'On Their Shoulders': Why Steve Aoki is thankful for Bruce Lee and BTS
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, "Good Morning America" presents "On Their Shoulders," a series featuring newsmakers, actors and musical artists who share tributes to those who paved the way for them.
After five studio albums, two Grammy nominations and countless cake-throwing concerts, Steve Aoki is still adding to his résumé.
A Netflix documentary all about his sleep-deprived schedule? Check. Hit collaborations with popular young artists like BTS and One Direction's Louis Tomlinson? Check. A podcast all about Japan? Check.
What else could Aoki accomplish?
The electronic music producer and executive has set his sights on his new album, "Neon Future IV," and his memoir, "BLUE: The Color of Noise," which will be released in September.
"[Neon Future IV] is once again [cast] with incredible artists from all different walks of life, from different cultures and different genres," Aoki told "Good Morning America." "[It] follows along the same suit as "Neon Future III."
Something that is essential to any successful career is authenticity, Aoki said.
"Be original," he offered as advice for aspiring artists. "Take from your roots and find the things that really push you to go beyond yourself."
"Roots" to the famous DJ include his Japanese heritage and the Asian American people who have come before him.
Rocky Aoki: Paving the way
One of the people who Aoki credited as a source of inspiration in his own life was his Japanese-born father Hiroaki Aoki, or Rocky Aoki, who was known as an American wrestler and the creator of the popular Japanese restaurant chain, Benihana.
"My father paved the way for many Asian men and women to make a name for themselves in America," Aoki shared.
"He remains a big influence in my life, even after he passed away over 10 years ago."
Bruce Lee: 'A rebel'
Aoki also considers Bruce Lee an icon because he was "a philosopher, a fighter and a rebel."
Lee skyrocketed to fame by bringing martial arts movies to the next level. He produced films for audiences in both Hong Kong and Hollywood.
"As a kid, for me, Lee was the only Asian role model I had who really appealed to people of all backgrounds," he said.
BTS: 'A testament to Asian voices in music'
Aoki also gave a special shout-out to BTS, the popular South Korean boy band he has collaborated with on several songs.
"[They] have taken the world by storm with everything from their music and dance moves to their charismatic personalities," Aoki said.
"I look at them not just as incredible musicians and artists, but as a testament to Asian voices in music that have opened the door for many other Asian people."
Yuri Kochiyama: 'A powerful Asian voice'
Growing up in California, Aoki did not just nurture a love for music but also a passion for social activism. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double major in feminist studies and sociology.
Human rights activist Yuri Kochiyama, who fought for justice alongside activists such as Malcolm X, was one of Aoki's biggest inspirations.
"She was one of the biggest Asian influences for my own social activism when I was in college," he shared. "She was a powerful Asian voice in the human rights movement."
Hiroshi Fujiwara: 'A trendsetter'
As someone who likes to push the envelope in his career, Aoki also paid tribute to trendsetters such as Japanese streetwear designer and musician Hiroshi Fujiwara.
Fujiwara has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Burton, Levi's, Supreme, Converse, Beats by Dre and more.
"He is also known as the godfather of modern streetwear," Aoki said. "He has proven to be a true pioneer in fashion who has influenced American clothing."
'Keep fighting for it'
Now, Aoki has paved the way for other aspiring creators, and he shared his best advice for young artists.
"One, you have to love what you do," Aoki told "GMA."
"You have to really love what you do, because you have to put in the work, and in order to put in the work, you have to put in your passion and fire that really gets you going."
His second biggest piece of advice was to "be yourself."
"Be diligent, be resilient and keep fighting for it, and eventually, it will come," he said.
Editor's note: This was originally published on May 31, 12, 2019.
