The latest episode of the Baller Alert Show was nothing short of iconic as three of the hottest DJs in the game—DJ Tonee, DJ Von, and DJ T. Lewis—joined hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT for an unfiltered, entertaining, and insightful discussion. Live from Atlanta, the trio opened up about their experiences in the music industry, the highs and lows of being tour DJs, and what it really takes to thrive in the competitive world of DJing.
From their personal journeys to breaking records and navigating the challenges of working with artists, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain insight into the life of a DJ. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest episode of The Baller Alert Show.
The episode started with the hosts giving a warm welcome to the guests, each of whom has made a major impact in their own way. DJ Tonee, a certified party rocker and producer, shared his gratitude for being part of the show and talked about his grind in the industry, which started when he was just a teenager. DJ Von, who began spinning at 14 and fought his way into clubs as an underaged prodigy, reflected on his rise from throwing high school parties to being a tour DJ and executive producer. DJ T. Lewis, known as Lil Wayne’s official DJ, discussed how his unwavering work ethic and passion helped him achieve his dream of working with one of the greatest rappers alive.
On What Inspired Them to Become DJs
Each DJ gave a unique answer to what sparked their interest in the craft. DJ Tonee revealed that he was drawn to the control and power that music has to set the vibe and change people’s emotions. DJ Von shared that he started DJing at just 12 years old, inspired by his parents’ love for music and the opportunity to turn his passion into a career. Meanwhile, DJ T. Lewis hilariously admitted that he initially wanted to play in the NFL but discovered DJing by accident after downloading Virtual DJ onto his computer. Over time, he realized that DJing brought the same level of competition and adrenaline that he loved about football.
Breaking Records and the Atlanta DJ Scene
The discussion turned fiery when the DJs tackled the controversial topic of “burning out” records in the club. DJ Tonee emphasized the importance of respecting the natural progression of a party, explaining how Atlanta’s DJ culture is all about setting the vibe and building energy throughout the night. DJ Von and DJ T. Lewis agreed, calling out DJs who play all the hottest records in the middle of the night rather than leaving room for the closer to shine.
They also broke down what it really means to “break a record” in today’s music industry. DJ T. Lewis got passionate, explaining that breaking a record isn’t just about posting it on Instagram or getting it on TikTok—it’s about consistently playing it in clubs, on the radio, and taking risks to champion new music. Ferrari chimed in, recalling how he played Lil Baby’s My Dawg repeatedly on the radio before anyone else believed in the record, ultimately helping launch Baby’s career.
Navigating the Challenges of Being a DJ
The conversation also explored the difficulties DJs face in getting the respect—and pay—they deserve. The guests didn’t hold back in calling out promoters who undervalue DJs, clubs that book inexperienced talent to save money, and the culture of DJs undercutting each other for gigs. DJ Tonee admitted he had to “finesse” his way through Atlanta’s party scene early in his career but emphasized the importance of building a brand and proving your worth.
DJ T. Lewis, who has spent 10 years as Lil Wayne’s official DJ, spoke about the unique challenges of working with legacy artists. He explained how being Wayne’s DJ is not just a job but a lifelong commitment that requires understanding the artist’s vision and supporting them through every performance.
What’s Next for DJ Tonee, DJ Von, and DJ T. Lewis?
Before wrapping up, each DJ shared what’s on the horizon for them. DJ Tonee teased a potential move to a new city, hinting at exciting opportunities on the horizon. DJ Von revealed he recently released an eBook, Before Pressing Play, designed to help aspiring DJs navigate the business. DJ T. Lewis announced new projects, including a production drop in February and upcoming shows with Lil Wayne.
The conversation ended on a high note, with the DJs expressing gratitude for their careers and the relationships they’ve built. They also promised to return for a part two of the episode, where they’ll dive even deeper into DJ culture, the business side of music, and how they continue to stay at the top of their game.
Discover more from Baller Alert
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
