DJ NABS isn't just part of hip-hop history—he has helped write the story. And in 2026, as new audiences discover his immense contributions to the culture and longtime fans celebrate "In the Lab" legacy, one thing becomes crystal clear: the DJ who toured with the King of Pop earned his own crown long ago, and his reign continues.
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, NABS' musical journey began far from the turntables. As a saxophonist in junior high, he demonstrated early musical aptitude leading to him becoming drum major of his high school marching band during his junior and senior years. This foundation in musicianship deepened through four years of service with the 116th US Army National Guard Band, where he performed in big band, trio, quartet, and concert band configurations—training that would later inform his sophisticated approach to turntablism and music production.
The young NABS’ breakthrough came in 1992 when he was hired as Music Director and DJ for rap phenomenon Kris Kross on what would become one of music history's most iconic tours: Michael Jackson's Dangerous World Tour. At a time when hip-hop was still fighting for mainstream legitimacy, NABS brought the culture to the world's biggest stages, performing before millions across the globe alongside the most legendary entertainer of all time. This wasn't just a tour—it was a cultural milestone that helped cement hip-hop's place in the global musical conversation.
After returning to Atlanta, NABS became a household name as one of the first DJ/radio personalities to create his own branded radio show, "In the Lab with DJ Nabs™"—a pioneering concept that predated the podcast era and established the template for personality-driven music programming. The show's success led NABS to expand "In the Lab" into a legendary midtown Atlanta club production, bringing hip-hop's founding fathers— Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, and The Sugarhill Gang— to perform live in Atlanta. This trifecta of radio broadcast, live shows, and cultural curation culminated in NABS' first studio album released on Columbia Records in 1998, cementing his status as multifaceted creative force rather than solely a DJ.
NABS' association with the powerhouse label of the South, So So Def Recordings—spans a remarkable 25 years, a tenure when Atlanta's most significant and breakthrough musical moments occurred. NABS contributed to the careers of many artists who defined an era while solidifying Atlanta's position as hip-hop's new capital. His touring resume during this period reads like a who's who of music royalty: touring with Mariah Carey, bringing hip-hop sensibility to pop's biggest stages; the Nickelodeon All That Tour alongside future superstars Keenan Thompson and Nick Cannon, introducing hip-hop culture to young audiences nationwide; and countless other performances that brought authentic hip-hop expertise to diverse platforms and demographics.
The industry has recognized NABS' immense contributions to the movement. In 2018, The Grammy Museum honored him in exhibition highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Atlanta's music scene through his So So Def association—a distinction reserved for true architects of musical movements. That same year, the city of Atlanta presented him with a proclamation acknowledging his influence and impact on the city’s entertainment scene. His hometown of Durham, North Carolina proclaimed May 16th as "DJ NABS Day," officially recognizing the global ambassador who put The Bull City on the international music map. NABS isn't just a great DJ, he's a cultural institution.
Rather than resting on legendary status, NABS continues pioneering new frontiers. In 2019, he co-founded Em City™ World, a multimedia production platform that leverages decades of industry knowledge to develop the next generation of artists and content. Through Em City™, NABS has produced multiple acclaimed projects, including The TakeOver 2 and T3 projects with The Cause2k. These powerful albums address contemporary social issues with the same uncompromising artistry NABS brought to stages worldwide decades ago. The projects also feature veteran artists Kool Moe Dee, Khujo Goodie, David Banner, Solé, and Chyna Whyte. NABS began his work with The Southern Brothas(TSB)—a Durham collective blending R&B, soul, hip-hop, and country influences—demonstrates his continued relevance and ability to evolve with music's changing landscape while maintaining cultural authenticity.
NABS has spent over thirty years proving that excellence, innovation, integrity, and cultural authenticity never go out of style. A pioneer whose innovations laid groundwork others still build upon today, and the Durham native, showed the world that greatness can emerge from anywhere when talent meets opportunity and relentless dedication.