Never doubt your dreams. YikeMike rose through criticism to silence his haters with success.
Rancho Cucamonga, California native Michael Dunford is the record producer and DJ known to the world as YikeMike. His journey as a music enthusiast began at just 12-years-old making beats on Magix Music Maker. Inspired by Skrillex and Deadmau5, his taste geared towards EDM electronic beats. His sound would go through a series of changes, first to producing trap beats for local classmates at Rancho Cucamonga High School and other local artists from around his area in the Inland Empire. Fighting through backlash from classmates calling his beats, “trash” YikeMike only gained motivation to push the boundaries of his craft.
In time, his sound evolved further, embodying a west coast vibe. This transition brought his path into connection with LA rapper and entrepreneur, Fat Meech. Their friendship led to his introduction to Almighty Suspect which enlisted YikeMike to sample the hip hop beats “Becky,” “Perfect Beat,” and “WhyYouBullShittin” for a series of freestyle challenge contests. The beats became a sensation across California, especially “WhyYouBullShittin” which went viral inspiring the “TikTok dance” sound and being recognized by rappers like YBN Nahmir and Suga Free, who created the original beat. YikeMike’s name was spreading like wildfire in the industry and his brand saw new heights of fame.
He would connect with one of the hottest new artists at the time, Blueface, producing his song “Next Big Thing” before following up with “2 Coccs” and “In The Zone.” His popularity skyrocketed even further when arguably the greatest artist of this generation, Drake, listed YikeMike’s produced track “Next Big Thing” as his anthem. YikeMike was taking over the California scene as the producer supplying many of its artists with heat. With his brand at an all time high, YikeMike expanded his talent into graphic design, music engineering, clothing design, and DJing. He has since been a staple in the California DJ scene, hosting major parties.
YikeMike is one of the top youngest upcoming DJs in California. Follow his socials and support his brand and projects.
Instagram: @yikemike
Twitter: @1YikeMike
Blueface “Next Big Thing” produced by YikeMike:
