DJ JWealth Is Building a Cinematic Legacy in Music and Fashion

DJ JWealth is a West Coast tastemaker with a vision that bridges music, fashion, and culture. From hosting radio shows in San Diego to producing timeless beats and launching his own clothing line, he’s made it clear he’s here to leave a legacy. With a bold voice and eye for rising talent, JWealth continues to use his platform to amplify real artistry in an industry often lost in the noise.

Q: You began your career in 2016 at Restless Nation Radio in San Diego. Looking back, how pivotal was that moment in launching your journey in the industry?
A: In 2015, I launched Wealth Lifestyle Clothing because I wanted to create fashion that was fly, affordable, and meaningful—something I didn’t have growing up. When I was building the brand, I’d reach out to major designers for insight, but nobody responded. So, I thought, “Let me flip the game and start a podcast-style radio show to interview these folks myself.” That led me to Restless Nation Radio. It was short-lived, but a blessing in disguise—I soon got signed to Dash Radio in Hollywood. That move opened a ton of doors and shifted me from being just a fan to becoming a peer in the industry.

Q: You’ve always had a deep passion for both music and fashion. How do those two worlds connect for you when it comes to expressing your artistic vision?
A: Music and fashion are both storytelling tools. The beats, the lyrics, the clothes—it all reflects who a person is. When I used to hear music from the East, West, or South, I felt like I was right there with them, living their truth. Fashion is the same—it gives you an up-close look at someone’s essence. Yeah, people might judge based on style, but the wise ones look deeper.

Q: Throughout your journey, what would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced—and how did you overcome it?
A: Honestly, it was being on Dash Radio. The talent in that building was crazy, but the brand didn’t maximize it. No real promo, no festival, no structure. They had program directors who were chasing clout instead of building shows. I had to pivot—put less energy into the radio side and focus on the music. Looking back, it was the smartest move. Dash is now Litt Live and still lost in the sauce, while I kept building my brand on my own terms.

Q: We noticed that you have a good body of music released on platforms. Do you currently have any project or releases coming out?
A: Absolutely. This summer I’m dropping a project called Thank Me Later with Shyy Kidd—it’s cinematic, soulful, and next level. His lyricism blends perfectly with my production. I’ve also got singles on the way with Classik Bang, plus mixtapes dropping throughout the year on djjwealth.com.

Q: If you were active during the East Coast vs. West Coast era of hip-hop, which side would you ride for—and what song do you think best defined that time?
A: I gotta ride for the West—it’s in my blood. But let’s be real, both coasts brought heat. Everything Death Row dropped back then? Straight classics. I’m glad we’ve moved past that beef energy, but to this day, I still feel the West gets weird vibes from media and radio.

Q: For someone who’s never heard your sound before, how would you describe it in just a few words?
A: Cinematic. Timeless. Real. My sound lives in that zone where you can feel the moment. I look up to producers like Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Mike & Keys, Timbaland, Just Blaze, and the old Kanye—guys who made music that still hits decades later.

Q: We noticed that you mentioned Kanye West as a producer that you admire. How do you feel about the current music and things he has done in media?
A: Man… it’s sad. Kanye had the whole game in the palm of his hand. Now he’s doing and saying anything just to trend, and honestly, he looks like a clown. Nobody in the industry’s checking him, and that’s weak. He’s disrespecting the legacy of folks like Emmett Till and Malcolm X, wearing KKK-inspired fits for clicks. It’s not about grief—it’s about an insecure dude acting out for attention. I can’t support it, period.

Q: In the fashion world, who’s one designer you think is overrated and one you feel is underrated but deserves more shine?
A: Yeezy’s overrated—straight up. Without Kanye’s name, nobody would wear that overpriced nonsense. It’s ugly, and people just hype it ‘cause of who made it. On the flip side, Marathon Clothing deserves more shine. We watched that brand grow from the ground up with Nipsey, and it still pushes forward even after his passing. That’s powerful.

Q: I believe DJs are the gatekeepers of culture. How did you, as a DJ, use your platform to introduce new artists and sounds to your audience?
A: I went out of my way to find talent—added them to mixes, produced for them, and showed genuine support. That’s what DJs used to do, and that’s what we need more of. Being a gatekeeper means breaking new artists, not just playing what’s hot. It’s about leaving a mark and contributing to the culture.

Q: We noticed that you have a team that is responsible for making sure your brand is being marketed correctly. Can you tell us about your team?
A: My team is solid. Jackie Sanchez, my publicist, owns Elite Images and handles all the visuals—cover art, filming, and making sure artists look their best. My manager, Aaron Jordan, runs Acronym, which not only manages me but also produces films and projects with other talent. We move with strategy and purpose.