Aminé - Becoming (Vevo LIFT)

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Becoming Aminé (Vevo LIFT). 2017

Aminé is all about ideas, and he seldom goes about things the way others do. The Portland, Oregon MC, whose “Caroline” video blew up in 2016 (it’s clocked more than 150MM views on Vevo), has a wry sense of humor and tight group of buds. A firm believer in the DIY aesthetic, he directed “Caroline” himself, and cast his pals in its squad-at-the-drive-thru setting. When it came time to present a portrait of himself to the fans he’s earned during the past year (his “REDMERCEDES” also created a sizable buzz), our latest LIFT artist chose to script a short film that would provide a snapshot of his high school years and the way music has long been central in his life.

‘Becoming Aminé’ heads back to the corridors of Portland’s Benson Polytech, the rapper’s actual alma mater, for a look at how he and his crew try to get his music played by mysterious local DJ, Johnny James. By its end it’s easy to see how camaraderie and absurdity intertwine in his world view. “I didn’t want to bring you back to the home where I grew up and say, ‘Oh look, I grew up in the hood,” he says. “Everyone does that. I wanted to show you a day from my past, from high school with my friends, that speaks to who I am today.”

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CREDITS

DIRECTOR

Mikey Alfred

PRODUCER

Mai Fujiwara, Wildcat NYC

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Joseph Patel

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Adam Amine Daniel

Justin Lehmann

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Tom Connaughton

JP Evangelista

STORY BY

Mikey Alfred

Adam Amine Daniel

CAST

Jor-el Lord as Young Aminé

Justin Weaver as Young Jonathan

Jett Sheng as Young Yosief

Jonathan Ressom as himself

Yosief Berhe as himself

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Ryan Chann

EDITOR

Mikey Alfred

ORIGINAL MUSIC

Tyler, The Creator

Rat Boy