Steve Aoki Biography
Early Life
Born on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, and raised in Newport Beach, California, Aoki is the third child of Rocky Aoki, the renowned founder of the Benihana restaurant chain. Growing up, Aoki's exposure to the restaurant industry and his father's influence on entrepreneurship shaped his perspective on following his passion.
Dim Mak Records and Collaborations
Aoki's journey began while he was still a college student, hosting DIY concerts and events in Isla Vista, California. In 1999, he founded Dim Mak Records to release his own music, and it quickly flourished into a successful independent record label. Collaborations with artists like The Bloody Beetroots, Armand Van Helden, and Afrojack propelled Aoki into the spotlight. He also gained recognition for his remixes of popular tracks by Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. Aoki's first solo album, "Wonderland," released in January 2012, featured collaborations with LMFAO, Kid Cudi, and Travis Barker, earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album.
Performances and Achievements
Known for his energetic live performances, Aoki delights crowds with his signature move, the "Aoki Jump," where he crowd-surfs on an inflatable raft. His dedication and talent have garnered him numerous accolades, including being named Best Party Rocker DJ by BPM Magazine and Best DJ of the Year by Paper Magazine. In 2014, Aoki achieved a Guinness World Record for being the "most traveled musician in one year," with an astounding 161 shows across 41 countries.
Interests and Philanthropy
As an avid scuba diver, Aoki has explored dive sites around the world. Aoki's love for contemporary art is evident through his collaborations with renowned artists like KAWS and Hajime Sorayama. He has also established the Steve Aoki Charitable Fund, supporting global humanitarian relief organizations and medical research. In addition, Aoki has made generous donations to various charitable causes, including contributing a dollar from every ticket sale on his North American tour in 2013.
Beyond Music
Apart from his musical career, Aoki boasts an impressive list of accomplishments. He holds a black belt in judo and is trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He co-owns the esports company Rogue and has made cameo appearances in movies and TV shows like "Entourage" and "The Smurfs 2." He even appeared as a musical contributor and non-playable character in the video game Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Aoki's memoir, titled "Blue: The Color of Noise," delves into his life, career, and personal struggles. His love for fashion and style led to the launch of his own clothing line, Dim Mak Collection.