Steve Aoki has defined electronic dance music for over a decade with his electrifying performances and groundbreaking collaborations. The American DJ and producer has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the EDM scene, creating anthems that resonate across festivals and clubs worldwide. From his early days founding Dim Mak Records to becoming the highest-grossing electronic artist in North America, Aoki’s journey through music has produced countless memorable tracks that continue to energize audiences today.
His ability to blend diverse musical styles while collaborating with artists across multiple genres has resulted in a catalog that transcends traditional electronic music boundaries. Whether he’s working with K-pop superstars, rock legends, or hip-hop icons, Aoki consistently delivers tracks that capture the energy and innovation of contemporary dance music. This comprehensive guide explores twenty of his most impactful and beloved songs that showcase his evolution as an artist and his lasting influence on the electronic music landscape.
Just Hold On (featuring Louis Tomlinson)
Released in December 2016, this uplifting collaboration marked Louis Tomlinson’s debut as a solo artist following One Direction’s hiatus. The track combines Aoki’s signature EDM production with Tomlinson’s emotive vocals, creating an anthem about perseverance during difficult times. The emotional weight behind this song became even more profound when Tomlinson performed it on The X Factor UK just days after losing his mother to leukemia, making it one of the most touching moments in Aoki’s career.
The song achieved remarkable commercial success, debuting at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its tropical house-influenced production showcases Aoki’s versatility as a producer, moving away from his typical big-room sound to create something more accessible to mainstream audiences. The track’s message of resilience resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, establishing it as one of the standout songs in both artists’ catalogs.
Turbulence (featuring Lil Jon with Laidback Luke)
This 2011 explosive collaboration represents one of Aoki’s breakthrough moments in electronic dance music. Produced alongside Dutch DJ Laidback Luke and featuring the unmistakable crunk energy of Lil Jon, the track perfectly encapsulates the high-octane festival atmosphere that defined early 2010s EDM. The combination of buzz-saw synths, thunderous drops, and Lil Jon’s signature ad-libs created an instant anthem that continues to ignite dance floors over a decade later.
The track’s impact extended beyond clubs and festivals, becoming the official goal song for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2013-14 NHL season. Its music video portrayed Aoki and Luke as pilots navigating through stormy weather, a fitting metaphor for the track’s intense energy. This collaboration demonstrated Aoki’s talent for bringing together diverse artists to create something that transcends genre boundaries while maintaining maximum dancefloor appeal.
Waste It On Me (featuring BTS)
Released in October 2018, this collaboration with K-pop phenomenon BTS marked a historic moment as the group’s first fully English-language track. The song showcases a softer, more melodic side of Aoki’s production style, blending tropical pop elements with subtle electronic flourishes. Featuring vocals from BTS members Jungkook, RM, and Jimin, the track explores themes of unrequited affection with lyrics that question why someone wouldn’t take a chance on love.
The song debuted at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered hundreds of millions of streams across platforms. Its star-studded music video, directed by Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn, featured an all Asian-American cast including Ken Jeong, Devon Aoki, and Jimmy O. Yang from Crazy Rich Asians. This marked the third collaboration between Aoki and BTS, following his remix of “Mic Drop” and their work together on “The Truth Untold.”
A Light That Never Comes (with Linkin Park)
This powerful 2013 collaboration brought together two major forces in their respective genres. Working with rock legends Linkin Park resulted in a track that seamlessly merged alternative rock with electronic dance music. The song features Chester Bennington’s distinctive vocals delivering introspective lyrics over Aoki’s progressive house production, creating an emotional journey that showcases both artists’ strengths.
The track appeared on Linkin Park’s remix album “Recharged” and demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment with electronic sounds. With over 114 million Spotify streams, it remains one of Aoki’s most successful rock-electronic crossovers. The collaboration represented a meeting of minds between artists unafraid to push boundaries, resulting in a track that resonated with fans of both electronic and rock music.
Boneless (with Chris Lake and Tujamo)
Originally released in 2013, this massive collaboration became one of the defining tracks of the mid-2010s EDM explosion. The track’s infectious groove, built around a simple yet effective bassline and memorable vocal hook, made it a staple at festivals and clubs worldwide. Its minimalist approach proved that sometimes less is more in electronic music production, with the track’s stripped-back aesthetic allowing each element to shine.
The song achieved significant commercial success with approximately 147 million Spotify streams and widespread use in advertising campaigns for brands like Budweiser and Sol Republic. Its crossover appeal extended into sports arenas and mainstream media, demonstrating electronic music’s growing influence in popular culture. The track remains a testament to effective collaboration between producers who understand dancefloor dynamics.
Delirious (featuring Kid Ink)
This energetic track from Aoki’s debut album “Wonderland” showcases his ability to blend hip-hop with electronic dance music. Kid Ink’s confident rap delivery rides over Aoki’s aggressive electro-house production, creating a club-ready anthem that dominated dance floors upon its 2014 release. The track’s relentless energy and catchy hooks made it an instant favorite among EDM enthusiasts and hip-hop fans alike.
The production features Aoki’s signature sound design with wobbling basslines and explosive drops that have become synonymous with his live performances. Its success helped establish the blueprint for many EDM-hip-hop collaborations that followed, proving that these genres could coexist without compromising either style’s integrity. The track continues to appear in his sets, consistently generating crowd reactions that match its studio intensity.
Azukita (with Daddy Yankee, Play-N-Skillz, and Elvis Crespo)
Released in 2018, this Latin-EDM fusion became a massive hit across multiple continents. The collaboration brought together reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee, Latin icon Elvis Crespo, and production duo Play-N-Skillz to create a track that dominated Latin clubs and crossover markets. Its infectious rhythm combines traditional Latin percussion with modern electronic production, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The track’s success demonstrated electronic music’s growing relationship with Latin genres, a trend that would continue to shape the industry. Its energetic production and multiple vocal performances create layers of excitement that build throughout the song’s runtime. This collaboration showcased Aoki’s global vision and his understanding of how electronic music could enhance and complement established musical traditions from around the world.
No Beef (Original Mix)
This track exemplifies Aoki’s ability to create dancefloor weapons that combine aggression with accessibility. Featuring vocals from Miss Palmer, the song balances hard-hitting electronic production with melodic elements that give it crossover potential. Released during the peak of electro-house’s popularity, it captures the essence of that era while maintaining replay value that extends beyond its initial release period.
The track’s title became something of a motto within the EDM community, representing the genre’s inclusive and positive atmosphere. Its production showcases Aoki’s technical skills, with carefully layered synths and precisely timed drops that demonstrate his understanding of dancefloor psychology. The track remains a favorite among longtime fans who appreciate its uncompromising energy and festival-ready production.
Are You Lonely (featuring Alan Walker and ISÁK)
This 2020 collaboration with Norwegian producer Alan Walker and vocalist ISÁK represents a more introspective side of Aoki’s artistry. The track explores themes of isolation and connection through melancholic melodies and atmospheric production. Both producers’ signature styles shine through, with Walker’s contemplative approach complementing Aoki’s more energetic tendencies to create something that works equally well in intimate settings and large venues.
The song arrived during a period when the electronic music community was grappling with isolation due to global circumstances, making its themes particularly resonant. Its production demonstrates how electronic music can convey deep emotions while maintaining danceability. The collaboration showcases both artists’ maturity and willingness to explore vulnerable subject matter through their music.
Darker Than Blood (featuring Linkin Park)
Released in 2015, this second collaboration with Linkin Park took a darker, more aggressive approach than their first partnership. Mike Shinoda rewrote Aoki’s original lyrics to give the track a more somber tone, reflecting Shinoda’s belief that the initial version was too optimistic. The result is an intense electronic rock fusion that highlights both the band’s powerful vocals and Aoki’s ability to create dramatic, cinematic soundscapes.
The track appeared on Aoki’s “Neon Future II” album and demonstrated the continued chemistry between the producer and the rock legends. Its heavier sound palette and introspective lyrics showed Aoki’s growth as an artist willing to tackle more serious themes. The collaboration process, which reportedly began in 2012, resulted in a carefully crafted piece that balanced both artists’ aesthetics perfectly.
Pretender (featuring Lil Yachty and AJR)
This unexpected 2018 collaboration brought together rapper Lil Yachty and pop-rock trio AJR with Aoki’s production. The track combines electronic production with live instrumentation and diverse vocal styles, creating a genre-defying anthem about authenticity and self-acceptance. Its eclectic approach reflects the increasingly boundary-free nature of contemporary pop and electronic music.
The song’s production showcases Aoki’s ability to adapt his style to complement different artists while maintaining his signature sound. AJR’s theatrical pop sensibilities blend surprisingly well with Lil Yachty’s melodic rap delivery over Aoki’s festival-ready drops. This track exemplifies the producer’s continued relevance in an industry where genre lines increasingly blur, demonstrating his willingness to experiment and evolve.
Freak (featuring Steve Bays with Diplo and Deorro)
This 2014 collaboration with fellow electronic music titans Diplo and Deorro created a powerhouse track that dominated festival circuits. Featuring vocals from Hot Hot Heat’s Steve Bays, the song combines multiple production styles into a cohesive whole that showcases each artist’s strengths. Its appearance in the film “22 Jump Street” helped introduce it to audiences beyond the electronic music sphere.
The track’s aggressive energy and irreverent attitude perfectly captured the mid-2010s EDM aesthetic. Multiple producers working on a single track could result in chaos, but here the collaboration enhances rather than dilutes the final product. Its continued popularity in live sets demonstrates its lasting appeal and effectiveness as a crowd-pleasing anthem that never fails to energize audiences.
Send It
Originally released in 2019, this track represents Aoki’s ongoing evolution as a producer. The song showcases a more refined approach to electronic music production while maintaining the energy that defines his live performances. Its title reflects the fearless attitude that characterizes both Aoki’s music and his renowned stage presence, encouraging listeners to embrace life with full intensity.
The production demonstrates technical sophistication while remaining accessible to mainstream audiences. Its carefully constructed build-ups and satisfying drops show a producer at the height of his powers, understanding exactly how to manipulate energy on the dancefloor. The track works equally well as a radio-friendly single and a festival anthem, demonstrating Aoki’s ability to create music that functions across multiple contexts.
Heavenly Hell (featuring Ne-Yo)
From his 2024 album “Paragon,” this collaboration with R&B superstar Ne-Yo showcases Aoki’s continued relevance in contemporary electronic music. The track blends Ne-Yo’s smooth vocals with modern dance production, creating something that feels both current and timeless. Its sophisticated production demonstrates how Aoki has refined his approach while maintaining the infectious energy that built his career.
The song represents the type of high-profile collaboration that Aoki excels at, bringing together established artists from different genres to create something fresh. Ne-Yo’s vocal performance adds emotional depth to the electronic framework, proving that dance music can convey genuine feeling without sacrificing its primary function of moving bodies. This track exemplifies Aoki’s role as a bridge between different musical worlds.
Play It Cool (featuring Monsta X)
This collaboration with K-pop group Monsta X further cemented Aoki’s relationship with Korean music. Released in 2020, the track combines electronic production with the group’s powerful vocals and rap verses. Its bilingual lyrics appeal to both English and Korean-speaking audiences, reflecting the increasingly global nature of pop music and electronic dance music’s role in that transformation.
The song’s production balances aggression with melody, creating a track that works in clubs while remaining accessible enough for mainstream radio. Monsta X’s dynamic performance style meshes well with Aoki’s energetic production aesthetic. This collaboration demonstrates how electronic music serves as a universal language that can unite artists and audiences across cultural boundaries.
Lie To Me (featuring Ina Wroldsen)
Featured on the “Neon Future III” album, this track showcases Norwegian songwriter Ina Wroldsen’s powerful vocals over Aoki’s emotive production. The song explores themes of deception and relationship dynamics through compelling lyrics and atmospheric electronic soundscapes. Its more introspective approach demonstrates the range within Aoki’s catalog beyond pure dancefloor bangers.
The production creates space for Wroldsen’s vocals to shine while maintaining the forward momentum that keeps the track engaging. Its emotional resonance proves that electronic music can deliver genuine pathos without abandoning its essential characteristics. This track represents the mature side of Aoki’s artistry, showing a producer comfortable exploring different emotional territories.
Nataoki (with NataKong)
From his 2022 releases, this collaboration represents Aoki’s continued exploration of diverse sounds. The track demonstrates his willingness to work with emerging artists and experiment with contemporary production techniques. Its modern sound design and innovative approach to structure show that even after decades in the industry, Aoki remains committed to pushing forward rather than resting on past achievements.
The collaboration showcases how established artists can elevate newer talent while also learning from fresh perspectives. Its production incorporates current trends without sounding derivative, maintaining Aoki’s distinctive stamp while embracing evolution. This track exemplifies the producer’s role as both a legend and an active participant in electronic music’s ongoing development.
Why Are We So Broken (featuring blink-182)
This 2018 collaboration brought Aoki together with pop-punk legends blink-182, creating an emotional fusion of electronic and rock elements. The track addresses vulnerability and emotional damage through the band’s characteristic honest lyricism combined with Aoki’s sympathetic production. Its exploration of mental health themes demonstrates electronic music’s capacity for addressing serious topics while maintaining accessibility.
The collaboration works because both parties respect each other’s artistic approaches without compromising their identities. blink-182’s melancholic melodies translate effectively into Aoki’s electronic framework, creating something that honors both artists’ legacies. This track shows how cross-genre collaborations can produce meaningful art when approached with genuine creative intent rather than mere commercial calculation.
Get Lower (with Paragon)
Featured on his 2024 album “Paragon,” this track represents Aoki’s recent work exploring deeper, more underground-influenced sounds. The production demonstrates technical sophistication while maintaining dancefloor effectiveness. Its title promises exactly what it delivers: a bass-heavy journey designed to move bodies and test sound systems across clubs and festivals worldwide.
The track showcases how Aoki continues to refine his production skills while staying connected to electronic music’s fundamental purpose of creating physical responses through sound. Its modern production techniques demonstrate that even established artists can remain current without chasing trends. This represents Aoki at his most focused and effective as a pure dance music producer.
2×2
This recent track from his “Paragon” album in 2024 demonstrates Aoki’s embrace of contemporary dance music aesthetics. The production incorporates current sound design trends while maintaining his recognizable style. Its mathematical title suggests precision in construction, and the track delivers with carefully balanced elements that work together to create maximum impact on the dancefloor.
The song represents Aoki’s understanding that staying relevant requires both honoring one’s roots and embracing evolution. Its production quality reflects years of experience combined with enthusiasm for electronic music’s future directions. This track proves that artists who built the EDM boom can continue creating vital music by remaining open to where electronic music is heading next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steve Aoki’s most popular song?
According to streaming data from 2025, “Waste It On Me” featuring BTS and “A Light That Never Comes” with Linkin Park are among his most-streamed tracks, each surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify. “Just Hold On” with Louis Tomlinson also achieved massive commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and becoming his highest-charting song in multiple territories.
How many albums has Steve Aoki released?
Steve Aoki has released nine studio albums as of 2024, with his tenth album “Hiroquest 3: Paragon” scheduled for release in June 2025. His discography includes his Grammy-nominated debut “Wonderland” from 2012, the “Neon Future” series, “Steve Aoki Presents Kolony,” and the recent “Hiroquest” albums that showcase his evolving sound and continued relevance in electronic dance music.
What genre of music does Steve Aoki produce?
Steve Aoki primarily produces electronic dance music with a focus on electro house and progressive house styles. However, his catalog demonstrates remarkable versatility, incorporating elements of dubstep, trap, tropical house, and EDM-pop. His collaborative approach has led him to work across genres including hip-hop, K-pop, rock, and Latin music, making him one of the most genre-fluid producers in contemporary electronic music.
Has Steve Aoki won any Grammy Awards?
While Steve Aoki has not won a Grammy Award, his debut album “Wonderland” received a nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 2013. This recognition from the Recording Academy acknowledged his significant contributions to electronic music and his role in bringing EDM to mainstream audiences during the genre’s explosive growth period in the early 2010s.
What makes Steve Aoki’s live performances unique?
Steve Aoki’s live performances are legendary for their high energy and interactive elements, most notably his signature cake-throwing tradition where he launches cakes into the crowd during sets. His shows combine cutting-edge visuals, innovative technology, and unexpected creative elements with his DJ skills to create immersive experiences. He consistently ranks among the highest-grossing electronic dance music artists, with Pollstar naming him the top-earning EDM artist in North America in 2012.
Who has Steve Aoki collaborated with?
Steve Aoki has collaborated with an incredibly diverse array of artists across multiple genres. His partnerships include K-pop groups BTS and Monsta X, rock bands Linkin Park and blink-182, pop stars Louis Tomlinson and Lauren Jauregui, hip-hop artists Lil Jon and Kid Ink, Latin stars Daddy Yankee and Elvis Crespo, and fellow electronic producers Diplo, Alan Walker, and Afrojack. This extensive collaboration history demonstrates his ability to work effectively across musical boundaries.
What is Dim Mak Records?
Dim Mak Records is the independent record label founded by Steve Aoki in 1996 while he was still attending college. The label has become a powerhouse in the alternative music scene, releasing music across genres from indie rock to electronic dance music to trap. Dim Mak has helped launch and develop the careers of numerous artists and remains an important part of Aoki’s multifaceted career as a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur.
What is Steve Aoki’s connection to BTS?
Steve Aoki has collaborated with BTS on three separate occasions, beginning with his remix of their song “Mic Drop” featuring Desiigner in 2017, which became the first K-pop track to reach the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. He then worked with the group’s vocal line on “The Truth Untold” from their 2018 album “Love Yourself: Tear,” and released “Waste It On Me” later that year as BTS’s first fully English-language track. These collaborations helped introduce both artists to new audiences and demonstrated the global reach of both K-pop and electronic dance music.