AJ And Free Now: 5 Shocking Career Moves And The Truth Behind Their 2025 BET Awards Reunion Absence

The iconic duo of AJ and Free, who defined a generation of hip-hop and R&B culture as the original hosts of BET's "106 & Park," continue to captivate fans decades after their departure from the legendary music video countdown show. As of today, December 10, 2025, the conversation around their legacy is more current than ever, fueled by a major 25th-anniversary reunion event and the very different paths their careers have taken in the years since they stepped away from the spotlight.

The chemistry between Albert "AJ" Calloway and Marie "Free" Antoinette Wright remains the gold standard for music television hosts, but their professional lives have diverged significantly. From high-profile entertainment reporting to independent radio ventures and personal challenges, here is a deep dive into what AJ and Free are doing now, the details of the highly anticipated 2025 reunion, and the controversies that have shaped their post-"106 & Park" careers.

AJ Calloway and Free Marie: Complete Biography and Profile

The duo known simply as "AJ and Free" became household names, launching the careers of countless artists and setting the tone for youth culture in the early 2000s. Their biographies reveal two media personalities with deep roots in the entertainment industry.

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Albert "AJ" Calloway Jr.

• Full Name: Albert Johnson Calloway Jr.
• Born: August 29, 1974
• Birthplace: Washington D.C.
• Primary Role: Television Host, Entertainment Reporter, Event Host.
• Key Career Milestones: Original co-host of BET's "106 & Park" (2000–2005); New York correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news program Extra TV (until 2019).
• Current Status (2025): Active as an independent event host and speaker, recently hosting high-profile events like the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise. He is a father of three children.

Marie "Free" Antoinette Wright

• Full Name: Marie Antoinette Wright
• Born: February 7, 1968
• Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts.
• Primary Role: Radio Personality, Television Host, Media Personality, DJ, Choreographer.
• Key Career Milestones: Original co-host of BET's "106 & Park" (2000–2005); Began her career at a Maryland radio station; Hosted various radio shows in major markets like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
• Current Status (2025): Active as a radio personality, reportedly hosting a show on Amazon's platform, and focused on her roles as a mother and media personality. She has pursued a career focused on music and radio.

The Golden Era Legacy: Why 106 & Park Still Matters

The original run of "106 & Park," particularly the five years hosted by AJ and Free, is universally considered the show's golden era. It wasn't just a music video countdown; it was a cultural hub, often referred to as BET's "Top 10 Live." Filmed at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, the show provided a vital, daily platform for hip-hop, R&B, and pop culture that was unmatched at the time.

Their on-screen chemistry—Free's edgy, authentic street style paired with AJ's polished, charismatic professionalism—created a dynamic that resonated deeply with the youth demographic. This authentic connection is why, even today, any mention of a potential reboot or reunion generates massive buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets. The duo’s influence extended beyond television, shaping fashion, music trends, and the careers of artists like Bow Wow, Mya, and T.I., who were frequent guests.

5 Shocking Career Moves and Current Projects of AJ and Free

Following their joint departure from "106 & Park" in 2005, both AJ and Free embarked on independent careers that took them into different corners of the media landscape. Here are the most significant and recent updates on their professional lives.

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1. AJ Calloway's Pivot to Mainstream Entertainment Reporting (and Subsequent Exit)

AJ Calloway successfully transitioned from music television to mainstream entertainment news, becoming a New York correspondent for Extra TV. This move solidified his status as a versatile entertainment reporter, interviewing A-list celebrities and covering major Hollywood events for over a decade. His tenure at Extra, however, ended in 2019 following allegations of sexual misconduct, a sensitive topic that significantly impacted his public-facing career.

2. Free Marie's Return to Her Radio Roots

Free, whose career began in radio at a Maryland station, has largely focused on her passion for audio media post-TV. She has held hosting positions at major radio stations in cities across the country, keeping her connected to the music and hip-hop community. Most recently, she has been reported to be a radio personality hosting her own show on an Amazon platform, embracing the shift to digital and streaming audio content.

3. The 2025 BET Awards Reunion and AJ's Absence

The biggest news for fans is the highly anticipated 106 & Park 25th Anniversary Reunion, set to be a major highlight of the BET Awards 2025. The celebration is expected to feature a star-studded tribute and the return of iconic hosts, including Free, Terrence J, Rocsi, Julissa, and Keshia Chanté. Notably, AJ Calloway was reported to have missed a recent reunion event, breaking his silence on his absence. While he remains a pivotal part of the show's history, his participation in the full 25th-anniversary festivities remains a subject of intense speculation and fan curiosity.

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4. AJ Calloway’s 2024 Event Hosting and Public Speaking

Despite the end of his run at Extra, AJ Calloway has remained active in the industry as a host and speaker. In 2024, he was a special guest host for the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage, demonstrating his continued ability to command a stage and engage an audience at large-scale events. This indicates a strategic shift towards event hosting and speaking engagements, capitalizing on his name recognition and charisma.

5. The Continuous Reboot Rumors

Every few years, the rumors of a full-scale "106 & Park" reboot resurface, often fueled by social media hints from the original hosts themselves. In 2022, both AJ Calloway and Free Marie took to their social media accounts to celebrate the show's 22nd anniversary, hinting at the global impact and potential return of the show. While a full reboot is yet to materialize, the 2025 BET Awards tribute is the closest fans have come to reliving the magic of the original Hip-Hop and R&B Music Video Countdown Show.

What AJ and Free Mean to Pop Culture Today

The enduring appeal of AJ and Free is a testament to their authentic connection to the culture. They were more than just hosts; they were the gatekeepers of a musical movement, introducing millions to the next generation of hip-hop and R&B stars. Their legacy is frequently celebrated on platforms like social media, where clips of their interviews with artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson routinely go viral.

Their individual careers—from AJ's work as a New York Correspondent to Free's continued presence as a powerful Radio Personality—show two figures who have successfully navigated the challenging landscape of media and entertainment. While their paths have diverged, the cultural impact of the original "106 & Park" duo, Albert Johnson Calloway Jr. and Marie Antoinette Wright, remains an indelible part of the music television history and a source of nostalgia for millions of fans worldwide.