MAKJ is an American DJ whose music combines elements of EDM, trance, and progressive house. Born in San Luis Obispo, California, on June 25, 1990, Mackenzie Johnson initially pursued a career as a professional race car driver in China, having moved overseas as a teenager. It was during his time in China that he became interested in DJ culture, prompting him to buy a set of turntables before returning to America at 17 years old. Mentored by DJ AM, he learned to scratch and create his own music.
"Countdown" his first single to hit the charts, appeared in 2013, peaking at Number 28 in Belgium, Number 41 in France, and Number 1 on Beatport. Recorded with Dutch producer Hardwell, "Countdown" also led to collaborations with a diverse range of hip-hop artists, rock singers, pop stars, and DJ duos. 2014's "Let's Get F*cked Up" found MAKJ working with Lil John, while 2016's "Party 'Till We Die" paired him with Timmy Trumpet and Andrew W.K. Between performances at festivals like Coachella and TomorrowWorld, MAKJ continued releasing material through the end of the decade, then rang in the 2020s by teaming up with Tinashe for the song "Save Room For U*.
