In October 1996, following more than six months of stunting, KPTY (still KBZR at the time) officially launched as “The New 103.9, Arizona’s Party Station” with a hip-hop-friendly Rhythmic CHR format.  Despite having a very limited signal, the station gained an impressive following in the Phoenix market.  By mid-June 1997, it forced heritage full-signaled KKFR (Power 92) to move from a broad-based, “safe” Rhythmic CHR format to one tightly focused on hip-hop and R&B.

By early 1998 – as demonstrated on this aircheck – KPTY began taking a slightly more mainstream approach, adding pop dance/rock/country hits to its playlist. The legendary Mitch Craig also became the voice of the station at this time.

The stars of the station – and this montage – were Krazy Kid and Ruben S. Not too long after this aircheck was recorded, the duo crossed the street to KKFR. This was essentially the final nail in the coffin of Arizona’s Party Station – it underwent a drastic format change in June 1998.

Podcast: Embed