Morgan State alum DJ Heat provides the soundtrack for D.C. sports teams

As confetti fell following the championship game of Unrivaled, the 3×3 professional women’s basketball league, Morgan State University alumna Nicole Mosley stood on the court, reveling in the moment and the role she played in it.

“That was our moment for all of us to bask in it and be like, ‘Wow. We did this. We made history,’” Mosley said.

Mosley, a Washington, D.C., native who is known professionally as DJ Heat, has built her reputation as the official DJ for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the United Football League’s DC Defenders. Her mix of hip-hop, R&B, reggae and dancehall has made her a sought-after DJ for major sporting events, festivals and other high-profile moments, and in January, she became the first DJ for Unrivaled’s inaugural season, further elevating her visibility in the entertainment industry. She also closed the season by performing during the league’s playoff games in March.

Mosley said walking into the league’s Wayfair Arena every day felt special to her, and she is still riding high after the experience.

“It was amazing, just everything – being there for the playoffs, the championship – just how groundbreaking and historic,” she said. “I’m looking forward to doing it again next year.”

Mosley’s resume includes appearances at NBA All-Star festivities, the NBA Mexico City Game 2024, US Open, Basketball Africa League, and the WNBA bubble during the coronavirus pandemic. When Unrivaled tapped the Los Angeles Lakers’ DJ Roueche to help build the new league’s team of in-game DJs, Mosley immediately came to mind, he said.

“They asked me what DJs I would recommend, and they were definitely looking for female DJs,” he told Andscape. “Heat was at the top of that list.”

As a DJ, Mosley Heat enjoys setting the tone of events and supplying positive vibes for fans and players.

“I was blessed when I checked social media after the first night and saw so many people tagging me, asking, ‘Who’s the DJ for Unrivaled?’” Mosley said. “It was so cool. I always want to make sure everyone has good vibes and energy.”

Mosley began experimenting with mixing music at age 13. Her interest was piqued while listening to a variety of remixes, particularly those that featured scratching. She would mimic turntable movements and freestyle, envisioning herself as a future DJ.

“The first thing that sparked my interest was [the Wreckx-N-Effect rap song] ‘Rump Shaker,’ remixing effects, shoutouts,” Mosley said. “I used to pretend I was DJing, just like how people play air guitar. That moment made me want to DJ for real.”

Her first paying gig came when she was 22, during a company holiday party at Union Station in Washington, where she worked. That night, as she was spinning while decked out in her favorite Wizards jersey, it foreshadowed her future career.

“I’ve always been a Wizards fan,” Mosley said. “Since I was a kid, I’ve been all about D.C. everything.”

Over time, she refined her craft. While studying strategic communications at Morgan State, she worked at the school newspaper and WEAA 88.9 FM, the university’s public radio station, before performing at local clubs and events. Heat also spent 15 years with radio and television personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, beginning as an intern.

“[I’m] very proud of all the big things she has done and continues to do. [She has] dedication, attention to detail, a desire to be better and of course swag,” Morgan said. “Heat not only displayed a desire to soak up the game, but once she did [she] always applied it effectively.”

Mosley’s career in the sports industry began in 1998 when she worked as a ball girl for the Washington Mystics during their inaugural season. She applied multiple times for the Mystics’ DJ position over the years, auditioning in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It wasn’t until 2017, after gaining more experience, that she finally secured the role.

In 2018, after the Mystics’ season ended in their first-ever WNBA Finals appearance, she was offered the role of official DJ for the Washington Wizards by Lauren Trusty, the senior director of game presentation at the time.

“I remember … when she called my phone and told me that they would like for me to be the Wizards’ DJ as well. I couldn’t believe it,” Mosley said.

Mosley has contributed to projects for both of Washington’s professional basketball teams. She collaborated with fellow district native DJ Kool to remix his hit “Let Me Clear My Throat” for the Wizards’ 25th anniversary season (2022-23). She also executive-produced the original song “Fearless” by hip-hop artist Bennu Byrd for the Mystics last season.

As an HBCU grad, Mosley takes pride in assisting with the Wizards’ “HBCU Night” game and their annual “HBCU DJ Battle.” Baltimore native DJ Foqus, the winner of this year’s competition, said he has learned a lot from shadowing Mosley.

“She’s been great at breaking down everything involved with DJing here, from setting up to tearing down,” he said. “It’s definitely been a valuable experience. I had heard about her before but hadn’t met her in person. I’d always see her on my timeline, though, so it’s pretty cool meeting her.”

With the Unrivaled and Wizards’ seasons over, Mosley is now shifting her focus to preparing for the upcoming Mystics season in May. Mosley said the transition from one season to another now comes naturally; she embraces the mental shift into “Mystics mode” as part of her creative process while beginning to prepare music tailored to the team’s energy.

“At the end of Wizards season, I might come across some music or ideas, and we actually even start working on ideas for the upcoming season,” she said.

Mosley said she’s excited about the “new era” for the Mystics, with “a new coach, new GM and three promising rookies drafted in the top 10.”

“It’s an excitement, you know, built around this season and with me, like music-wise, always trying to capture that feeling,” she said.

Despite the fast pace, Mosley said she’s been taking time for herself this month, jokingly calling it a “soft-stud April” as she enjoys simpler moments such as spending time with family and taking walks. When looking for inspiration, Mosley said she turns to the water, adding that places such as Hains Point and Anacostia Park in Washington offer “nature and stillness and the calm and the relaxation.”

“DC has inspired me since the day I was born,” she said.

Follow DJ Heat on Instagram at @djheatdc.