Deante Chisley’s fast-growing DJ battle brand, JNGL, is making its North Carolina debut in a big way — as an official partner event of J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival. The live competition will take place on Thursday, April 3, at the Alchemy in Raleigh, kicking off festival weekend with a high-octane celebration of DJ artistry, culture, and creativity.
Launched as a bold homage to hip-hop’s roots — when the DJ was the star of the show — JNGL (pronounced “jungle”) is a tournament-style battle where top-tier DJs go head-to-head for a $5,000 cash prize, a champion varsity jacket, and ultimate bragging rights. But this isn’t your average DJ contest — JNGL is part entertainment spectacle, part cultural education, and all about putting real DJs back in the spotlight.
The Format
The competition follows a three-round format designed to push each DJ to their creative limits. The first round, Technique, tests precision, mixing skills, and overall control. In the second round, Wordplay, DJs must creatively manipulate lyrics, samples, and transitions to showcase originality. The final round, Freestyle, challenges competitors to rely on pure innovation and crowd engagement, bringing energy and spontaneity to the stage.
Each DJ receives a curated playlist just 24 hours before the event, giving everyone the same prep time and challenging them to perform at their peak under pressure. Only six will be chosen to compete at Alchemy, making this a true test of skill and creativity.
Crowd energy plays a big role in determining the winner, alongside a panel of legendary judges who also break down performances in real-time to help the audience better understand the technical and creative sides of DJing.
A Culture-Forward Experience
JNGL stands apart not only for its battle format but for its immersive experience. From hosts and judges to dancers and surprise performers, each event is curated to bring the energy of a live concert, the skill of a DJ masterclass, and the spirit of old-school competition.
For the Raleigh edition, Grammy-winning rapper Rapsody will take the stage for a special guest performance — a fitting nod to both her North Carolina roots and the hip-hop heritage JNGL honors. The event will be hosted by RoyalTea, a popular radio personality on K97.5 Real Hip-Hop and R&B in Raleigh, with high-energy sets by DJ Nitrane and DJ Moma keeping the crowd lit throughout the night.
Previously featured at major cultural events like Howard University’s Homecoming, Art Basel Miami, and Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans, JNGL has quickly become one of the most anticipated underground movements in music.
What’s Next for JNGL?
While Raleigh is the next major stop, the vision for JNGL is expansive. A “JNGL Circuit” is in the works — a series of regional battles across the U.S., allowing runner-ups from past battles to compete for future main-stage spots. Expansion plans are already underway in cities like Chicago and Atlanta.
Beyond the battles, JNGL is helping redefine the DJ’s role in modern music culture — reviving trust in DJs as record-breakers and trendsetters while building a strong, supportive community around them.
Whether you’re a fan of turntablism, looking to discover new talent, or just want to witness a high-energy showdown unlike anything else during Dreamville weekend, JNGL is the event to watch.
Get your tickets here: Eventbrite – Dreamville x JNGL
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