Steve Aoki Talks ‘Maldad’ Collaboration With Maluma, Cultural Fusions & 2020 Tour

Steve Aoki just dropped his first-ever collaboration with Maluma called “Maldad,” a track that, according to the EDM artist, took years to make. 

“We messaged back and forth with ideas for a couple of years,” Aoki tells Billboard over the phone. “We wanted to spend time on it so that it's phenomenal and a hit in both of our genres. That takes time. You don’t rush a great concept or idea. I’m glad that Maluma was patient.”

Out Friday (Jan. 17), “Maldad” is a Latin urban fusion with Middle Eastern rhythms, whose core is electronic dance music. “It has sensual rhythms and Maluma’s flavor in there,” Aoki adds.

The party-starting track is accompanied by a music video that was shot in New York City and focuses on themes that best represent the Colombian and Miami-born artists. “Sexy and dark but also colorful. The video has that personality that we’re all about.”

“Maldad” follows Aoki’s previous Latin collabs including “Jaleo” with Nicky Jam.

“Music is global, it’s all about trying out new languages and new cultures. This is the time when the melting pot is really mixed up,” he says. “I also tour 250 shows a year, every single year. I get to really experience a lot of cultural sounds that are massive. It’s very exciting to hear the different sounds of rhythm. It really opens me up as a producer.” 

While making the rounds with his new bop, Aoki will embark on his Neon Future IV: The Color of Noise Tour, during which he will be joined by many special guests such as Deorro and Timmy Trumpet. Aoki promises the futuristic production and level of fun to be out of this world. “I’m bringing elements of what my life is like personally and I’m bringing that onstage.” (For tour dates and ticket sales, click here).

Watch the music video for “Maldad” below.