10 Questions with ... Byron 'BT' Turner

1) How have your friends reacted to you being cast on "Growing Up Hip-Hop: Atlanta?"

I've gotten a crazy response from my friends. All of them are really excited about it. Everyone around me knows how hard I work, so for something like this to come true is amazing.

2) How did you find out about the opening on the show?

It wasn't necessarily an opening on the show. Bow Wow hit me one day and said, "You need to be on TV and I'm going to help you do that." Since then we've worked to make this dream of mine come to fruition.

3) What are your dreams for your radio and entertainment future?

My dream is to be a full-time radio and TV personality. I want to reach new goals and create even more to add once I reach those. Anything and everything I put my mind to I accomplish and that's where I plan to take the rest of my career just reaching new heights.

4) Has anyone said anything about your recent success that has surprised you?

Yes, I have heard a wide range of responses. Some people who I didn't think even liked me told me how proud they are of my success. It also has shown me that a lot of people admire me and how hard I have worked to get to the position I am now.

5) You still DJ in a lot of clubs, don't you?

Yes, I host about six clubs a week.

6) Didn't you stop working in radio or DJing in clubs for a while?

Yes, when I first moved to Atlanta I worked a corporate day job that I hated. I wasn't having any luck getting booked at venues as a host and no radio station was interested in offering me a position. I was on the verge of pretty much quitting.

7) Would you describe the level of competition for getting on the TV show?

The level of competition for getting on a TV show is high because everyone wants to be famous. The only difference is with all of entertainment it's all about who you know. The connections that you create while maneuvering the industry.

8) How has being on TV changed your radio life?

Being on TV has created a platform for those who didn't know me from radio to see who I am. It also allows my listeners to get a closer look at who I am on a regular day-to-day basis. I'm also able to work with brands a lot more due to them being able to see me as a brand and how we can align in business.

9) Would you share the names of mentors and influences in your career?

I would say DJ No Name in Little Rock has influenced me a lot. He was my PD when I worked in Little Rock and he always would tell me when I was doing something wrong or didn't sound good. Every time we talked, he would tell me that I was a star and that I had a bright future. I personally feel that it's very important to have a mentor in your life that believes in you and is always going to keep you motivated.

10) What are you doing with your new-found fame?

I'm using my voice to do more in the community. I did a turkey drive in Atlanta this past week. I'm putting together a toy drive back home in Little Rock for the Christmas holidays as well as a toy drive in Atlanta. With the new fame I have received, I want to make sure that families and the youth are being taken care of. I can reach a lot more people now then I could reach before.