After nearly two decades of helping shape Atlanta’s hip-hop radio scene, J-Nicks says his time at Hot 107.9 ended without the recognition he believed he deserved. During an exclusive appearance on The Baller Alert Show, the longtime radio personality, also known professionally as Stuey Rock, opened up about being let go in 2024, just before reaching his 20-year milestone with the station.
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“Kevin still let me go from hot for no reason,” J-Nicks revealed, publicly addressing the situation and questioning the decision behind his departure.The veteran host explained that the timing bothered him most because he was approaching a major career accomplishment.
“He didn’t let me hit my 20,” he said, repeating the statement while expressing frustration over the missed anniversary.
J-Nicks also compared his experience to the recognition other Atlanta radio veterans have received, particularly V-103 personality Greg Street, whose 30-year anniversary was celebrated in June 2025.
Street received public tributes, a special broadcast and proclamations recognizing his contributions to Atlanta radio.
For J-Nicks, witnessing that celebration brought back disappointment about how his own tenure ended.
“It wasn’t no celebration over there,” he said, suggesting his nearly two decades of service deserved acknowledgment.
However, his history with Hot 107.9 stretches back long before his controversial departure.
Born Joshua Nicks in St. Louis, Missouri, the entertainer began his radio career as a teenager. After building a following in his hometown, he relocated to Atlanta in 2005, joining Hot 107.9 and becoming part of the popular Durtty Boyz radio show.
Alongside fellow personality ET, J-Nicks became a familiar voice to Atlanta listeners through celebrity interviews, hip-hop discussions, and entertainment commentary.
His career also extended beyond local radio. From 2005 to 2006, he hosted BET’s legendary music program Rap City, further establishing himself nationally.
After ET left Hot 107.9 in 2016, J-Nicks stayed with the station and continued hosting independently. In 2020, he transitioned into the afternoon drive slot, where he eventually hosted The Trap House, airing weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
That run ended in September 2024, when the station reshuffled its programming. The syndicated show Incognito’s Posted on the Corner moved into his afternoon slot, while Fly Guy DC and MiAsia Symone took over evenings.
Outside broadcasting, J-Nicks developed a music career under the name Stuey Rock, releasing projects including “Deez Hooks Ain’t Free” and collaborating with artists such as Future and Juicy J. He also appeared on season five of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” in 2016.
Despite the disappointment surrounding his exit, J-Nicks now views the experience differently.
“I didn’t hustle like I used to. I was comfortable, and sometimes God makes you uncomfortable,” he explained.
He acknowledged that the security of his radio position may have prevented him from pursuing other opportunities more aggressively.
Two years later, he says leaving the station has not affected his standard of living.
He explained that his lifestyle has remained consistent because of the relationships, opportunities, and income streams he established throughout his entertainment career.
Ultimately, J-Nicks believes losing the position forced him to recognize something bigger than a radio contract. His career, influence, and earning potential were never entirely dependent on Hot 107.9.
