Azul 213

Introduction: As a DJ, photojournalist, visual artist and a Hit+Run crew member, Azul has quite the interesting background. Born in Brooklyn, raised in the Bronx and currently residing in in Boyle Heights, Azul developed national acclaim through his soulful DJ sets as well as his published photo work. Musically, his performances reflect this varied upbringing and experience, and he regularly run the gamut, from Latin dance classics to hip-hop, house, Afro beat and electro. Whether he is deejaying, organizing local art and music event or managing productions at Hardware Studio, Azul is a prominent figure on the LA music and art scene. Azul has been a guest DJ and resident at some of LA's most popular nights, past and present, including The Do Over, Firecracker, Bridges, Descarga, RedLight Afterhours and The Rhythm Section. Azul has played alongside and hosted events with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Questlove, Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Jazzy Jeff, Egyptian Lover, Flying Lotus, Cut Chemist, Madlib, Kenny Dope, Diamond D, Z Trip, Dj Quik, 9th Wonder, Dj Spinna, Garth Trinidad, Peanut Butter Wolf, Daedelus, Erykah Badu, N'Dea Davenport, Ozomotli, The Gaslamp Killer, Atrak and Will.I.Am, to name a few. Azul has been managing a blooming photo career. He began capturing images of up-and-coming urban music superstars after working production on numerous sets of music videos. In the years since then, Azul 213 photography has grown alongside the culture he so loves, helping to visually define an era of urban music and lifestyle. In 2003, Azul 213 photography was born and since then, he has built an impressive reputation for producing photographs that are tasteful, timeless and contemporary. Azul has worked for several recording artists, record labels, publications, small and large agencies, startups and those well established. Azul is the creator of the Peace Photo Project which started 7 years ago to raise awareness about the ongoing war. Started as Peace in Iraq project, it quickly transitioned to the Peace project to fully respect the other conflicts around the world. Music artists, local superheroes and talents have helped raise awareness for this project. It has 14 shows last year from San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Puerto Rico, local universities, charter schools and Los Angeles' hottest dance spots received write-ups in numerous publications, including URB Magazine, Working Class Magazine, etc. and television appearances. The project is close to 5000 photos and gearing up for its international debut in 2013. His newest endeavor is in co-founding Hardware Studio, a unique and private media production studio/workspace in the heart of Boyle Heights which has been used for live broadcasts, film productions, photo shoots and community events. Some of its clients include Sony Music, Boiler Room TV, Red Bull, Mochilla, Plug Research Records, Cashmere Agency and Serchlite TV. Azul also founded the 213 Bike Ride which promotes safe riding and celebrates community. The bike ride participants are diverse group of riders from all over Los Angeles with ranges in age and occupations.