Growing up as a Filipino, in a predominantly white neighborhood, and trying to break the glass boundary of the “urban scene” has proven to be a difficult task for this young man. However, DJ Yoshi has succeeded to cross the lines of hate and racial discrimination when it comes to the world of music. At the young age of 23, he has accomplished more than anyone would imagine! What is even more impressive is the rate that he has conquered each task set before him. It seems that no matter how large or small the obstacle, these days Yoshi seems to pass the test with ease; it wasn’t always this simple though.

Born on July 3, 1981 Eric De Torres came into this world. His parents cultured their son in a quaint Jersey City apartment until they moved in ’86 to Livingston, NJ. The relocation stripped the urban influence away from the young boy and opened his eyes to other forms of music such as: classical, alternative, and contemporary. Eric automatically took a liking to instruments and began playing the piano, trumpet, clarinet and guitar. After winning dozens of piano recitals all over the state, he raised his level of skill. His dedication led him to become a master musician of both the piano and trumpet by the age of 13!

The summer before his freshman year of high school proved to be the turning point in Eric’s life. While his older brother Marlon was taking a break while spinning a gig, Eric noticed that the song was wearing out. Learning how to DJ from studying his brother practice, it was inevitable that he too would touch the turntables. He carefully selected the song “Follow Me” by Aly-Us and mixed it in with ease. One mix became two, two became three, and the rest is history. July 1995 was the birth of “DJ Yoshi.”

During his high school days, Yoshi used his new environment to gain local recognition. From DJ’ing basement parties, to small venues, Yoshi was known for his mixes in house and reggae. In March of 1997 DJ Yoshi became a household name in the Asian Community. At the tender age of 15, his talent landed him a gig at El Flamingos in NYC. His performance that night drove him to the top of promoters’ lists of DJ’s. By 1998 he was headlining for clubs all over the eastern-seaboard. In late 1998, his knowledge of music and promotional know-how secured him the position of organizing entertainment and DJ’ing at the first ever car show held in the New York area. Since then he has been highlighted as the main DJ/MC/Host for the majority of the major car/import shows around the world! From this, he was able to strike a deal with Pepsi to provide entertainment for the company during events! For the import enthusiast, one has probably witnessed DJ Yoshi playing on the turntables or hosting the B-Boy battle at the famous Pepsi Urban Pavilion, which are setup at Vision Entertainment’s: Hot Import Nights and Import Revolution. The shows also happen to be America’s largest and most popular import events! It is no surprise that the 5*star/Tech.Nition was chosen as he is: “the best stage entertainer that we’ve worked with (Pepsi executive)!”

With the club scene on lock, the next task was to step into the mixtape game. He collaborated with mentor DJ Phillee Blunt to bring forth releases such as Double Impact, 4Play and Dimensions. Since ‘98, Yoshi has pushed nearly 100,000 total units of his collection and has nearly every record label knocking at his door. “It really is different since I made Double Impact. Then I had to dig and buy the music. Now if I want a track, I’ll call up the label, 2way the artist, and it’s on my doorstep in a few hours!” He still hasn’t lost his drive though. His mixes can be heard before and during each NY Wizard basketball game! The hard work awarded him with the prestigious nomination of Best New Mixtape DJ during Justo’s 7th Annual Mixtape Awards in 2002! This award ceremony has yielded talents like: Clue, Kay Slay, Brucie B, Clinton Sparks and Echo/Vice. Although he did not come home with a plaque, it benefited Yoshi by making him work harder on his game. Even more amazing is the fact that alongside K-Sly (KKBT), J-Tyme (KUGS), and Kut (WWPR), Yoshi was the only college DJ featured on the LEEssential Elements CD brought forth by respected radio personality Lee Cadena and The Network Magazine in October of 2002! His willingness to help, knowledge and passion for the industry led him to become a member of the Tech.Nitions, an elite group of record-breaking-DJ’s and music industry members, in 2002.

It’s been four years since DJ Yoshi stepped through the doors of WRSU/WRNU and began mixing as a college radio DJ. It is clear that he is destined to be the next great radio DJ/Personality. He is his own producer, programmer, and more! With ease, he mixes a song, adjusts a guest’s microphone, takes a request and is back in time to mix the next song! His radio show has been featured three times in the Network Magazine/Urban Network, twice in R&R, numerous times on RapAttackLives.com, and in May 2003, he was selected as DJ of the Month by Platinum Queens Entertainment! He was also nominated in two categories: Hustler of the Year & Rookie DJ of the Year, for the 2003 Tech.Nition Awards. The ceremony, which was held at Club SRO in Las Vegas this past June, yielded Yoshi with the honor of becoming the Tech.Nitions’ 2003 Rookie of the Year! In 2004, he was nominated and honored as the Urban Network’s College DJ of the Year! His college mixshow has gained global recognition via the internet. Recently participants KSVP, WWLD, WIZF and WKQB slotted him with one hour to mix during Tech. Mix Weekend. It came as no surprise that rave reviews were given by the station representatives and their audience.

In addition to mixing on commercial airwaves all over the country, Yoshi was also able to achieve an international commercial mixshow airing in Europe, Northern Africa and the middle-east the first Monday of each month! Yoshi has also been named the official tour DJ for Teflon Muzik Rap sensation Jinx da Juvy! Recently NBA Franchise the NJ Nets named Yoshi their official DJ. You can now find him working the turntables and motivating the masses live from the NJ Nets Sound Stage during home games! Most recently, Yoshi has joined the Saturday Night Mix Squad on West Virginia’s 98.7 WRVZ The Beat. He shares the 11PM – 4AM slot with DJ’s Wicked, Chonz (Denver Nuggets) and Wally Sparks. With the backing of both 5*Star and the Tech.Nitions, there is no stopping this DJ as he truly is: “the future in the entertainment industry!” Success is the true goal, and his mind says nothing is going to stop him from achieving the dream.