(KTOY-DB) 253.1 Urban Radio celebrates two consecutive years on air, showcasing exclusive underground independent artists from around the world. We specialize in featuring music that others overlook, building a robust platform for Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Alternative, Country, and more. 

Before our new beginning in 2022 our station 253.1 Urban Radio call sign K.T.O.Y. Digital Broadcasting began In 1949, the station first signed on as KTOY. It was owned by the Tacoma School District and had its studios at its vocational school, which became Bates Technical College in 1991. During the day it was operated by Bates broadcasting students studying under former KJR DJ Lee Perkins. It was powered at 3,500 watts, enough to cover Tacoma and adjacent communities but not the larger Seattle radio market.
From 1978 to 1984, KTOY aired educational programs during the day, with Top 40 hits in the afternoon and evening. Starting at midnight on Friday and lasting until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, KTOY broadcast hip hop music and urban contemporary under the slogan "Giving You The Music of Tomorrow, Today." During 1983-1984, the late night hip-hop program's slogan was "R&B's best in the Pacific Northwest." By 1985, the urban format was no longer the entire weekend.
KTOY has a long history, evolving from a Tacoma School District-owned educational station to a hip-hop focused station. It initially aired as KTOY and later changed its call sign to KTPS-FM in 1986. While not specifically known as a dedicated hip-hop station throughout its history, its evolution reflects the changing landscape of radio in the region. 
In the 1980s, the power was increased to 7,900 watts. The station changed its call sign to KTPS-FM it's now the year 2025 and Long gone are the days of terrestrial radio so we welcome you to the new age of online digital broadcasting brought to you by The new 253.1 Urban Radio K.T.O.Y. Digital Broadcasting spanning World Wide playing hits across the globe.