Hip-hop fans scanning the radio dial may have recently noticed that the Magic City is now missing a station known for playing the classics. One of the station’s executives said the move is designed to open up space for a new broadcast that will cater to a growing demographic in the greater Birmingham area.

Power 102.1 FM went off the air Nov. 15 and was replaced by a simulcast of 97.3 FM’s genre-shuffling playlist known in the industry as Southern adult contemporary. The quirky format, which mixes all genres seemingly randomly, will take its permanent place as Ya’ll 102.1 FM and 97.3 FM will become an easy-listening station, according to

COO David DuBose.

“The highest-growing population segment in Birmingham is people 45-plus,” DuBose said in reference to the new format for 97.3 FM. “If you didn't like sports talk or country, there really wasn't a great radio station for people 45-plus to listen to. Research indicated listeners wanted something that was easy to listen to all day at home or at work.”

The move reduced the number of hip-hop and R&B stations operated by Summit Media from four stations to three, including 95.7 Jamz, 98.7 Kiss and 105.1 Jamz in Tuscaloosa.

DuBose added that many of the DJs and radio personalities appearing on 102.1 were actually pulling double duty and will remain a part of the 200-member staff in Birmingham.

The classic hip-hop and R&B station will be missed by some, although others seemed to applaud its demise, as local entertainers and musicians voiced their opinions on the format change.

Skoolie Escobar, who released a self-produced album in September called “You’re Welcome,” said he was disappointed to discover the switch.

“It took me by surprise when I clicked to it and I didn't hear old school music. I don’t really listen to the radio, but if I was going to listen to it, I’d go to 102.1,” Escobar said, adding that many of his friends also appreciated the classic hip-hop format.

Escobar, voted as one of the best hip-hop acts in Alabama last fall by

, can been seen on stage at Bottletree in Birmingham on Dec. 12 along with BCA and Haruskii with DJ International Silkk.

Members of another prominent local hip-hop group hope that the absence of Power 102.1 means more listeners will tune in to their web-based broadcast station.

, which recently performed at Forge Mini-Fest 2013 with 13 other acts, is a driving force behind the online

and are widely recognized as one of the area’s premiere acts.

When reached for comment through social media about the demise of Power 102.1, one unidentified member of the band wrote, “We are happy because now people have to listen to our station, Vulcanite Radio. Our playlist is much better and we highlight local hip-hop in our daily rotations. Check us out (on the) TuneIn app or dewya.com.”

The Green Seed’s labelmates,

, also put out an album in September called “Knowledge, Rhythm and Understanding” and are enjoying playtime on Vulcanite Radio. In support of their new album, the duo will be performing at Urban Outfitters in The Summit on Dec. 7.

Contacted through Facebook, Shaheed Tawheed wrote that the Power 102.1’s format change shows that most radio stations are not committed to playing classic hip-hop.

“I think it won't affect the local hip-hop scene that much because they weren't playing local music on there, from what I understand, and now most people can go and make their own playlist through so many apps,” Tawheed wrote. “Vulcanite radio is doing the job and will continue to do so by playing the classics and quality hip-hop music.”