AJ Rios

27, born in NJ, raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Coming from a musical family on both sides, Rios was born fully aware of his purpose and passion. By age 3, he was given his first shot at playing drum set at his family’s Pentecostal church, one of the 3 churches he plays at to this today. By age 7, he began to teach himself the piano by ear, covering songs on the radio until he felt it matched. Rios continued his journey by picking up guitar at age 11, and eventually joining band in middle school. This venture would lead him to eventually making All-state band his last 2 years of high school, lead the drumline as captain, and receive the John Phillip Sousa Award. Naturally, he began a music major at James Madison University, where he was a member of the Wind Symphony/Drumline. However, Rios’s passion for production and sampling took full form during college years, and eventually led to his early departure. Today, he hones his craft and carries the work ethic over into a new form, one that we can all take part in. His 2020 highlight was ULTRAVIOLET, a ground-breaking Soul/R&B album with singer Kianna Camille; also from Virginia Beach. It received high praise from the likes of Questlove, Knxwledge, Devin Morrison, & Okayplayer magazine. In 2021, he tied for first place in Ski Beatz SmackPack Beat battle, his first battle ever. Earning respect from notable producers 9th Wonder, Nottz, & Khrysis. With a catalogue spanning over 40 projects, the best is yet to come.