DJ Iku: Japanese turntablist and producer

 

DJ Iku is a Japanese turntablist and producer known for his innovative approach to DJing and his ability to seamlessly mix a variety of genres. He has been active in the music industry since the early 2000s and has become one of Japan's most respected DJs.

Early life and career

DJ Iku was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1980. He grew up listening to a wide range of music, including hip hop, R&B and soul, and was inspired to become a DJ after seeing DJ Q-Bert perform at a music festival in Japan. He began practicing on his own, honing his skills on a set of turntables in his bedroom.

In the early 2000s, DJ Iku began to make a name for himself in the Japanese hip hop scene. A regular at local clubs and events, he quickly gained a reputation for his technical skills and ability to get the crowd dancing. He released his first mixtape in 2002, which featured a mix of Japanese and American hip hop.

Career Highlights

DJ Iku's career highlights include winning the DMC Japan DJ Championship in 2004 and 2005, and representing Japan at the DMC World DJ Championship in 2005 and 2006. He also won the Vestax Extravaganza Japan DJ Championship in 2006, cementing his status as one of Japan's top turntablists.

In addition to his success on the DJ competition circuit, DJ Iku has also become known for his production work. He has released a number of singles and albums, including his debut album 'Turntable Rocker' in 2010, which featured collaborations with a number of Japanese hip hop artists.

DJ Iku has also collaborated with a number of international artists including DJ Premier, Jazzy Jeff and DJ Babu. In 2016, he performed alongside DJ Premier at the Red Bull Thre3style World Finals in Chile, which was a highlight of his career.

Current projects

Today, DJ Iku continues to be an influential figure in the Japanese music scene. A regular on the club and festival circuit, he is known for his energetic performances and ability to keep the crowd dancing all night long. He also hosts a weekly radio show, 'Turntable Radio', on Tokyo FM.

In recent years, DJ Iku has also become an advocate for the use of turntables as musical instruments. He has collaborated with a number of musicians and artists to create live performances that blur the lines between DJing and live instrumentation.

DJ Iku is one of Japan's most talented and respected DJs, known for his technical skills and ability to mix a variety of genres. His success on the DJ competition circuit and his collaborations with international artists have helped to cement his status as a global force in the world of turntablism. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with a set of turntables, it is clear that DJ Iku will remain an important figure in the Japanese music scene for years to come.

Information : https://iflyer.tv/en/dj-iku/about/