What Happened To AJ and Free? Why Did AJ And Free Leave 106 And Park?

106 & Park

“106 & Park” was a popular American hip-hop and R&B music video show that aired on BET from September 11, 2000, to December 19, 2014. The show followed a countdown format and was broadcast on weekdays at 6:00 pm ET/5:00 pm CT, with a one-day delay on BET International. Created by Stephen G. Hill, the original hosts were A. J. Calloway and Free, and the show gained immense popularity, becoming BET’s highest-rated program.

Over the years, various hosts took the stage, including Big Tigger, Julissa, Terrence J, Rocsi, Bow Wow, and others. Despite its success, BET officially cancelled “106 & Park” on November 14, 2014, amid rumors of transitioning to a digital-only format. The show’s last known appearance was during the 2016 BET Experience, and the proposed digital-only program never materialized.

What Happened To A.J and Free?

A.J. Calloway and Free, the original hosts of “106 & Park,” left the show in 2005, marking the end of their iconic five-year run. Contrary to rumors of financial disputes, Free clarified that her departure was a personal choice as she felt it was the right time to move on. Both hosts, A.J. and Free, shared their perspectives in a Vibe magazine feature titled “The Truth About 106 and Park.”

While the duo expressed gratitude for their time on the show, they debunked the idea that underpayment by BET was the reason for their exit.Their departure created a void on the popular hip-hop and R&B music video countdown show, leaving fans with lasting memories of their significant impact.

Despite the emotional farewell, A.J. and Free’s legacy on “106 & Park” continued to be remembered fondly by the African American community, marking an era in the show’s history.

Who is A.J Calloway?

A. J. Calloway, born on August 29, 1974, is an American entertainment reporter known for his role as the original host of the music video countdown show “106 & Park” on BET. He co-hosted the program for five years alongside Free  before leaving in 2005. Calloway later worked as a co-host on the entertainment news program Extra from 2005 until February 2019.

However, in February 2019, he faced suspension and investigation, ultimately leading to his termination in July 2019 due to multiple assault allegations. Apart from his career, Calloway is an alumnus of Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. He has been married twice and has three children.

A.J Calloway Career

A. J. Calloway has had a vibrant career in the entertainment industry. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he gained fame as the original host of “106 & Park,” a popular hip-hop and R&B music video show on BET. Co-hosting alongside Free for five years, he became a familiar face to viewers. However, in July 2005, he bid farewell to “106 & Park.”

Following his time on the show, Calloway transitioned to co-hosting the entertainment news program “Extra” from 2005 until February 2019. Unfortunately, his career faced a setback when he was suspended in February 2019 due to  misconduct allegations.

This led to his termination in July 2019 as the show’s producer, Telepictures, severed ties amid the growing number of allegations. Despite the challenges, A. J. Calloway has left a significant mark on the entertainment scene, and his journey reflects both success and the complexities that can accompany a public career.

A.J Calloway Net Worth

A. J. Calloway, the American television personality, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Born on August 29, 1974, in New Jersey, A.J. Calloway gained recognition as the inaugural host of the BET music video countdown TV series “106 & Park,” co-hosting alongside Free (Marie Wright) for five years. Beyond his hosting roles, Calloway has been a featured correspondent for the TV series “Extra” since 2008.

He attended Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In addition to his hosting career, Calloway has ventured into acting, making appearances in shows like “The Chicago Code” in 2011. He also served as the co-executive producer for “The Show with A.J. Calloway” in 2005 and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2014 as part of the “Extra” series.

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Who is Free Marie?

Free Marie, whose real name is Marie Antoinette Wright, is an American media personality, television producer, and philanthropist born on February 7, 1968. Best known by her stage name Free, she gained popularity as the first host of Black Entertainment Television’s “106 & Park” alongside A. J. Calloway until 2005.

Hailing from Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts, Free has had a diverse career as a singer-songwriter, rapper, music producer, choreographer, and radio personality. She started her journey in the arts as a child, attending the Roxbury Center for Performing Arts, and later made a significant impact in the hip-hop music scene, particularly with her appearance in Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch’s “Good Vibrations” video.

Free’s contributions extend to radio hosting, philanthropy, and various roles in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility and passion for creative expression.

Why Did A.J And Free Leave 106 And Park?

A.J. Calloway and Free left “106 & Park” in 2005, surprising fans and sparking speculations about their departure. While rumors circulated about financial disagreements with BET, Free clarified that her decision to leave was a personal one, expressing that it was time for her to move on. The hosts, celebrated for their dynamic partnership, had been part of the popular video countdown show for five years, making a significant impact on its success.

Despite the lack of specific details about their exit, A.J. and Free’s departure marked the end of an era for “106 & Park,” leaving fans with fond memories and anticipation for their potential return, eventually announced with the new iteration “106 & Park After Dark.”

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