Representing that mosaic style, his 2016 single “Caroline” struts through a funked-up tribal bounce with the kind of grit and gusto that’d make Jules Winfield and Vincent Vega proud. Upon release, it quickly caught fire, garnering 12 million-plus Spotify streams, 12 million-plus Soundcloud plays, and 6 million-plus YouTube/VEVO views as well as reaching #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Top 50, #1 on the US Viral Top 50, and #1 on the Canada Viral Top 50. As the track took off, he inked a deal with Republic Records.

“With ‘Caroline,’ I wanted to make an encouraging and fun record,” Aminé goes on. “It really happened in the moment, and it’s a feel good song.”

It’s also just the beginning. Aminé has a lot more surprises up his sleeve for Portland, hip-hop, and the world at large.

“I never want a basic reaction,” he leaves off. “I want you to always have questions. I hope to challenge listeners to wonder why. Those are the artists I care about.”