This week we talk to Rodney Jerkins about his time spent working with Micheal Jackson, Brandy, Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, to name a few. We also get to the bottom of a few unsolved mysteries that have been rattling around my brain.
Rodney Jerkins is a Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter who has worked with more than his fair share of legends.
For more information visit:
Rodney Jerkins: darkchild.com
Alienz Alive: alienzalive.com
Donwill: Donwill.me
Okayplayer: Okayplayer.com
CREDITS
The Almanac of Rap is Executive produced by Donwill & Isha Sesay for Okayplayer Media. This episode was written and hosted by Donwill. Produced by Travis Harris, Edited by Kobina Baffour. Art Direction by Kaushik Kalidindi. Graphic Design by Crystal Simone. Music Production by Von Pea.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:44 - The Ballistics
7:05 - Welcome, Rodney Jerkins!
8:12 - Sharing Advice From Legends
9:41 - Michael Jackson’s Music Ownership Collection
11:01 - Working With Brandy
13:01 - Working With Whitney
14:35 - Working With Mary J. Blige
16:57 - Working With Destiny’s Child
17:56 - The Making Of Beyoncé
20:02 - The Neptunes Sent Demos To MJ
21:50 - Michael Jackson’s Unique Ear For Music
22:45 - Finding Sounds In A Junkyard
24:55 - MJ Was A Huge Hip Hop Fan
25:53 - Recording With Shaq & Biggie
26:18 - Shaq’s Hidden Musical Talent
28:15 - Introducing Jay-Z To Michael Jackson
29:22 - Introducing Brandy To Michael Jackson
29:39 - MJ Goes To Summer Jam
30:03 - Celebrity Perks With Michael Jackson
31:07 - Rap Alter Egos: Brandy vs. Mary
32:53 - Who Was “It’s Not Right” About?