Though he has never really asked for a radio job, J-Nicks has now gigged at two popular local hip-hop stations.
Former Q95.5 program director Mike Fox heard his voice on commercials and offered him his first radio slot, making him the youngest on-air personality in St. Louis at age 17.
J-Nicks was a natural and quickly earned thousands of loyal high-school listeners. He hit the streets and rocked high school sets.
His popularity shot up the charts. At just 17, he was the man, a local celebrity with influence on the scene. Then, staunch competitor 100.3 The Beat hired a personality who was even younger than J-Nicks, 13-year-old Lil Shawty.
Now, since Radio One has pulled the plug on Q95.5, J-Nicks and Lil Shawty work side-by-side at the same station.
But J-Nicks didn’t ask for that gig, either. 100.3 The Beat Music Director Dwight Stone peeped his talent while J-Nicks was on-air at Q95.5.
“It’s been love,” J-Nicks recently told the American. “D. Stone was always showing interest in me and wanting me to come over under his wing. At the time, I couldn’t leave Q95.5, but he called me after I lost my job at Q95.5, and I’m here now.”
J-Nicks said he has had the best of both radio worlds. Q95.5, his training ground, was more family-oriented, he said. Employees knew each other’s families and would often bring their children to work.
On the other hand, Clear Channel, owner of 100.3 The Beat, has a more strict, corporate, political air about it.
“It’s a learning experience to be able to see both sides of both companies,” J-Nicks said. “I had my pre-training. Now I’m getting into my deep training and what it takes to be a good jock.”
J-Nicks said if he hadn’t been offered a gig at The Beat, he probably would have moved out of town to another Radio One gig. But he’s quick to say that he would rather be here around people who have love for him and whom he loves. J-Nick’s love still comes primarily from high school and college students.
The 22-year-old deejay and on-air personality said being in the spotlight can sometimes be hard handle.
“It’s hard, because when you get popular, people automatically think you’ve changed, but it isn’t true,” he said.
“I’m still the same person I was when I was in high school. Now, I’m older, and I’m ready.”
J-Nicks said fans are often reluctant to approach him, but he wants people to approach him like they would anyone else.
As for his core female fan base, he said his priorities helps him keep his head straight.
“The girls are going to come,” he said, “but you have to make sure your priorities straight, because you can get off-track and get into some crazy stuff.”
It’s not all making social sets for this young cat, though. J-Nicks keeps it locked on grind, since most radio deejays are terribly underpaid. A self-proclaimed hustler, he has his hand in real estate, throwing parties and promotions.
Rapping, however, is no longer one of J-Nicks’ priorities. He said he backs his former rap group 1st Draft, but has put music on hold for now.
“I figure if you put all your eggs in more than one basket, you have a better chance of making something happen. I’m also interested in being a VJ.”
Along with Krystal and Young Dipp, J-Nicks mans the Dirrty Show on The Beat from 10 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and from 9 p.m. to midnight on Sundays.
