HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED
URBAN X-PRESSIONS HISTORY
Urban X-pressions (UX) aired on Channel 48 WGTW in 1992, created by Ed Brunson, son of station owner Dorothy Brunson, the first African American Woman in the Nation to Own a TV & Radio Station. It is a live Hip Hop, R&B, and Reggae music lineup with an on-set DJ, one of the only live TV shows on broadcast television at the time. The nature of the filming of the show allowed touring artists such as LL Cool J, and Ja Rule to circulate freely on set, contributing to the real atmosphere UX brought to television. The original hosts of UX were Ed Box and Roz, who would take callers’ requests to determine which videos they would play. (UX) was Directed by Howard Gilliam, Jr. and still remains as Director.
In 1997, UX updated its format from a live show to a live, on-location. To add to the show, a “video voice” Monie on da scene would announce each video in a sultry voice. At that time UX also introduced the very popular segment “Word on the Street,” produced by Shelly Shell Williams, with an on-air personalities Keith “fromupdablock,” SCOE, Monie on da scene, Golden Girl, Supreem, and Shelly Shell.
UX also held a contest to find a new segment host. While he was not UX’s first pick, Keith “fromupdablock,” who had been chosen as an alternate, was called to fill in one day and has been a UX host ever since. A segment was added called “Urban Infomercials,” in which the UX team visited small businesses and shot live promotions for them on location.
Throughout the years we welcomed female hosts; Romona Smith, Egypt, Pia, Gadiel Adams, Dawn Holley, Amber Noble, and Shamara Afia.
In 1998, Shelly Shell Williams, who had been an intern at Urban X-pressions when it was first created, founded X-pressions, Incorporated, a non-profit mentoring and community outreach group for at-risk youth and young adults. The organization’s focus is providing structured programs and events to engage youth and keep them off the streets. Early on, X-pressions, Inc. partnered with Concerned Black Men to produce a teen talk segment that traveled to schools to speak to youth about teen issues.
In February 2002, X-pressions, Inc. debuted “Club UX”, which turned a huge video arcade (The Expo/Fun Factory) into a teen special event center, admitting an average of 900 youth per event. Its first musical guests were chart-topping group City High as well as Major Figgas, Journalist, and the dance group Versatile. Club UX was hosted by Jade Alston, Ferno, Roc Star P, Princess Neah, Young Sir, Baby DJ, and the VIP Young Boys and Girls. We also added a Marketing Director, Ike Hamm. Club UX was additionally held at various locations; Chester, Club 923, Shirley Keals Hall, and more.
Shelly Shell Williams took the position of Executive Producer of UX in 2004 when Channel 48 WGTW was sold to TBN. UX quickly found a new home at Channel 35 WYBE, airing from January 1, 2005, until 2010, when WYBE redesigned its format. Bruce Alan Davis took over as Assistant Director and Production Team.
In 2008, UX had joined a second station, Telemundo, from 2008 to 2013, the only English-language show on the station. UX has become notorious for its role in highlighting local talent through open mic nights, interviews, and the broadcasting of indie videos. Under Williams’ leadership, UX has won four Billboard Video Awards.
A testament to the success of X-pressions, Inc. and Club UX Lisa, Ivory, and Brittney, several of the first teens to grow up through the organization teamed together in August 2006, with the support of the Black Caucus, to produce the standing-room-only first annual teen fashion show. Students were given college scholarships, as well as employment tips. The event was so successful it became an annual event from 2006 to 2008.
In continuance of UX’s effort to broadcast positive messages, it collaborated with the Philadelphia Department of Health in 2007 to produce Public Service Announcements and creative music videos addressing sexual health and STI’s and raising HIV awareness.
In March 2009, UX took over the Cheltenham Mall for “UX Live at the Mall,” hosted by one of the “Club UX” youth Roc Star P, UX Live is a countdown show with interviews, performances, and guests, including bad-boy artist Eness, Diamond Kuts, Gillie da Kid, Young Steff, and Tone Trump.
Williams spearheaded the production of a new segment entitled “Generation Change,” a talk show which addresses issues like self-esteem, diversity, sexual health, drugs, peer pressure, conflict resolution, and the impact of music videos on society. “Generation Change” was designed to make young adults feel comfortable with discussing issues they encounter on a regular basis, while effectively bridging the communication gap between them and their families.
In October 2010, UX created “Philly’s Got Talent,” hosted by Franky J and Tiana-marie a showcase of musically and culturally diverse artists. It is a very modern, cross-cultural, music and dance mash-up that is as cutting-edge and forward-thinking as it is unique.
Urban X-pressions, The Next Generation, in August 2018, launched the Back-to-School Fashion & Talent Show, hosted by the youth, featuring the next generation, the children of the original cast, embarking on the mission of Building a Legacy.
Urban X-pressions Intro – Remix – Put Your X’s Up
Urban X-pressions continues to live on through our website UrbanXpressions.com housing classic UX shows and in the hearts of Philadelphians who grew up with no cable. Our newest endeavor is UrbanXpressionsRadio.com, keeping with our mission of highlighting the community.
Some highlights of UX’s long list of celebrity guests include Bob Sagat, Wendy Williams, B5, B2K, Allen Iverson, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Marques Houston, Vivica A. Fox, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kevin Hart, Eminem, Regina King, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Amerie, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Lil Wayne, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, 50 Cent, Jay Z, LL Cool J, Eminem, Jermaine Dupri, Destiny’s Child, Faith Evans, Aaliyah, “P-Diddy” Combs, Master P, Method Man, Snoop, Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Major Figgas, State Property, Meek Mill, Dame Dash, Missy Elliott and many more.
Quick Timeline Facts:
- Urban X-pressions was founded in 1992 by Ed Box Brunson, son of Dorothy Brunson the first African American woman in the nation to own a radio and TV station.
- 1992 to 1997 the show was hosted by Ed Box & Roz and after Roz’s departure, Romona Smith and Egypt Sherrod.
- Urban X-pressions Directed by Howard Gilliam, Jr. from 1992 to Present
- 1997 Keith fromupdablock took over as host in 1997 along with various female hosts; Dawn Holley, Gadiel, Pia, Shamara, and Shelly Shell Williams became the Associate Producer.
- 1998 began Word on the Street, a popular segment produced by Shelly Shell Williams, and featured Keith from up da block, Shelly Shell Williams, SCOE, Monie on Da Scene, Golden Girl, and Supreem
- 2002 Club UX was created by Shelly Shell Williams & Keith fromupdablock a teen event hosted by teens, Jade Alston, Ferno, Roc Star P, Baby DJ, Young Sir, Princess Neah, VIP Young Boys, and Girls.
- 2004, Shelly Shell Williams became Executive Producer and the show moved to WYBE TV 35. Bruce Alan Davis took over as Assistant Director and Production Team.
- 2006-2008 Urban X-pressions began producing the All About The Teens Fashion show created by Lisa, Ivory, and Brittney.
- 2007 X-pressions teamed up with PA Department of Health to produce Public Service Announcements created by Shelly Shell Williams and Keith fromupdablock
- 2009 Urban X-pressions began hosting UX Live at the Cheltenham Mall created and hosted by Roc Star P, with Franky J as the co-host and music DJ Freak Nasty.
- 2010 UX developed Philly’s Got Talent hosted by Frank J and Tiana-marie
- 2008-2013 aired on WYBE TV 35, Telemundo, PhillyCam and IFAME TV, Urban X-pressions, Executive Produced by Shelly Shell Williams
- 2013 – Present – IFAME TV and Youtube
- 2018 – Shelly Shell Williams created Urban X-pressions the Next Generation. The children of former Urban X-pressions cast and crew.
- 2022 – Celebrating 30 Years, Subscribe to see classic shows on the website UrbanXpressions.com and coming soon UrbanXpressionsRadio.com
HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED
URBAN X-PRESSIONS HISTORY
Urban X-pressions (UX) aired on Channel 48 WGTW in 1992, created by Ed Brunson, son of station owner Dorothy Brunson, the first African American Woman in the Nation to Own a TV & Radio Station. It is a live Hip Hop, R&B, and Reggae music lineup with an on-set DJ, one of the only live TV shows on broadcast television at the time. The nature of the filming of the show allowed touring artists such as LL Cool J, and Ja Rule to circulate freely on set, contributing to the real atmosphere UX brought to television. The original hosts of UX were Ed Box and Roz, who would take callers’ requests to determine which videos they would play. (UX) was Directed by Howard Gilliam, Jr. and still remains as Director.
In 1997, UX updated its format from a live show to a live, on-location. To add to the show, a “video voice” Monie on da scene would announce each video in a sultry voice. At that time UX also introduced the very popular segment “Word on the Street,” produced by Shelly Shell Williams, with an on-air personalities Keith “fromupdablock,” SCOE, Monie on da scene, Golden Girl, Supreem, and Shelly Shell.
UX also held a contest to find a new segment host. While he was not UX’s first pick, Keith “fromupdablock,” who had been chosen as an alternate, was called to fill in one day and has been a UX host ever since. A segment was added called “Urban Infomercials,” in which the UX team visited small businesses and shot live promotions for them on location. Throughout the years we welcomed female hosts; Romona Smith, Egypt, Pia, Gadiel Adams, Dawn Holley, Amber Noble, and Shamara Afia.
In 1998, Shelly Shell Williams, who had been an intern at Urban X-pressions when it was first created, founded X-pressions, Incorporated, a non-profit mentoring and community outreach group for at-risk youth and young adults. The organization’s focus is providing structured programs and events to engage youth and keep them off the streets. Early on, X-pressions, Inc. partnered with Concerned Black Men to produce a teen talk segment that traveled to schools to speak to youth about teen issues.
In February 2002, X-pressions, Inc. debuted “Club UX”, which turned a huge video arcade (The Expo/Fun Factory) into a teen special event center, admitting an average of 900 youth per event. Its first musical guests were chart-topping group City High as well as Major Figgas, Journalist, and the dance group Versatile. Club UX was hosted by Jade Alston, Ferno, Roc Star P, Princess Neah, Young Sir, Baby DJ, and the VIP Young Boys and Girls. We also added a Marketing Director, Ike Hamm. Club UX was additionally held at various locations; Chester, Club 923, Shirley Keals Hall, and more.
Shelly Shell Williams took the position of Executive Producer of UX in 2004 when Channel 48 WGTW was sold to TBN. UX quickly found a new home at Channel 35 WYBE, airing from January 1, 2005, until 2010, when WYBE redesigned its format. Bruce Alan Davis took over as Assistant Director and Production Team.
In 2008, UX had joined a second station, Telemundo, from 2008 to 2013, the only English-language show on the station. UX has become notorious for its role in highlighting local talent through open mic nights, interviews, and the broadcasting of indie videos. Under Williams’ leadership, UX has won four Billboard Video Awards.
A testament to the success of X-pressions, Inc. and Club UX Lisa, Ivory, and Brittney, several of the first teens to grow up through the organization teamed together in August 2006, with the support of the Black Caucus, to produce the standing-room-only first annual teen fashion show. Students were given college scholarships, as well as employment tips. The event was so successful it became an annual event from 2006 to 2008.
In continuance of UX’s effort to broadcast positive messages, it collaborated with the Philadelphia Department of Health in 2007 to produce Public Service Announcements and creative music videos addressing sexual health and STI’s and raising HIV awareness.
In March 2009, UX took over the Cheltenham Mall for “UX Live at the Mall,” hosted by one of the “Club UX” youth Roc Star P, UX Live is a countdown show with interviews, performances, and guests, including bad-boy artist Eness, Diamond Kuts, Gillie da Kid, Young Steff, and Tone Trump.
Williams spearheaded the production of a new segment entitled “Generation Change,” a talk show which addresses issues like self-esteem, diversity, sexual health, drugs, peer pressure, conflict resolution, and the impact of music videos on society. “Generation Change” was designed to make young adults feel comfortable with discussing issues they encounter on a regular basis, while effectively bridging the communication gap between them and their families.
In October 2010, UX created “Philly’s Got Talent,” hosted by Franky J and Tiana-marie a showcase of musically and culturally diverse artists. It is a very modern, cross-cultural, music and dance mash-up that is as cutting-edge and forward-thinking as it is unique.
Urban X-pressions, The Next Generation, in August 2018, launched the Back-to-School Fashion & Talent Show, hosted by the youth, featuring the next generation, the children of the original cast, embarking on the mission of Building a Legacy.
Urban X-pressions continues to live on through our website UrbanXpressions.com housing classic UX shows and in the hearts of Philadelphians who grew up with no cable. Our newest endeavor is UrbanXpressionsRadio.com, keeping with our mission of highlighting the community.
Some highlights of UX’s long list of celebrity guests include Bob Sagat, Wendy Williams, B5, B2K, Allen Iverson, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Marques Houston, Vivica A. Fox, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kevin Hart, Eminem, Regina King, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Amerie, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Lil Wayne, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, 50 Cent, Jay Z, LL Cool J, Eminem, Jermaine Dupri, Destiny’s Child, Faith Evans, Aaliyah, “P-Diddy” Combs, Master P, Method Man, Snoop, Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Major Figgas, State Property, Meek Mill, Dame Dash, Missy Elliott and many more.
Quick Timeline Facts:
- Urban X-pressions was founded in 1992 by Ed Box Brunson, son of Dorothy Brunson the first African American woman in the nation to own a radio and TV station.
- 1992 to 1997 the show was hosted by Ed Box & Roz and after Roz’s departure, Romona Smith and Egypt Sherrod.
- Urban X-pressions Directed by Howard Gilliam, Jr. from 1992 to Present
- 1997 Keith fromupdablock took over as host in 1997 along with various female hosts; Dawn Holley, Gadiel, Pia, Shamara, and Shelly Shell Williams became the Associate Producer.
- 1998 began Word on the Street, a popular segment produced by Shelly Shell Williams, and featured Keith from up da block, Shelly Shell Williams, SCOE, Monie on Da Scene, Golden Girl, and Supreem
- 2002 Club UX was created by Shelly Shell Williams & Keith fromupdablock a teen event hosted by teens, Jade Alston, Ferno, Roc Star P, Baby DJ, Young Sir, Princess Neah, VIP Young Boys, and Girls.
- 2004, Shelly Shell Williams became Executive Producer and the show moved to WYBE TV 35. Bruce Alan Davis took over as Assistant Director and Production Team.
- 2006-2008 Urban X-pressions began producing the All About The Teens Fashion show created by Lisa, Ivory, and Brittney.
- 2007 X-pressions teamed up with PA Department of Health to produce Public Service Announcements created by Shelly Shell Williams and Keith fromupdablock
- 2009 Urban X-pressions began hosting UX Live at the Cheltenham Mall created and hosted by Roc Star P, with Franky J as the co-host and music DJ Freak Nasty.
- 2010 UX developed Philly’s Got Talent hosted by Frank J and Tiana-marie
- 2008-2013 aired on WYBE TV 35, Telemundo, PhillyCam and IFAME TV, Urban X-pressions, Executive Produced by Shelly Shell Williams
- 2013 – Present – IFAME TV and Youtube
- 2018 – Shelly Shell Williams created Urban X-pressions the Next Generation. The children of former Urban X-pressions cast and crew.
- 2022 – Celebrating 30 Years, Subscribe to see classic shows on the website UrbanXpressions.com and coming soon UrbanXpressionsRadio.com
