Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steve Aoki’s Net Worth?
Steve Aoki, a prominent figure in the electro-house music scene, boasts a net worth of approximately $120 million. This impressive figure is primarily attributed to his successful career as a DJ, record producer, music executive, and entertainer. His diverse income streams include revenue from music sales, live performances, record label earnings, and strategic investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Steven Hiroyuki Aoki on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, Steve’s upbringing was influenced by his father, Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, and his mother, Chizuru Kobayashi. The family relocated to Newport Beach, California, where Steve attended Newport Harbor High School, graduating in 1995. He then pursued higher education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Feminist Studies and Sociology. During his college years, Aoki’s entrepreneurial spirit shone as he organized underground concerts at the Santa Barbara Student Housing Cooperative, laying the foundation for his future career in music and entertainment.
In 1996, Steve Aoki launched Dim Mak Records. The label’s name pays homage to Bruce Lee, Aoki’s childhood hero. He gained traction by relentless touring, particularly on college campuses. Aoki’s touring schedule often included approximately 250 shows each year. For instance, the Deadmeat Tour in the spring of 2012 saw him headlining over 55 cities with 60 dates across the United States and Canada. His early career moves also included remixing tracks for a variety of well-known artists and bands. He remixed the work of Jackson 5, Drake, Kanye West, Eminem, The Killers, Lenny Kravitz, and Snoop Dogg.
Music Career and Album Releases
Aoki’s discography includes several studio albums that have contributed significantly to his financial success. His debut studio album, “Wonderland,” was released in 2012. Subsequent albums like “Neon Future I” (2014), “Neon Future II” (2015), and “Steve Aoki Presents Kolony” (2017) continued to solidify his position in the electronic music scene. “Neon Future III” was released in 2018, and on September 9, 2019, Aoki collaborated with the Backstreet Boys to release “Let It Be Me”. On April 3, 2020, Aoki released his latest album, “Neon Future IV.” One of his most successful singles, “A Light That Never Comes” (with Linkin Park), further amplified his popularity and earnings. Aoki’s earnings have also been increased by collaborations with artists such as Linkin Park, Iggy Azalea, Lil Jon, blink-182, BTS, Backstreet Boys, Rise Against, and Fall Out Boy, among many others.
Aoki founded Dim Mak Records in 1996, solidifying his influence in the music industry. He has also worked as a club promoter and DJ, expanding his presence and revenue streams. Aoki’s diverse activities have established him as a successful music entrepreneur.
Earnings and Financial Highlights
At various points in his career, Steve Aoki has been recognized as one of the highest-grossing dance artists in North America, accumulating approximately $30 to $40 million per year. His income is derived from several sources, including live performances, music royalties, record sales, and endorsements. He also earns money from his clothing line, The Dim Mak Collection. Further diversifying his income, Aoki has made strategic investments in various ventures, contributing significantly to his overall net worth.
In 2020, Steve Aoki launched the YouTube show “The Neon Future Dinner Series,” which further extended his digital presence and potentially generated revenue through advertising and sponsorships. To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, guests on the show on May 28, 2020, included Lisa Ling, Ross Butler, Henry Golding, and Michelle Phan. Previous guests include Tony Hawk, Shaun White, T-Pain, and will.i.am. “The Neon Future Dinner Series” is on Aoki’s YouTube channel.
Investments
Steve Aoki has made several investments in private companies. These include clothing company Vision Street Wear, and e-sports team Rogue. Two particularly notable investments are in Uber and SpaceX. The specifics of how much he invested in these companies are not available to the public. These forward-thinking investments have the potential to contribute to Aoki’s wealth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Steve Aoki resides in a 16,000-square-foot home located in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas. Built in 2008 on a 40,000-square-foot lot, the property was initially listed for $12 million. Aoki acquired it at auction in 2014 for less than $3 million in cash. He subsequently invested additional funds to transform the residence into what he calls “Aoki’s Playhouse,” featuring a modern and technologically advanced design. This property serves as both a residence and a reflection of his personal brand and style.
In 2015, Steve Aoki married his long-time girlfriend, Tiernan Cowling, in Hawaii, after a five-year engagement. Aoki is a gamer. In 2020, it was announced that he was taking part in the Warzone Royal Ruckus, a charity tournament of the best gamers, athletes, musicians, and influencers playing Call of Duty in support of the Equal Justice Initiative. The organization is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. More than 100 pro gamers and celebs came together to compete in Call of Duty: Warzone Royal Ruckus two-day charity tournament on June 11 and 12, 2020.
Philanthropy
The Aoki Foundation supports brain research with a focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation. The foundation also supports animal rights, disaster relief, and people with developmental disabilities. The Aoki Foundation reflects Aoki’s desire to give back to the community.
During his 2013 North American tour, Aoki donated a dollar of every ticket sale to four charities: the Brain Preservation Foundation, the University of Rochester Medical Center – Memory Care Program, the American Brain Foundation, and Infusio. His fans were asked to vote for their favorite charity. The Brain Preservation Foundation won and received $33,000 of the $65,000 Aoki raised from ticket sales.
