An occasion for intriguing individuals to engage and reflect on their most recent pivots. Transitions can be costly, but for most, they lead to self-preservation and heavy praise from fans.
STEVE AOKI is one of the most prolific figures in EDM. As a successful DJ with a monstrous music catalog, it was inevitable that he should receive a cover.
2014, our very own Vaughn Lowery witnessed his performance at Made in America and was sold.
“Aoki is a force to f*ck with. He’s the epitome of every young man who wants to forge their own. And, he has receipts!”
Deep breath. Pause. He continues.
“At 19, I was one of the first interns to work at Quincy Jones’s VIBE. The team was a who’s who, and it ushered access to icons: Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Mariah, Da Brat, Lauryn Hill, Nas… although my eyes stung [no pun], grinning from ear to ear with bubble gum and braces, I’ll never forget, ‘JAPAN ARE YAH IN THE HOUSE!… baby, come on!‘ –it was a dimly lit impromptu presentation by the duo during the world’s 1st R&B and hip-hop conference. Next, the video played in the background with carnival images. Fast-forward. That flashback came over me while staring at AOKI with a fist full of cakes.”
