Rising Stars: Meet David Sincere Aiken of Queens

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Sincere Aiken.

David Sincere, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, I got my first lead role at age 8 playing young Jay-Z in “Wishing on a Star,” now re-released in 2026 by RocNation. As a teen, I trained in ballet, jazz, tap, African, and modern at ESOTA, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey.

In high school I founded the competitive crew Queenz Finest, winning across NYC and appearing on 106 & Park, Showtime at the Apollo, and Good Morning Denmark. My choreography opened doors to work with Beyoncé, Pharrell, Daft Punk, Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, Ashanti, Wayne Brady, and Teyana Taylor, plus touring with Keyshia Cole.
I’ve choreographed Lil Mama’s “Sausage,” “Shoe Game,” and “UHOH” videos and her When Love Kills film. I’ve appeared on MTV Made, Black Ink Crew NY, and Love & Hip Hop NY, with movie credits in Get On Up and Little Boxes.

Now I’m releasing my own music, including the Listen Now mixtape that I recently released and single “Charlie Brown.” I also trendset fashion and created the long durag, evolving into a visual artist blending dance, music, and style.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road?

Not at all — and I wouldn’t trust it if it was.

Coming from South Jamaica, Queens, I had talent but no blueprint. Early on, the struggle was being seen as just a dancer when I knew I was a creative director, artist, and brand. Getting people to take a kid from the neighborhood seriously meant I had to outwork rooms I wasn’t even invited to yet.

Transitioning from behind the scenes to in front of the camera came with financial pressure. I self-funded videos, music, and my fashion pieces like the long durag because no label was cutting checks. Tours and TV look glamorous, but between gigs there were months of uncertainty.

The biggest struggle was betting on myself when the industry wanted me to stay in one lane. Learning to own my vision — as a choreographer, artist, and trendsetter — is what turned those obstacles into the brand I have now.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a choreographer, recording artist, and trendsetter. I specialize in translating music into movement and building full visual worlds around it — from stage to screen to style.

People know me for my choreography with artists like Beyoncé, Pharrell, Ashanti, and Lil Mama, plus TV appearances on 106 & Park, Showtime at the Apollo, and Black Ink Crew. I’ve got film credits with Chadwick Boseman in Get On Up, and my childhood role as young Jay-Z is now archived in the Book of Hov exhibit.

What sets me apart is range. I trained in ballet, tap, African, and modern, but I came up battling in hip-hop. I don’t just dance — I direct, I record, and I trendset fashion. I created the long durag, turning a cultural staple into a statement piece.

I’m most proud of evolving from behind the scenes into my own artist. My recent Listen Now mixtape and single “Charlie Brown” are me owning my voice. I’m not in one lane — I am the intersection of dance, music, and style.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, I was that loud, creative kid who couldn’t sit still. Personality wise, I was bold, curious, and a little competitive — if somebody could do it, I had to try it better. I was always performing, whether it was dancing in the living room, putting on shows for family, or battling friends on the block.

Interest wise, it was always music, movement, and style. I was obsessed with music videos, fashion, and how artists carried themselves. I’d study Michael Jackson’s footwork, then go choreograph routines for my crew. At ESOTA I fell in love with ballet and tap too, so I was that rare kid who could hit a pirouette and then freestyle in a cipher.

I was a leader early. In high school I started Queenz Finest because I wanted to create space for dancers like me. I’ve always mixed discipline with flair — serious about the craft, but never boring.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @davidsincereaiken
• Facebook: @davidsincere
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@davidsincere?si=we91ZcAMfTXVrY47