Meet ADER2K: Midlyfe’s Rising DJ Making Waves in Klang Valley’s Music Scene

By Aqasha Nalani  •  18 Feb 2025 in Features

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If you’re into hip-hop or the clubbing scene in the Klang Valley, chances are you’ve heard of ADER2K—the official DJ for rap label Midlyfe.

At just 23 years old, ADER2K began making a name for himself, debuting his DJ sets at clubs in 2023. But his love for music started much earlier—at 16 years old, after attending his first music event.

“I was struck by the underground music scene and the diverse community that existed. I was surprised to learn that DJs could play genres beyond EDM. That inspired me to start DJing,” he told JUICE.

Fascinated by the underground movement, ADER2K taught himself to DJ, watching YouTube tutorials and practising on an iPad app before upgrading to proper equipment.

His stage name, ADER2K, originally started as a graffiti tag before evolving into his DJ persona. He even considered naming himself Adam2k, drawing inspiration from artists like Ecco2k, known for using the “2k” suffix.

But at the end of 2023, he was commissioned to design the logo and visuals for Lucidari’s Chronosphere, marking a significant moment in his journey with Midlyfe and solidifying his name in the local hip-hop scene.

How ADER2K makes sure his sets aren’t restricted to one genre

If you’ve ever attended ADER2K’s sets, you’ll know that his music isn’t confined to just one sound. His mixes span multiple genres but always feature danceable, familiar tracks that keep the crowd moving.

Drawing inspiration from Don Toliver, Future, Playboi Carti, and more, ADER2K’s signature sound is hip-hop at its core—but he’s expanded his mixes to afro baile, dubstep, guaracha, and even a girlypop twist.

“At the moment, I’ve been exploring other genres besides hip-hop, especially those with strong, hard-hitting beats. But I try to include songs that the crowd already knows and enjoys while still aligning with my personal taste.

“For example, I really like [the K-pop girl group] NJZ, and I’ve incorporated their tracks into my sets when appropriate. The crowd seems to love them too,” he said.

For ADER2K, DJing isn’t just about pressing play—it’s about curating an experience in the moment

Before stepping up to the decks, the young DJ has a strict ritual to ensure he delivers a seamless performance. According to ADER2K, every set is different, and he makes sure to understand the energy of each event beforehand.

He starts by analysing the crowd, event type, and venue before creating a Spotify playlist to organise tracks, which he will then transfer into his DJ software.

While preparation is key, ADER2K thrives on spontaneity. Instead of relying on pre-made remixes, he prefers to mix live, adapting to the crowd’s energy in real-time.

“Before playing a show, I like to isolate myself completely to stay focused on my set. I tend to avoid any kind of distraction, like text messages, to maintain my concentration,” he said.

This dedication to his craft ensures that every performance is authentic, immersive, and unpredictable.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, the DJ aims to study more genres and expand his musical repertoire

“I plan to dedicate more time to experimenting with different genres and collaborating diversely. But my main goal is to explore and identify what works best for my style,” he shared.

In 2024, the DJ also won the Best DJ category in JUICE’s very own ‘The Best of 2024’, where local underground and mainstream artists were given flowers for their dedication to continuously raising the bar for the Malaysian arts industry.

Speaking of his win, ADER2K said that he felt grateful to be acknowledged for his work.

“Honestly, it feels great to be recognised, but I’m not one to dwell on awards. It’s more of a reminder to keep doing what I love—bringing energy to every set and making sure the crowd has an unforgettable time. Winning this just means I’m on the right track, and that’s enough for me,” he said.

Beyond personal growth, ADER2K also has words of wisdom for aspiring DJs, stating that they should start saving money for a DJ deck and spend quality time practising with it.

“While learning how to DJ, you should always be patient, as mastering the craft takes time. Don’t underestimate free online platforms like YouTube either, because you really learn a lot from watching tutorials,” he said.

ADER2K added that building relationships with people is also a key aspect in securing more gigs, which will eventually help put aspiring DJs’ names out there

With a passion for pushing boundaries and representing Midlyfe’s growing presence in Malaysia’s underground scene, ADER2K is definitely one to watch. Keep an eye out for his upcoming sets as he continues to shape the sound of the local nightlife.

Follow ADER2K on Instagram here.

Read more music-related stories on JUICE here.