Steve Aoki

Steve Aoki, born Steven Hiroyuki Aoki on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, is one of the highest-grossing electronic dance music artists in the world. The son of Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, Steve forged his own path in the music industry rather than following his father into the restaurant business. He founded Dim Mak Records in 1996 while still a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the label has since released music from acts including Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, and The Chainsmokers.

Aoki’s career as a DJ and producer has made him one of the most in-demand live performers in electronic music. He performs an average of 250 shows per year across the globe, making him one of the hardest-working DJs in the industry. His energetic live shows, often featuring his signature cake-throwing and crowd-surfing in inflatable rafts, have become legendary in the festival circuit. He has headlined major festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival.

As a producer, Aoki has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. His discography includes hits like “Boneless” with Chris Lake and Tujamo, “Delirious (Boneless)” with Kid Ink, and “Just Hold On” with Louis Tomlinson. He earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album for “Wonderland” in 2013. He has released multiple studio albums and has been a key figure in bringing EDM to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, Steve Aoki has built a diverse business empire. He has invested in technology startups, launched a fashion line called Dim Mak Collection, and entered the NFT space early as a collector and creator. He is also passionate about science and longevity research, serving on the board of the Longevity Vision Fund. With an estimated net worth of $80 million, Aoki’s wealth reflects his relentless work ethic across music, business, and investments. He also inherited a portion of his father’s estate following Rocky Aoki’s passing in 2008.