Update: DJ Laz explains why he is leaving Power 96, takes shot at Miami Herald

UPDATE: DJ Laz spoke to NBC6 about his sudden decision to sign off at Power96’s morning show, a job he has held for the past 22 years, assuring that the decision was a personal one.

“After doing the same thing for 22 years, I decided maybe it’s time for a change. That structure, that getting up everyday. The show starts at six, but you’re up well before that.”

He asserted that he wants to use his time to focus on his family and developing other projects that he has had to sideline because of the grind involved in working the morning show.

“I want to explore different options. I’d love to be on TV. I want to get back in the studio and start making more music. I want to find the next big Pitbull,” he said. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. I don’t want to be that guy.”

He also took a shot at The Miami Herald’s reporting of his departure, including the mention of being linked to a triple-homicide that took place last September. Laz’s semi-automatic small caliber pistol was used in the killings, but Laz cooperated with police.

“They have nothing better to do and apparently there are no good reporters over at whoever is reporting that. That was absolutely a tragic situtation and this has absolutely nothing to do with that.”

For more from DJ Laz, watch the video below.

ORIGINAL STORY

By Madeleine Marr | mmarr@miamiherald.com

Hear that deafening silence? DJ Laz is off the air.

“Rumors are true, I am no longer with Power 96… I wish them all the best. And to my coworkers and friends, thank you for everything out,’’ Tweeted the Miramar resident born Lazaro Mendez.

What happened? Is it a hoax? Many longtime fans thinks so but it’s hard to be sure. According to a press release sent out by station owner Beasley Broadcast Group Tuesday, the Power 96 morning lineup has changed dramatically. Laz’s morning co-hosts Afrika and The Big Lip Bandit will be staying on and the station is “scouring’’ for a third morning drive mouthpiece, it said.

“Effective today, DJ Laz, who has been with the station for 22 years, has decided to move on and explore other professional opportunities.’’

Vice President Market Manager Joe Bell wished him “success and happiness in his new endeavors.” Calls to the station were not immediately returned.

Did an old scandal rear it’s ugly head?

Last September, Laz  was linked to a horrific story in Sunrise. Laz’s audio engineer and friend, Marcus Trotman, used the celebrity DJ’s gun, a semi-automatic small caliber pistol, to kill his estranged wife Danielle Lorenzo, and his mother-in-law, Linda Scudera. Trotman then turned the gun on himself. Danielle’s 5-year-old daughter witnessed the shootings and called 911. Laz later said he cooperated with authorities.

Photo: David Rosario

Video: NBC6 via the305.com

This story was originally published April 3, 2012 at 1:04 AM with the headline "Update: DJ Laz explains why he is leaving Power 96, takes shot at Miami Herald."