Jason Yglesias (born February 10th , 1970), known professionally as Jaz Kaiwiko'o, is a Filipino / Hawaiian Hip Hop & RnB producer , artist & radio personality. Born in San Francisco, Bay Area, Ca, Jaz got his start as part of the foundation of Bay Area Hip Hop, as an alumni of the Famous Renegade Rockers Breaking Crew, and a rapper for the Sure Shock Syndicate , which also included Bay Area DJ legends Glen Auri & D Dtyles. He graduated from Sunset high School (1988) in Hayward Ca, and was signed to a record deal fresh out of high school with Imagine Records (Mark Bradford's Imagine ent, responsible for the largest DJ showcases back in the 80's) and debut project was produced by Stan G-Man" Keith, and Jaz's mentors Albert Degracia & Rich Aguon (veteran musicians for the Whispers, Collage, EnVogue) . His Stage / Radio Name, Jaz Kaiwiko'o was inspired by his two favorite Dj's Jazzy Jeff & Jazzy Jay, Kaiwiko'o , his Hawaiian name which means "strong forceful Bones" and also the name of a Lua (Hawaiian Martial Art) stroke. Jaz's, then known as (Sweet) Jay Love , debut album never released ("My Neighborhood" Produced by Stan Keith, did receive a few spins on KMEL) At that time there wasn't a market in RnB or Rap for those outside of Black Artist , especially from the bay Area. Jaz moved to Hawaii in 1993, where he became a member (drummer) of the Island Reggae Band Ehukai, who's 1996 Single Moloka'i Slide, is still one of the longest Hawaii radio charting singles to date , and one of the biggest selling albums of all time (in HI). After the band's break up in 2000, Jaz pursued work in the recording industry as well as becoming a session drummer & later a sought after mixing engineer.
Aside from producing and performing Hip Hop & RnB, Jaz has made a living recording & producing Hawaiian Music & Reggae at his Hybrid Digital & Analog facility Mixed Emotion Studio where he also work extensively with radio imaging, movie & video music production & mentoring.
With over 2 dozen top ten Hawaii & Pacific credits, He is a two time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner (Hawaiian Grammy) with over a dozen nominations to include 2 Engineer of the year nominations . Jaz is responsible for starting the careers of dozens of Island Stars and to this day at age 50, still practices the 4 elements of Hip Hip. Dj'ing, Rapping, Graffiti & Break Dancing , which he feels are part of his Culture & are things hes Kuleana (responsibility) to pass down to his children or to anyone who wants to learn.
https://www.facebook.com/jasonsenicayglesias/
https://soundcloud.com/jazkaiwikoo
https://www.youtube.com/user/dajazman