How to Hire STEVE AOKI For Your Event!
aka: Steven Hiroyuki Aoki
Born in: Florida
Based in: Nevada
Based in: Las Vegas (and other)
Hire: Steve Aoki
Steven Hiroyuki Aoki was born on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, USA, and raised in Newport Beach, California. He is of Japanese descent, the son of Rocky Aoki, a former wrestler and founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, and Chizuru Kobayashi. Aoki grew up in a wealthy but disciplined household, developing an early passion for music and business.
Education and Early Musical Interests
Aoki attended Newport Harbor High School and later enrolled at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he earned two bachelor’s degrees—one in feminist studies and another in sociology. During his time at UCSB, he became deeply involved in the underground punk and hardcore music scene, even forming bands like This Machine Kills and organizing DIY concerts in his student apartment.
Hire DJ Steve Aoki for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)
Dim Mak Records: The Birth of a Music Empire
In 1996, while still in college, Steve Aoki founded Dim Mak Records, named after Bruce Lee’s alleged “death touch” technique. Initially, the label focused on punk and indie bands but later evolved into an electronic dance music (EDM) powerhouse, signing artists such as Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, MSTRKRFT, and The Chainsmokers.
Rise as a DJ and Producer
Steve Aoki’s transition into electronic music production and DJing happened in the early 2000s. He gained recognition for his high-energy live performances, characterized by crowd surfing, cake-throwing, and champagne showers.
His first major compilation album, “Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles” (2008), featured remixes and collaborations with Justice, Peaches, and MSTRKRFT, among others. Around this time, Aoki became known for remixing tracks from artists such as Drake, Kanye West, and Lenny Kravitz.
Breakthrough and Global Success
Aoki’s debut studio album, “Wonderland” (2012), was a defining moment in his career. It featured an eclectic mix of electronic, hip-hop, and rock influences, with guest appearances from artists like LMFAO, Kid Cudi, Travis Barker, and will.i.am. The album earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album.
Notable Albums and Hits
- “Neon Future I” (2014) – Included hits like “Delirious (Boneless)” feat. Kid Ink and “Rage the Night Away” feat. Waka Flocka Flame.
- “Neon Future II” (2015) – Featured Snoop Lion, Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), and Linkin Park, showcasing Aoki’s genre-blending skills.
- “Kolony” (2017) – A hip-hop-driven album featuring collaborations with artists like Gucci Mane, Lil Uzi Vert, and Migos.
- “Neon Future III” (2018) & “Neon Future IV” (2020) – Continued Aoki’s signature futuristic and collaborative approach, including artists like BTS, blink-182, and Maluma.
Collaboration with BTS and K-Pop Influence
Steve Aoki played a pivotal role in bridging EDM and K-pop, notably through his 2017 remix of BTS’s “Mic Drop”, which became a global hit. He later collaborated with BTS again on “The Truth Untold” (2018) and with MONSTA X on “Play It Cool” (2019), further solidifying his influence in the K-pop industry.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Beyond music, Steve Aoki has built a vast business empire, including:
- Aoki’s Playhouse – A real estate investment featuring luxury homes.
- Dim Mak Fashion – A streetwear clothing line.
- NFT and Cryptocurrency Investments – Aoki has been a vocal advocate of Web3 and digital assets.
- Aoki Foundation – Focuses on brain research, regenerative medicine, and humanitarian efforts.
Legacy and Influence
Steve Aoki remains one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music. His ability to merge EDM with hip-hop, rock, and global sounds has set him apart. With an ever-expanding catalog of music, business ventures, and philanthropic efforts, Aoki continues to push the boundaries of the entertainment industry.
He has collaborated with artists such as will.i.am, Alan Walker, Afrojack, LMFAO, Tini, Linkin Park, AGNEZ MO, Iggy Azalea, Grandson, Lil Jon, blink-182, Taking Back Sunday, Laidback Luke, BTS, Monsta X, (G)I-dle, Louis Tomlinson, Backstreet Boys, Rise Against, Vini Vici, Lauren Jauregui, and Fall Out Boy and is known for his remixes of artists such as Kid Cudi.
Did You Know?
- He holds a Guinness World Record for the most-traveled musician in a year, performing more than 250 shows annually.
- He throws cakes at his audience, a signature move that started as a spontaneous act and became a worldwide phenomenon.
- He has a deep interest in science fiction and AI, often incorporating futuristic themes into his music.
Conclusion
From punk rock beginnings to EDM superstardom, Steve Aoki’s journey is a testament to relentless creativity, boundary-pushing collaborations, and entrepreneurial spirit. His impact on global music and entertainment is undeniable, making him one of the most recognizable figures in modern pop culture.
His discography includes nine studio albums, five extended plays, and over 100 singles (including four as a featured artist).
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