He Quit His Job at 37: Now He DJ's with Will Smith, Skepta & Burna Boy

About this conversation

DJ AG became one of the internet’s most recognisable street DJs through his viral TikTok LIVE performances, hosting stars including Will Smith, Skepta and Ne-Yo. But long before the millions of views, Ash was growing up in Tottenham, working at McDonald’s, building a corporate career and only taking the leap into full-time DJing at 37.

Ash opens up about a health scare that led him to get his prostate checked, and why fear and stigma still stop some men from doing the same. He explains why the issue is especially important for Black men, and how speaking publicly about his own experience encouraged others to get tested.

He also looks back at taking his DJ setup onto the streets, being arrested while livestreaming, and the moment Will Smith joined him on the decks. Ash reveals what happened behind the scenes, and how his street sets grew from a few people watching online into appearances with some of the world’s biggest artists.

But behind the viral moments is a deeper purpose. AG shares how his grandmother’s dementia inspired him to perform in care homes, and why bringing people joy through music has become the most important part of what he does.

Episode summary and show notes supplied by the official We Need To Talk feed.