Amaire Johnson

Last updated

Amaire Johnson
Born
Chester, Pennsylvania, United States
Alma mater Musicians Institute
Musical career
Genres
Occupations
  • Songwriter
  • producer
  • keyboardist
  • music director
  • instrumentalist
Labels

Amaire Johnson is an American producer, songwriter, music director, and multi-instrumentalist, who primarily collaborates with rapper Big Sean, and is best known for co-writing and producing Big Sean singles "Moves", "Single Again", "Bounce Back", and "One Man Can Change the World". [1] [2] Johnson has contributed to the following Big Sean projects in various capacities: Dark Sky Paradise (2015), Twenty88 (2016), I Decided (2017), Detroit (2019), Detroit II (2020), and Better Me Than You (2024). [3] [4] Johnson has also contributed to projects from Schoolboy Q, Isaiah Rashad, Nipsey Hussle, and Jhené Aiko, among others. [3] [5] In December 2024, XXL cited his contribution to Ab-soul's "Peace" as the "best produced track" on parent album Soul Burger . [6]

Contents

Influenced by "Motown, early hip-hop, and neo-soul", Johnson is signed to Don Life, Big Sean's production company. [7] [8] Johnson also acted as music director and/or performed keyboards alongside Ab-soul and Big Sean during their respective NPR Tiny Desk performances. [9] [10]

Early career

Johnson started playing keyboards in church at 15 years old, and moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to attend the Musicians Institute. Upon graduation, he became a musician on the Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson-helmed 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour. He next joined Big Sean's touring band as a keyboardist. [11]

Selected songwriting and production credits

TitleYearArtistAlbum
"One Man Can Change the World" (featuring Kanye West & John Legend)2015 Big Sean Dark Sky Paradise
"On the Way"2016 Twenty88 Twenty88
"Memories Faded"
"Won’t Be the Same" (featuring Ayo the Producer) Westside Boogie Thirst 48, Pt. II
"Sunroof" (featuring Dana Williams)
"Moments" (featuring Big Sean)2017 Jhené Aiko Trip
"OLLA (Only Lovers Left Alive)" (featuring Twenty88)
"You Are Here"
"Never Call Me" (featuring Kurupt)
"Overstimulated"
"Bad Trip (Interlude)"
"Oblivion (Creation)" (featuring Dr. Chill)
"Psilocybin (Love in Full Effect)" (featuring Dr. Chill)
"Intro"Big Sean I Decided
"Light" (featuring Jeremih)
"Bounce Back"
"Moves"
"Same Time Pt. 1" (featuring Twenty88)
"Owe Me"
"Halfway Off the Balcony"
"Voices in My Head / Stick to the Plan"
"Sunday Morning Jetpack" (featuring The-Dream)
"Inspire Me"
"Bigger Than Me" (featuring Flint Chozen Choir & Starrah)
"Victory Lap" (featuring Stacy Barthe)2018 Nipsey Hussle Victory Lap
"Million While You Young" (featuring The-Dream)
"The Recipe"2019 SiR Chasing Summer
"More Thoughts (2019)"Big Sean Detroit (Streaming Edition)
"Harder than My Demons"2020 Detroit 2
"Everything That's Missing" (featuring Dwele)
"Don Life" (featuring Lil Wayne)
"Single Again"
"Wat U Sed" (featuring Doechii and Kal Banx)2021 Isaiah Rashad The House Is Burning
"Bomb" (featuring Kari Faux)2022 Black Party Hummingbird
"On Up"2024Big Sean Better Me Than You
"Boundaries"
"Pop" (featuring Rico Nasty) Schoolboy Q Blue Lips
"Pig Feet" (featuring Childish Major)
"Love Birds" (featuring Devin Malik & Lance Skiiiwalker)
"Peace" (featuring Lupe Fiasco & Punch) Ab-Soul Soul Burger

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyAwardResultRef
2018 ASCAP Pop Music Awards Most Performed Pop Songs ( Bounce Back )Won [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Gutter Rainbows</i> 2011 studio album by Talib Kweli

Gutter Rainbows is the fourth solo studio album by American rapper Talib Kweli. Originally intended to be released in only digital format, it was announced that Duck Down Music would step in to see the album got a CD release, including an import edition and a special edition with extras. The album was released on January 25, 2011, through Javotti Media and 3D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Miller</span> American rapper (1992–2018)

Malcolm James McCormick, known professionally as Mac Miller, was an American rapper. Miller began his career in Pittsburgh's local hip hop scene in 2007, at the age of 15. In 2010, he signed a record deal with independent label Rostrum Records and released his breakthrough mixtapes K.I.D.S. (2010) and Best Day Ever (2011). Miller's debut studio album, Blue Slide Park (2011), became the first independently distributed debut album to top the US Billboard 200 since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Hippy</span> American hip hop supergroup from California

Black Hippy was an American hip hop supergroup from South Los Angeles, California, formed in 2008. The group consisted of West Coast rappers Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q. Black Hippy was constructed after all of its members had signed to Carson-based indie record label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy (Kanye West song)</span> 2012 single by Kanye West

"Mercy" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rappers Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz. The song was released April 10, 2012 through GOOD Music and Def Jam as the lead single from the compilation album Cruel Summer (2012). The song's production was handled by Lifted, with additional production from West, Mike Dean, and Mike Will Made It, and additional instrumentation from Hudson Mohawke. The song heavily samples the dancehall song "Dust a Sound Boy" by Super Beagle. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics who praised the bombastic production, the varying quality of the verses, and the wordplay of the individual rappers. The song was featured on the soundtrack for NBA 2K13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ab-Soul</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, better known by his stage name Ab-Soul, is an American rapper. Raised in Carson, California, he signed to indie record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007, where he eventually formed West Coast hip hop group Black Hippy, alongside fellow California-based rappers Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. He is perhaps most known for his introspective lyrics and his six independent albums under TDE, Longterm Mentality, Control System, These Days..., Do What Thou Wilt., Herbert, and Soul Burger, which were all released to positive reviews and commercial success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logic (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, known professionally as Logic, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Gaithersburg, Maryland. He released his debut mixtape, Psychological: The Mixtape in December 2009 under the name Psychological, thereafter shortening his name to Logic. He gained popularity following his Young Sinatra (2011) mixtape series; its third installment, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever (2013) received critical acclaim and led him to secure a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings. Logic's first two studio albums—Under Pressure (2014) and The Incredible True Story (2015)—both peaked within the top five of the U.S. Billboard 200 and received platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Hall of Fame</i> (Big Sean album) 2013 studio album by Big Sean

Hall of Fame is the second studio album by American rapper Big Sean. It was released on August 27, 2013, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Nas, Jhené Aiko, Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz and Juicy J, while the production on the album was primarily handled by Key Wane, Hey DJ, No I.D., Da Internz, Mano and Young Chop, among others. It was supported by five singles: "Guap", "Switch Up", "Beware", "Fire" and "Ashley".

Digi+Phonics is an American hip hop production team, composed of California-based record producers Tae Beast, Sounwave, Dave Free and Willie B. They currently serve as the main in-house producers for Carson-based record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Digi+Phonics work significantly on projects from all the members of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy, who are also signed to Top Dawg and is composed of rappers Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. Their best known productions include "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar, "There He Go" by Schoolboy Q, and "Terrorist Threats" by Ab-Soul. They frequently co-produce songs together and put the finishing touches on the projects released by Top Dawg Entertainment.

"Control" is a song by American rapper Big Sean, featuring American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. It entered US mainstream urban radio on August 14, 2013, via GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, as a promotional single originally meant for Big Sean's second studio album Hall of Fame (2013), but was ultimately cut from that album due to sample clearance issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boldy James</span> American rapper (born 1982)

James Clay Jones III, better known by his stage name Boldy James, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan, and member of the hip hop collective Griselda. Recognized for his deep voice and laid-back delivery of vivid stories, he often explores themes of drug trade and street life. After his debut album My 1st Chemistry Set (2013), James has since released 14 studio albums along with several mixtapes and EPs.

<i>Dark Sky Paradise</i> 2015 studio album by Big Sean

Dark Sky Paradise is the third studio album by American rapper Big Sean. It was released on February 24, 2015, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Drake, Kanye West, E-40, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Jhené Aiko, Lil Wayne, and Ariana Grande, while the production was handled by a variety of collaborators, including Kanye West, DJ Mustard, DJ Dahi and Key Wane, who also serves as the album's executive producer alongside Big Sean himself. The album was supported by five singles: "I Don't Fuck with You", "Paradise", "Blessings", "One Man Can Change the World" and "Play No Games".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bounce Back (Big Sean song)</span> 2016 single by Big Sean

"Bounce Back " is a song by American rapper Big Sean, serving as the lead single from his fourth album, I Decided (2017). The song was produced by Hitmaka and Smash David, with additional production by Metro Boomin and Amaire Johnson. It features additional vocals from label boss Kanye West and American singer Jeremih. It also has the subtitle "Take No L's", which is featured on the single's cover. This song was released on October 31, 2016. The single received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>I Decided</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Big Sean

I Decided is the fourth studio album by American rapper Big Sean. It was released on February 3, 2017, through GOOD Music and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Jeremih, Eminem, Jhené Aiko, The-Dream, Migos, and Starrah. The production on the album was handled by Sean's frequent collaborator Key Wane, alongside a variety of record producers such as Amaire Johnson, Metro Boomin, WondaGurl, Fuse, Tre Pounds, DJ Mustard, DJ Dahi, Detail, and The Track Burnaz, among others.

"Moves" is a hip hop song recorded by American rapper Big Sean. It was originally released on December 22, 2016, as a promotional single then later sent to rhythmic radio as the second official single from his fourth studio album, I Decided (2017). The song was produced by Fuse and Tre Pounds, with additional production by Amaire Johnson. It features additional songwriting by Serge Durand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JID</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Destin Choice Route, better known by his stage name JID, is an American rapper, and singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Atlanta, he signed with J. Cole's Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2017. He formed the musical collective Spillage Village with EarthGang in 2010, and later formed the hip hop group Zoink Gang with Smino, Buddy, and Guapdad 4000. His fluent rapping style and usage of wordplay has been highly acclaimed by several music critics.

<i>Trip</i> (Jhené Aiko album) 2017 studio album by Jhené Aiko

Trip is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko. It was released on September 22, 2017, by ARTium and Def Jam Recordings. It succeeds Aiko's debut album Souled Out (2014), which was released three years prior, and the collaborative album Twenty88 (2016), while releasing numerous non-album singles in between. The production on the album was primarily handled by frequent collaborators Dot da Genius, Fisticuffs, No I.D. and Key Wane, along with several other record producers such as Amaire Johnson, Frank Dukes, Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat and Mike Zombie. The album also includes guest appearances from Big Sean, Swae Lee, Kurupt, Brandy, Mali Music, Aiko's father, with the moniker, Dr. Chill, Aiko's daughter, Namiko Love, and Chris Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hobo Johnson</span> American hip hop artist

Frank Lopes Jr., known professionally as Hobo Johnson, is an American vocalist and frontman of the band Hobo Johnson & the LoveMakers. Hobo Johnson also delivers lyrics in the form of rap and spoken word to create his raw, often self-released music.

"Victory Lap" is a song by American rapper Nipsey Hussle and the title track of his debut studio album, released on February 16, 2018. The song features American singer Stacy Barthe and was produced by Mike & Keys, Sap and Amaire Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BabyTron</span> American rapper (born 2000)

James Edward Johnson IV, known professionally as BabyTron, is an American rapper and member of rap group ShittyBoyz. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, specifically Ypsilanti, Michigan, he rose to prominence following the release of his 2019 mixtape BIN Reaper, which included the song "Jesus Shuttleworth", which went viral.

References

  1. "Debate Us: 34 Hip-Hop and R&B Hits We Loved In 2017". December 26, 2017. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  2. Jr, Keith Nelson. "Studio Sessions 124; Smash David talks Tory Lanez's freestyles & creative ways producers make more money". REVOLT. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  3. 1 2 "Big Sean Shares New Song "Halfway Off the Balcony"". Complex. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  4. "Missing in Action: Our Favorite Artists Who Went Silent i..." Complex. Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  5. Magazine, Visionary Artistry (September 14, 2020). "Amaire Johnson: Keyboards Open Doors". Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  6. Coleman II, C. Vernon (December 27, 2024). "Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, Redman and More - New Hip-Hop Projects". XXL Mag. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  7. Cowie, Del (March 10, 2017). "My Mom Is The First Person I Rapped For". CBC. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  8. "That's 5 | Amaire Johnson - StockX Exclusive Profile". December 5, 2018. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  9. Carter, Bobby. "Ab-Soul: Tiny Desk Concert". NPR. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  10. Carter, Bobby. "Big Sean: Tiny Desk Concert". NPR. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  11. "Keyboard Magazine presents: Amaire Johnson (Big Sean)". YouTube . February 9, 2015.
  12. "2018 ASCAP Pop Awards". Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2024.