RADIO SHOW OF THE WEEK: `BIG BOY'S NEIGHBORHOOD'.

Byline: Fred Shuster

``Big Boy's Neighborhood'' - An upbeat, good-humored morning show that includes listener calls, interviews and music. Hosted by the irrepressible Big Boy (who lives up to his name) and sidekicks Julissa, Fuzzy Fantabulous and DJ Ray, the program proves you don't have to be a rap fan to dig Power 106.

--Where: KPWR-FM (105.9) - Power 106.

--When: 5 to 10 a.m. weekdays.

--Typical music segment: ``I Wanna Know,'' Joe; ``Big Pimpin','' Jay-Z featuring UGK; ``The Real Slim Shady,'' Eminem; ``Dance Tonight,'' Lucy Pearl; ``The Next Episode,'' Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg; ``Who Ride Wit Us,'' Kurupt featuring Daz.

--Quote: ``People aren't afraid to come up to me because they really know me from the air. What they get on the air is just the way we are. The response on the streets is dynamite because I like to meet and greet the people. You never get tired of that. I sign every autograph because the problem isn't when they ask for it but when they stop asking.''

--Off the air: The 420-pound Big Boy, 30, lives in the Valley but spends most of his time doing station-related work, such as personal appearances. ``If I can get a minute to sit home and watch a movie with my girlfriend, I'm happy. I'm a homebody. And I have been known to frequent a buffet or two.''

--Background: Born in Chicago but raised in Culver City, Big Boy started at Power six years ago in afternoons and evenings. He has helmed the morning show for 2 1/2 years.

--Taking a stand: Big Boy said he believes strongly in mutual respect. ``There's a whole melting pot of races who listen. Everybody is welcome in Big Boy's neighborhood. But I always tell kids to respect their parents.''

--You'll like this if: ... you like Ed and Dre on KKBT-FM (92.3).

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Photo: Big Boy can be found hosting his namesake show weekday mornings from 5 to 10 a.m. on KPWR-FM (105.9) - Power 106.