offer live coverage and event hosting for industry gatherings, awards shows, and community-based events.
Media & Photography: Through our partnerships with top-tier photographers and photojournalists, we offer professional photo and video coverage for events, celebrities, and brand campaigns.
What we want our readers to know is that Downtown Hott Radio is more than just a radio station—it’s a movement. We are dedicated to shaping the future of media by focusing on authenticity, inclusion, and cultural relevance. We are here to amplify voices, empower individuals, and provide content that makes a difference. Our vision is to continue growing as a platform that connects people from all walks of life, while maintaining the high standards of excellence and professionalism that we’ve built our reputation on.
If you’re looking for a media partner that understands the power of connection and storytelling, Downtown Hott Radio is the platform for you. We are committed to creating meaningful content that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is winning the Invictus Award during my 11th year of high school as part of the Upward Bound program. The Invictus Award was given to students who displayed exceptional dedication, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that I was determined to embody. It was such an honor to be recognized for my hard work, especially in a program designed to help students like me overcome obstacles and prepare for success beyond high school.
This award was a turning point for me—it instilled a sense of pride and confidence that carried me forward in my academic and professional journey. It showed me that dedication and commitment can lead to success, and that even when faced with challenges, resilience can pave the way for greatness. That experience has stayed with me throughout my life, reminding me to always push forward, even when the path isn’t easy.
Winning the Invictus Award wasn’t just about the recognition—it was a testament to the belief that others had in me, and it inspired me to believe in myself and my potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://downtownhottradio.com/walilarcher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walilarcher
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalilArcherPhotography
- Twitter: https://x.com/WalilArcher
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealRappRadioShow
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/walilarcher
- Other: https://blinq.me/jj3o2Y2drdDR
Image Credits
Tanja Shivers
