AOK

Chicago has been well know for it\’s musical contributions over the last decade with artists such as Twista, Common, but it wasn\’t until recently that producers like Kanye West really got their shine and stepped out from the windy city\’s shadow. A new producer who is taking the online game by storm and has aligned himself with some major brans such as Nike and Open Labs is AOK. Just like the saying, his name and persona exudes a positive demeanor allowing for positive forward motion towards his actions and goals. Read on people.

What\’s up AOK, where are you from and what do you do?

I am from Chicago\’s South Side. I Am The Founder and CEO of Last Dragon Enterprise and Studios. I\’m also the Music Producer for Www.Jumpman23.com.

Where did the name AOK come from?

My name AOK comes from attitude, how I look at things. When life or business trends tend to become rough or looks bleak I am the type of individual who keeps a positive outlook , hence AOK is Born out of faith in positive outcomes and my first name.

Last Dragon is the movement, describe your start in the music industry?

I have been involved in the music industry for over 10 years now. It all started back in 1985 when I joined my school band. I ended up testing high for the horn section of our band which was pretty unique, there were only 4 of us who played the French Horn. I got a chance to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and I was blown away. My path lead me in many directions up until my Sophomore year of College When I realized my art is a gift from God and I\’d better educate myself to the business side of the entertainment industry. I got my First internship at Foxes & Hounds Productions in 1997 and the rest is history…

You have a special situation with Nike and Open Labs, what do they entail and how did you get started with them?

My Situation at Nikes Brand Jordan is A Unique situation, I Produce the Music for the online shoe campaign. A Brand Jordan employee was at their cubical blasting an instrumental Demo of mine and the right person walked by and was blown away by what he was hearing, I got that call from the brand while I was working a job I hated . I have been involved with the brand going on 4 years now. My situation over at Open Labs came about by attending Sha Money XL\’s One Stop Shop In Arizona I got a chance to meet the CEO of the brand and we hit it off well, I was Interested in his products and was willing to buy on the spot, Victor recognized the respect I had for his company and offered an artist endorsement deal and now I spread the gospel of Open Lab products…

A lot of producers only have their eye on major label placements, many don\’t relaize the potential in licensing, can you provide some insight?

I look at the Game like a big pie. Major label placement is only a piece of the pie Licensing is another piece but you also have Management, Writing, Artist Development, PR, Etc. I think everyone is after that major label placement because they think that is where all the dollars are generated, but that is only one source of income and not the only way in. I recommend all producers diversify your income from many different sources.

Musically who are some of the people who have inspired you to follow this musical path?

Musically I\’m inspired by Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Prince, Slick Rick, Outcast, Goodie Mob, Chuck D, KRS One, Rasskass, J Dilla, Madlib, Killer Mike, E 40, Ice Cube, Dr Dre, 2 Pac, Outlaws, UGK, NAS, George Clinton; My list is too big for this interview but I love Oldies and Hip Hop that has a message I\’m inspired by everyone that has come before my movement.

In the scheme of things how important has your ability to network helped you gain specific relationships in efforts to further your career?

Networking has been the key to my success… You have to get up and out and take your destiny in your own hands and mold it.. Nothing will happen if you just sit around waiting for someone to sign you… You have to get up and get on by being at I Standard beat battles, And Music business conferences like One Stop Shop I know from firsthand experience you will walk away with new business if you step your network game up. Expect your success to be defined buy your work ethic… Closed mouth can\’t be fed but don\’t expect for anyone to just hand you a fish…

What\’s next on AOK\’s agenda?

Right now I\’m putting the finishing touches on my Oil for the Hood Series V 2-5. You can download v1 from www.digstation.com/bbc. I\’m also in talks with Illroots.com to host a quarterly mix tape for up and coming producers and mix tape Djs . I\’m also starting to work with Swole from the Package Store Production team in Atlanta on an Upcoming Movie soundtrack and score as well as produce for a few artists on the label. My Plate is only half full I\’m looking for work all the time…

Where can others find you online?

You can find my works at
www.istandardproducers.com/AOK
www.pmpworldwide.com/AOK
Email: AOK@lastdragonent.com
Cell: 708-856-1774

Any plugs or shouts?

I would like to send a big shout up to God for blessing me first off, Brand Jordan, Victor Wong of Open Labs, I standard, Lenny S, Sha Money XL, Buck Wild, Abdulla, M.Boogie Dave Rene, L.E.P., Phli, Fashion Geek, Tito, Omega Red, BBK, Mom and Dad, Tiarre M., Jason M., all my Midwest, west coast, east coast and dirty south fam. Peace and Love…