On April 3, 2025, the bass dropped, the crowd roared, and the city of Raleigh witnessed something special. The underground DJ battle series JNGL (pronounced “jungle”) made its highly anticipated mark as an official community event for J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, kicking off the final year of the iconic hip-hop celebration with a one-night-only showcase of raw talent, sonic warfare, and Southern pride.
Held at The Alchemy, the night brought together six rising DJs, each battling for the crown—and a $5,000 cash prize. But for JNGL founder Deante Chisley, the partnership was about more than competition. It was about purpose, culture, and validation.
“It was surreal to be part of Dreamville; I’ve admired the festival for years, especially considering its impact on the hip-hop culture scene,” Chisley told Hip Hop Heat. “We’ve seen so many artists get long-awaited recognition and a stage to shine on from Dreamville. For JNGL to be invited and featured as an official Dreamville community event was surreal, and an honor to be a part of the larger community. For our team, it meant the culture saw us, respected us, and knew we were building something with purpose.”
Chisley continued, “I always say JNGL is where DJs come to prove themselves, and to do that on a stage backed by J. Cole’s movement validated everything we’ve been grinding for. It felt like the perfect alignment. Our goal is to pay homage to authentic disc jockeying culture and to inspire the next generation of DJs, from all music industries, especially hip-hop. The night was all about honoring the sound that made Dreamville and JNGL possible.”
The Battle: Beats, Bars, and Breakout Moments
The vibe inside The Alchemy was electric—packed with fans, fellow creatives, and music lovers locked into every beat drop, scratch, and transition. According to Chisley, the DJs weren’t just playing music—they were commanding the room with style, precision, and hunger.
“The crowd was electric, and the culture was alive in every corner of the room,” he said. “Our DJs stepped up with hunger, each bringing their own voice, talent, and style. Every round had the audience fully locked in. What stood out the most was how connected everyone felt to the art of DJing.”
That connection wasn’t just emotional—it was educational. Hosted by RoyalTea, a local radio personality from K97.5 Real Hip-Hop and R&B, the event emphasized not only performance but community feedback.
“There was undeniable energy in The Alchemy, but there was also education,” Chisley explained. “This is incredibly important and unique to our events; we’re not only providing a stage but giving actionable feedback in real time. The crowd didn’t sit back; they helped shape the outcome. That mutual respect between performer and audience is the foundation JNGL is built on.”
Rapsody’s Homecoming
As if the night couldn’t get more iconic, Grammy-winning lyricist Rapsody took the stage for a surprise performance that elevated the event from a battle to a celebration of Southern hip-hop.
“Rapsody brought it home. She walked on stage, and you could feel the pride in the room shift. It wasn’t just a performance for her, it was a homecoming,” said Chisley. “Rapsody represents everything JNGL stands for: lyrical integrity, cultural pride, and putting in the work to perfect your craft.”
“Having her on that stage was a moment of affirmation for every creative in the building who had ever felt overlooked. She reminded us that excellence doesn’t have to be loud; it just has to be real. The fact that she’s from North Carolina was divine alignment for us; we knew she had to be a part of the Dreamville x JNGL event. She took us from a battle to a real celebration of everything the South has contributed to hip-hop.”
Breakout Star: DJ SoundsbyCam
Of all the DJs that night, one in particular made jaws drop—DJ SoundsbyCam, who not only won the crowd but took home the JNGL crown.
“Absolutely. DJ SoundsbyCam’s set was one of those moments. Initially, I wasn’t sure he was built for the battle-style DJing you come to see at JNGL events. But when that ‘5-4-3-2-1, I let one go’ drop hit, the crowd exploded! He shut everybody up (including me),” Chisley laughed.
“That’s truly what JNGL is about: proving your DJing skills live, in front of a crowd and judges who know the difference between hype and true skill. Of course, he wasn’t the only one who surprised us. Each competing DJ brought something unexpected that pushed the needle and excited the crowd.”
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
JNGL has made its name in cities like D.C., Miami, and New Orleans, but Raleigh may have been the most symbolic stop yet. With its fusion of battle, celebration, and cultural pride, April 3 proved to be a defining moment in the series’ journey.
“Every time a DJ steps into the JNGL and leaves with the crowd chanting their name, we move the culture forward,” Chisley said. “We’re reigniting that authentic disc-jockeying culture we grew up admiring. That night proved, once again, that our events aren’t just a moment for the culture; they’re a movement inspiring the next generation.”
As the Dreamville Festival enters its final year, JNGL’s performance at The Alchemy was more than just an opener—it was a powerful reminder of where the music came from, and where it’s going next.
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