AOK – The Last Dragon Standing

Sometimes new producers only focus on major label placements and aren’t well versed in the world of licensing to know how lucrative a situation it can be if handled properly. One producer from the Chi, who is aligning himself with companies like Nike and Open Labs can teach you a bit about that, Meet AOK

INTERVIEW BY J HATCH

What’s good AOK, for those new to the name, give them some background.
Well, I am a music composer, producer, writer, artist, as well as the Ceo of Last Dragon Enterprise and I also am the sound designer/ music producer for www.jumpman23.com.

Before producing you were in a group called Apocalypse, how was that experience and how has it helped you as a producer?
Being a part of any group is challenging but it taught me how to deal with the many different personality traits and how to stand out as an individual. A good producer should be able to deal with different attitudes to get his or her projects done. Being a part of the group gave me some balance in how to deal with diversity.

There is an interesting story behind the name of your production company, ‘Last Dragon Entertainment’, care to elaborate?
We all get ourselves in situations that can make or break us as humans. I opened up my first production facility with my buddies at the time, I thought something this big couldn’t be handled alone so I had partners unfortunately it was not taken as serious as it should have been by all parties, The moral of the movie would hit close to home for me, because I had begun to realize that I too embodied the inner strength to achieve anything, as did the main antagonist in the movie, Bruce Leroy… I closed down the cave, pruned my tree of life and Last Dragon Entertainment bloomed…

You went to Columbia College for Sound Engineering, but ended up getting involved in a multitude of things surrounding the musical and business aspects, what drew you to that side of the game?
I understand that everything in life has a substructure to support its existence. Our bodies have bones and buildings have frames so it was important at the time of that realization that I learned about what makes the industry work and how to protect my future in this career path… I meet so many people that can’t negotiate a contract or even speak for themselves… I refuse to have someone speak for me so I found it important to learn the game to create my own lane in which I successfully have done.

In 2005 you signed a production deal with Nike’s own ‘Brand Jordan’ which you recently renegotiated, to be the sole music/sound producer for all online shoe campaigns, how did that relationship come about and what are some of the projects you have provided music for?
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. I have provided Music for the Web site, the Jordan European Tour, The DVD in The 23 shoebox and the music in the Jordan displays at your favorite shoe stores.

You also recently landed an endorsement deal with Open Labs, what does that entail?
My situation over at Open Labs is a blessing. I decided to go to the One Stop Shop this year in Arizona and I met the CEO of Open Labs, we hit if off well. I was willing to buy a Miko on the spot he saw the respect I have for his Brand… The rest is history I simply spread the gospel of the Miko and Neko I own both… I Love Open labs as a Brand the customer service is unique all you do is call in and they take control of your machine remotely … Plus I’m on the roster with Polo the Don, Timberland, and Lil John who could ask for more of an affiliation than that?

Your latest project ‘Jumpman 23′ has been doing well on iTunes and Rhapsody, what can listeners expect to experience?
The Project Is Called Jumpman Music v1 and you can find it on Rhapsody, Napster and I tunes. This project is an instrumental album with some of the music from Jumpman23. I have another project doing well called Oil for the Hood v1 you can download that at www.digstation.com/bbc with 4 more volumes to be released this year.

Creatively how do you approach projects like these, walk us through the process.
I approach all projects with one thing in mind and that is what the spirit of the project. Is it street, corporate or abstract? Once I determine what category the project falls in then I surround myself with stuff that evokes that mood and go, God does the Rest. I look for inspiration in everything I do and apply it to my music. I could Get Into it with someone and turn around and make a crazy track. I approach everything like a regular 9-5 job.

As a producer ultimately what is your overall goal?
My overall goal is to be a Mogul to dominate the game and flood the market with music that has substance and to provide employment opportunities to up and coming talents…

What’s next for AOK and Last Dragon?
Right now I’m putting the finishing touches on my Oil for the Hood Series V 2-5. 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.

How can clients inquire about your production services?
Clients can Contact me on my cell 708-856-1774 and my email Aok@lastdragonent.com for production or studio rental inquiries…

Where can we find you on the site?
www.iStandardProducers/AOK

Any shouts or plugs?
I would like to send a big shout up to God for blessing me first off, Brand Jordan, Victor Wong of Open Labs, iStandard, 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