Y2K

Ari David Starace, known professionally as Y2K, is an American record producer, songwriter, and DJ born on July 27, 1994, in Scottsdale, Arizona. His interest in music began at a young age, influenced by bands like Gorillaz and Tears for Fears. As a teenager, his musical taste shifted towards indie rock with bands such as My Chemical Romance. He began his career as a music producer, initially working with Californian rapper Lil B.

Career Breakthrough

Y2K gained significant recognition in 2019 with his viral hit song "Lalala," a collaboration with Canadian rapper bbno$. The song achieved massive success, charting in over 20 countries and earning multi-platinum certifications in several of them, including 3x Platinum by the RIAA in the United States. To promote "Lalala," Y2K and bbno$ employed unconventional marketing strategies, including creating fake stories about how they met and using various online platforms to generate buzz. A remix of the song was later released featuring Enrique Iglesias and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Musical Style and Collaborations

Y2K is known for his eclectic musical style that blends electronic, pop, trap, and hip-hop. He has produced music for a variety of prominent artists, including Doja Cat, for whom he produced five songs on her 2021 album "Planet Her." He has also worked with Yung Gravy, Killy, Lil Aaron, and the instrumental rock group Polyphia. His work is characterized by elaborate, exuberant beats and a creative use of samples. In 2022, he collaborated with JPEGMAFIA on the single "Dirt."

Notable Productions and Remixes

Throughout his career, Y2K has been involved in numerous projects as a producer and remixer. Some of his key work includes:

• "Lalala" (with bbno$) - A viral hit that brought him international fame.
• Production for Doja Cat - Contributed to her successful album "Planet Her."
• Production for Yung Gravy - Including the single "Tampa Bay Bustdown" featuring Chief Keef.
• Remixes - He has remixed tracks for artists like Yo Gotti and Nicki Minaj ("Rake It Up") and Ro Ransom.
• Collaboration with Polyphia - Produced their 2022 album "Remember That You Will Die."