Having studied classical music at New York University and under La Monte Young (one of the first and most revered American minimalist composers) and Bunita Marcus, he sees things from a nuanced perspective. While buried in music theory and watering his passion for classical training early on, Waller’s love of Hip Hop grew simultaneously. Hailing from Staten Island, Michael was raised on the rugged sounds of Wu-Tang Clan, The Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest. Later in his childhood, the music of Dr. Dre, Kanye West and Lil Wayne made their way into his lexicon. As MVW, the Los Angeles-based composer and executive producer has developed his signature blend of minimal classical compositions with trap-heavy hip-hop influences.