Anthony Blaike Nicholas

Anthony Blaike Nicholas — known to the world as DJ APLUS — was born on April 29, 1985, in Anaheim, California, to Valarie Nicholas. Though California marked his beginning, Anthony proudly claimed Houston, Texas as home, and he was Houston born and raised in every way that mattered to him. He was the oldest of his siblings, and from his earliest years he carried himself with the warmth, generosity, and easy charm that would define his entire life.

Raised in part by the man he called “Slick Rick,” Anthony grew up a laid-back, friendly, and well-liked kid. He gave football a brief try but had no taste for hurting anyone — a quiet reflection of the gentle spirit beneath his bold exterior. Instead, he found his calling early in life: music. He graduated from George Bush High School in 2003 and went on to attend Xavier University of Louisiana, but it was behind the turntables that he truly came alive.

As DJ APLUS, Anthony became a professional DJ who carried his sound across multiple states. He worked weddings, festivals, corporate events, private parties, holiday celebrations, and community gatherings, and spent time with 97.9 The Box. He could play and appreciate any genre, and he had a rare gift for reading a room — shifting the mood of a crowd effortlessly, whether the moment called for excitement, celebration, reflection, or pure joy.

For Anthony, music was never just a career. It was how he connected with people, how he brought them together, and how he created the experiences and memories others would carry for years. He loved artists like Tupac and Lil’ Keke and embraced music from many cultures, with a special love for anything driven by a strong beat. Even as his success grew, he never “got Hollywood.” He remained humble, approachable, and a friend to anyone with good energy.

Anthony’s generosity reached far beyond the dance floor. During Hurricane Katrina, he opened his mother’s home to friends and classmates who had been displaced. During Hurricane Harvey, he helped rescue stranded residents alongside his uncle and DJ Mr. Rogers. Whenever family, friends, or neighbors were in need, Anthony was the one looking for a way to help. He was, at his core, a giver.

Anthony loved color and was never afraid to stand out. He expressed himself through bold colors, stylish outfits, and a fashion sense all his own — and he always smelled really good. He appreciated flowers, beautiful scenery, and vibrant places. A natural showstopper, he loved creating memorable moments and making everyone around him feel welcome, included, and at ease. He had a passion for classic cars, motorcycles, and four-wheelers, and was proud of his red Cadillac Eldorado convertible. He loved the water, the outdoors, travel, beaches, and good vacations — often bringing his music wherever he went. A fan of Family Guy and a man who appreciated practical, relatable faith through the messages of Pastor Keion and Pastor Joel Osteen, Anthony lived authentically and on his own terms.

Family and close relationships were the center of Anthony’s world. He shared a special bond with his mother, Valarie, and adored his nieces and nephews, whom he lovingly called his babies. His closest friend, Bryan Davis, was a brother to him — the two rekindled their bond after being sent to different high schools and remained inseparable to the very end. He shared another deep friendship with Carlton Jones, a quiet and loyal friend who nurtured Anthony’s love of cars and motorcycles, and who showed up every night in Anthony’s final weeks when his mother needed strength and support.

Anthony is survived by his mother, Valarie Nicholas; his father figure and friend, Willie Williams; his siblings, Ricardo Royal, Jalen Williams, Jordan Williams, Chris Adams, Ashley Adams, and David Duke; his cherished nieces and nephews; and his grandparents, Pearl Nicholas and Eduardo Nicholas. He is also survived by his dearest friends, Bryan Davis and Carlton Jones, and by the countless people whose lives he touched through his music, his generosity, and his light.