He’s been DJ-ing in RVA for 30+ years, now his daughter is following his legacy

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- June is Black Music Month and 8News is highlighting a father-daughter DJ duo that is keeping the music flowing through Richmond and beyond.

Lonnie Battle, aka DJ Lonnie B, said he knew his daughter Aliyah had the skills to be a DJ from an early age. During an interview with 8News anchor Autumn Childress, the pair reflected on the moments that Aliyah accompanied her dad to the radio station while he spun for iPower 92.1 in Richmond.

"Words can't describe it," Lonnie B. said. "I remember her being at the radio station and I watched her and thought 'You could do this forreal' ... I taught her two things -- how to count, and how to look at a turntable like a clock. And with those two things, I went from looking at a kid playing with turntables to, 'in a few years, she's going to be something.'"

And he was right.

After years of watching her dad, Aliyah, aka Aliyah the DJ, started making a name for herself in the same city that her dad had grown up in.

"It's definitely a blessing — many people can't say that they spun with DJ Lonnie B," Aliyah said. "People tell me he's a legend, but at the same time he's my father — so it's a blessing."

"I'm always calling him about tips and tricks. And transitions? "I'm stealing them," she joked. "He's a perfectionist and I have to be A1."

Lonnie B is no stranger to the Richmond area. He grew up in the city and has been bringing the vibes and energy across the airwaves and events for 37 years.

In 2024, he was given a key to the City by former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney during his 50th Birthday Celebration. And he's also one of the driving forces behind the popular music event "Art of Noise."

"To see people still excited and want to show up to the show is humbling," he said. "It's all surreal. I was a kid that started DJ-ing in Richmond parks, and to be in this position this many years later, and to see my daughter doing the thing."

You'll often see Lonnie and Aliyah performing on stage together, or "battling," which they said is "unique" due to their last name.

"I've seen people laugh, cry, and have a good time, so it feels good," she said.

As for Aliyah, not only is she making a name for herself as the youngest member of the Heavy Hitters and a radio DJ on special occasions, she's also a full-time student at Virginia State University.

"I'm leaving it to God," Aliyah said. "I pray every day. DJ-ing is something I truly love to do. I just want to prove everybody wrong. I am who I am and will do what I need to do."

Lonnie said he wants to keep the musical legacy alive.

"As I watch her come up, it's really time to pass the torch," Lonnie said. "It's not far-fetched because the things I see her doing now are far beyond where I was at her age. I'm super excited to see where the future goes with this."