On the latest episode of The Baller Alert Show, hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT welcomed three Atlanta staples in the nightlife and music scene: DJ BJ, DJ Ant Durty, and DJ Plugg. The trio pulled up to talk about what it really means to be a DJ in today’s entertainment industry—and nothing was off-limits.
DJ Life Beyond the Booth
Each guest came with years of experience and unfiltered perspectives. DJ BJ broke down his transition from being a club DJ and engineer to becoming an artist manager working with Young Nudy and Baby Drill. He emphasized the importance of pivoting from the booth to behind the scenes, noting that every DJ eventually has a run—and what happens next depends on how you evolve.
DJ Ant Durty, once a record-breaking force in Atlanta clubs and former A&R, came clean about not wanting to be pitched songs anymore: “Don’t bring me nothin’.” But make no mistake—his resume is stacked, having helped push records like “Throat Baby” and several hometown hits.
As for DJ Plugg, his name is behind multiple ATL anthems—and even a track featured on Grand Theft Auto. Known for holding down strip clubs and producing for artists like Lil Uzi Vert and 21 Savage, Plugg shared how he’s built influence across the club, studio, and street.
Do DJs Get the Respect They Deserve?
One of the episode’s biggest talking points was the lack of visibility and credit DJs get from promoters and club owners.
“They don’t even put the DJ name on the flyer,” said Ant Durty.
“I’m bringing this laptop,” Plugg joked. “That’s what I’m bringing. That’s the people.”
The DJs discussed the disconnect between club promoters who want DJs to bring in a crowd and DJs who feel they’re being undervalued—especially when it comes to pay and promotions.
Atlanta’s Changing Club Scene
The crew talked about how Atlanta’s nightlife has shifted, with traditional clubs disappearing and lounges and restaurant-style venues taking over. The consensus? The city’s vibe has changed—and it’s not just about music anymore. Food, bottle service, and image are taking over the club culture.
But for DJs like Plugg, who’s known in Atlanta strip clubs as “the prince of the strip clubs,” there’s still a strong nightlife presence in places like Old National, where you’ll find 50+ venues from VVS to piano bars.
“You walk in the hood club and it look like it’s supposed to be in Buckhead,” BJ noted.
“And the drinks are $3,” Plugg laughed.
Strip Club Etiquette 101
DJ Plugg also took time to school the audience on the rules of strip club DJing, breaking down everything from dancer rotation to reading the room:
“You got to know the girls. You got to know how they feel. You damn near got to be a pimp,” he said jokingly—yet seriously.
BJ confirmed the experience, explaining how DJing in a strip club isn’t just about the music—it’s about building trust with the performers and knowing how to keep the energy (and the money) flowing.
Labels & DJs: The Hidden Partnership
As the convo shifted toward the business, all three DJs spoke on their relationships with labels, explaining how DJs play a key role in breaking records and why their co-sign matters.
“If Plug play a record, 10 DJs behind him are gonna follow,” BJ said.
“It’s about influence,” Plugg added. “Labels pay attention to that.”
They discussed how DJs become tastemakers, the importance of maintaining a platform or venue to introduce new music, and how some of the biggest records in Atlanta started in clubs like Crucial or on nights like Tuesdays at 1145, where BJ had a seven-year run.
“When I left, I was still getting paid the same $250 to close—but I walked out with money from the labels every night,” BJ revealed.
Final Thoughts: The DJ Pivot and Knowing Your Worth
The conversation wrapped with powerful words of advice for up-and-coming DJs:
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Know your value: You’re an independent contractor. Set your rate and stand on it.
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Stay updated: The music changes fast, especially with TikTok. Don’t fall behind.
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Plan your next move: Whether it’s artist management, production, or building a brand, longevity means knowing when to pivot.
“Don’t DJ your whole life,” BJ said. “It’s cool, but you gotta pivot.”
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