Jim Jonsin
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| Jim Jonsin | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Scheffer |
| Born | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Origin | South Florida, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop, Southern Rap, R&B, Pop, Rock, Dance |
| Occupations | Record producer, songwriter, record executive, DJ |
| Instruments | Turntables, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Drum Machine, Sampler |
| Years active | 1988-present |
| Labels | Rebel Rock Entertainment |
| Associated acts | B.o.B, Yelawolf, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Slim Thug |
| Website | www.rebelrock.com |
James Scheffer, better known by his professional name, Jim Jonsin, is an American Grammy award winning record producer,[1] songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur. Jonsin has collaborated with numerous artists including, Beyoncé, Usher, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Eminem, Nelly, T.I., Danity Kane, and Jamie Foxx, to name a few, and won a Grammy in 2009 for Best Rap Song for Lil Wayne’s "Lollipop".[1][2] That year he was also nominated for his production on TI’s “Whatever You Like” which also garnered a nomination for Best Rap Song.[3] In addition to his own win, Jonsin has contributed his production services to several other Grammy nominated records and albums including Beyoncé’s I Am... Sasha Fierce (2010 Best Contemporary R&B album),[4] Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” (2008 Best Rap Album),[5] Usher’s Raymond v. Raymond (2011 Best Contemporary R&B album),[6] and Usher’s "There Goes My Baby" (2011 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance),[6] and Eminem’s Recovery (2011 Best Rap Album and Album of the Year).[6]
In 2006, Jonsin started his own record label, Rebel Rock Entertainment, and signed a then unknown artist named B.o.B.[7] Jonsin then partnered with Atlantic Records and later with Grand Hustle to work on B.o.B.’s project.[8][9] In 2010, Rebel Rock Entertainment/Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records released B.o.B.’s debut album entitled “The Adventures of Bobby Ray” which was executive produced by Jonsin and T.I.[10] The album produced three smash singles which stayed on top of the charts for most of 2010[11] and was ultimately nominated for several Grammy awards,[12] BET Awards,[13] and MTV VMAs.[14] He also signed the production duo, Finatik and Zac,[15] and Danny Morris to his production company, Rebel Rock Productions.[16] In addition to his ventures in music, Jonsin has recently[when?] entered into the field of professional racing by forming his own motorsports team, Rebel Rock Racing. Jonsin will be driving a Porsche 911 in the upcoming Grand-am Road Racing series with co-driver Mark Jensen.[17] Jonsin is managed by Made Communication, Miami, FL.[18]
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Jim Jonsin was born in Brooklyn, NY but was raised in South Florida.[19] Jonsin’s first job in the music business was as a scratch DJ.[20] At the age of 14, Jonsin was spinning records at local skating rinks and other venues.[21] By 18 Jonsin had graduated to spinning at Miami and South Florida dance clubs and formed his own record label called Cut It Up Def Records and produced one of its first singles, “Cut It Up Def” which independently sold 40,000 units.[22] Jonsin had become well known in the region by the time he released his next production, the single “Party Time”, which he also rapped on.[22]
Jonsin’s success in South Florida led him to a deal with California based Heat Wave Records.[22] Going by his new artist moniker, DJ Jealous J, he released a compilation of Miami bass songs titled “Miami Bass Jams”.[21] The first two singles from the collection were certified Gold.[22] Jonsin went on to tour with some of the most popular acts of the time such as Cypress Hill, 2 Live Crew, and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.[21]
[edit] Music career
In the late 1990s, Jonsin was no longer on tour and returned to Miami to produce more bass records and eventually landed a position as an engineer at Slip N Slide records.[23] At the label Jim produced records for Trick Daddy and Trina.[24] In 2004 Jonsin went on to write and produce Trick Daddy’s hit single “Let’s Go” (featuring Lil Jon & Twista).[21] Soon after the success of this song Jonsin went onto work with Miami rapper Pitbull and produced “Dammit Man”[25] off the rapper’s debut album “M.I.A.M.I.” which was certified Gold.[26] The music industry began to take notice of the Miami-based producer and Jonsin was tapped by Bad Boy Records to produce a record for the group which was made widely popular by the MTV reality show, Making the Band, Danity Kane.[27][28] Jonsin produced their single entitled "Show Stopper" which went on to be certified Gold by the RIAA.[29]
In 2008, Jonsin wrote and produced for Lil Wayne’s 5x platinum single “Lollipop” released in early 2008.[21][30] The song was at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 5 weeks which was the first time Lil Wayne had achieved this chart position.[31][32] In addition to the chart success at the 51st Grammys Jonsin won for Best Rap Song.[1]
A few months after the release of “Lollipop”, Jonsin followed up with writing and producing T.I.’s 4x platinum single “Whatever You Like”.[33][34] The song found cross over success and was on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 6 weeks.[35] “Whatever You Like” was also a popular ringmaster spending 18 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Ringmaster’s chart.[36]
At the close of 2008 continued this string of success with his production on Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s “Kiss Me Thru The Phone”.[21] The song was downloaded over 2 million times and was also a popular ringmaster spending 11 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Ringmaster’s chart.[37][38] The song went on to reach number 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.[38]
In 2009, Jonsin co-produced the single entitled “Sweet Dreams” on Beyonce’s multi Grammy winning and double platinum album I Am…Sasha Fierce.[4][24][39] This record achieved platinum status and reached #10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.[40][41] Shortly after "Sweet Dreams" was released Jonsin reteamed with Pitbull, producing “Hotel Room Service” which was certified platinum and reached #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.[21][40][42]
The late summer of 2010 proved to be another high point for Jonsin’s career. On August 16 Nelly released “Just A Dream”, co-produced by Jonsin.[23] This single went platinum and reached #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.[40][43] The day after “Just A Dream” was released, Kid Cudi released the Jonsin-produced “Erase Me” featuring Kanye West, which reached #22 on Billboard’s Hot 100.[44][45] Another August release Jonsin wrote and produced on was former American Idol winner Fantasia on “Falling In Love Tonight” off of Fantasia’s Grammy nominated album “Back To Me”.[46][47]
In early 2011 Nelly released “Gone” featuring Kelly Rowland, which Jonsin again co-produced.[48] The single is a follow-up to Nelly’s single “Dilemma” from 2002 which also featured Rowland and reigned for 10 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.[49] Jonsin produced Eminem’s “Space Bound” off of “Recovery”, the top selling album of 2010 as well as the 53rd Grammy’s Best Rap Album.[16][50][51] "On My Level" was released by Wiz Khalifa (which features Too Short) on Rolling Papers on March 29, 2011.[52]
[edit] Ventures
[edit] Rebel Rock Entertainment
Jonsin formed his record label, Rebel Rock Entertainment, in 2006.[15] He signed B.O.B as the label’s first artist, who in 2010 made his debut appearance on to the music scene with great success.[53] B.o.B first released the double platinum single Nothin' On You which went to #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was nominated for 3 Grammys.[54][55] The artist followed “Nothin' on You” with the triple platinum single "Airplanes"[56] which made it to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100[57] and was itself nominated for a Grammy.[55] B.o.B’s third release “Magic” went platinum and landed at #10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.[56][57]
Jonsin served as executive producer for B.o.B’s debut album, “The Adventures of Bobby Ray” and is credited with choosing the artist’s first single, “Nothin' on You”.[58] The song ultimately turned out to be one of the biggest records of the year.[59] B.o.B. garnered several awards in late 2010 and early 2011. The rapper was nominated at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for five awards.[55] Additionally in 2010 he was nominated for 3 American Music Awards,[60] 3 BET Awards,[13] 7 BET Hip Hop Awards,[61] 4 MTV Video Music Awards,[62] and 1 MTV Europe Music Award.[63] B.o.B won the 2010 Soul Train Awards for Best Song “Nothin’ On You” and gained a nomination for Best New Artist.[64] B.o.B won the 2010 Teen Choice Awards Hook Up Song for “Airplanes” and was nominated for 5 others.[65] Jonsin plans to follow up the success of his imprint’s first artist with two other singers which he signed in 2011, Nick Merico and Leroy.
[edit] Rebel Rock Productions
Jonsin signed three producers, Finatik and Zac—an Australian production duo, and Danny Morris to his production company, Rebel Rock Productions.[16] Danny Morris has worked with Jonsin on several releases including Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”,[66] and “Making Love (Into The Night)",[67] Fantasia’s “Falling In Love Tonight”,[67] Kelly Rowland’s “Take Everything” and “Motivation”, Tank’s “Scream”,[68] N Dubz’ “Girls”[69] and Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level”. Finatik and Zac also have some upcoming releases for Def Jam artist, Wax (“Two Wheels/DUI”), and Universal Records’ artist, Pac Div on “Loose”.[70]
[edit] Rebel Made
Jonsin formed Rebel Made Publishing Company in 2009 as a venture with his management team, Made. Writers signed to Rebel Made’s roster include Terence Reid, formerly of The Network, along with fellow producers Finatik and Zac and Danny Morris.[16]
[edit] Rebel Rock Racing
In 2010, Jonsin formed a new venture based on his love for motorsports.[17] His team, Rebel Rock Racing, is composed of him, Bucky Lasek (Pro Skateboarder and ten time X Games gold medalist)[71][72] and Marius Avemarg (pro driver from Germany). The race team is supported by its ambassadors, Pitbull, Kyle Loza, and Yelawolf and sponsors such as Beats by Dre and Oakley.[17]
[edit] American Idol
Jonsin is appearing on the 10th season of American Idol in 2011.[73] Jonsin was handpicked by Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine as one of a handful of producers to serve as mentors to the contestants.[74] Jonsin will be working with the contestants each week to produce and record cover songs which will be released for sale on iTunes.[75]
[edit] Awards and Nominations
-2006 BMI Urban Songwriter of the Year[76]
-2006 BMI Urban Award for “Grind With Me”, “Let’s Go”, and “Your Body”[77]
-2006 BMI London Awards – Urban Award for “Here We Go”[78]
-2007 BMI Urban Awards for “Girl Tonite”, “Here We Go”, and “Unpredictable”[79]
-2008 Grammy – Best Rap Song – “Lolipop”[1]
-2009 BMI Creative Inspiration Producer Award[21]
-2009 BMI Urban Award for “Lollipop”[80]
-2009 Billboard #3 Hot 100 Producer of the Year[21]
-2009 Grammy nomination Album of the Year – Beyoncé – I Am…Sasha Fierce[81]
-2010 BMI Pop Award for “Whatever You Like”[82]
-2010 BMI Urban Awards for “Hotel Room Service” and “Kiss Me Thru The Phone”[83]
-2010 BMI London Awards – Pop Awards for “Hotel Room Service” and “Sweet Dreams”[84]
-2010 Billboard #16 R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year[85]
-2010 Grammy nomination Album of the Year – Eminem – Recovery[86]
[edit] Singles
[edit] Discography
[edit] Musical Influences/Techniques
Jonsin has cited DJ Jazzy Jeff and Jam Master Jay as strong musical influences on his style and has been known to use an MPC 3000, a Roland TR 808, and an Access Virus TI as his preferred gear.[24][87][88]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Past Winners Search | GRAMMY.com
- ^ Jim Jonsin | AllMusic
- ^ Nominees for 2010 Grammy Awards Announced - Full List - Spinner
- ^ a b Past Winners Search | GRAMMY.com
- ^ Past Winners Search | GRAMMY.com
- ^ a b c Nominees And Winners | GRAMMY.com
- ^ B.o.B Biography - AOL Music
- ^ B.o.B Biography - ARTISTdirect Music
- ^ B.o.B. A/K/A Bobby Ray Readies GrandHustle Debut « Hip-Hop Wired: Keeping You Informed With The Latest on Hip-Hop Culture, Rappers, Hip Hop News, Rap and Entertainment News, B...
- ^ B.O.B - B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray (CD, Album) at Discogs
- ^ Nothin' on You - B.o.B | Billboard.com
- ^ B.o.B on His 'No Genre' Mixtape and 5 Grammy Nominations - Speakeasy - WSJ
- ^ a b Music | News | BET
- ^ 2010 MTV Video Music Awards Nominees Announced, Lady Gaga Leads With Record 13 | PopEater.com
- ^ a b Building A Better Hit Machine - Forbes.com
- ^ a b c d Music Producer Jim Jonsin: Eminem - Space Bound, T.I. - Whatever You Like, Nelly - Just a Dream, Lil Wayne, Usher
- ^ a b c NiteTalk: Super Producer Jim Jonsin Revs Up for Rebel Rock Racing | NBC Miami
- ^ http://madeyoufamous.com/
- ^ 5 Questions With Jim Jonsin « LimeWire Music Blog
- ^ Meet Jim Jonsin - Parlé Magazine
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Jim Jonsin extends worldwide agreement with EMI Music Publishing - EMI Music Publishing
- ^ a b c d Meet Jim Jonsin - Parlé Magazine
- ^ a b NL Interview: Jim Jonsin Evolves From DJ To Songwriter/Producer For Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, And Britney Spears – Neon Limelight - Exclusive Music News, Artist Interviews, Reviews,...
- ^ a b c Amalgamation Magazine: An Industry Regularly » Blog Archive » Just Who is Jim Jonsin?
- ^ MTVNews.com - Mixtape Monday: Is Hip-Hop Dead? Luda, Big Boi Disagree With Nas
- ^ HOT 107.1 FM - Denver, CO
- ^ FEATURE: Jim Jonsin, Anonymous | XXLMAG.COM
- ^ The Official Home of Danity Kane, Winners of Bad Boy's Making The Band 3 and Platinum Recording Artists
- ^ RIAA - Gold & Platinum - March 25, 2011
- ^ RIAA News Room - RIAA Tallies The Decade's Top Gold & Platinum Award Winners - Feb 17, 2010
- ^ Lil Wayne | Official Site of the Cash Money Recording Artist
- ^ Lil Wayne Crushes The Competition To Debut At No. 1 | Billboard.com
- ^ South Florida Native Jim Jonsin Is the New Producer King - Page 1 - Music - Broward/Palm Beach - Broward-Palm Beach New Times
- ^ T.I.: Whatever You Like
- ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/news/latest-headlines/2008/10/ti-tops-himself-as-life-your-life-unseats-whatever-you-like-as-top-single/
- ^ T.I. Music News & Info | Billboard.com
- ^ Week Ending May 17, 2009: Three Days Is Plenty For Green Day - Chart Watch
- ^ a b T.I. Music News & Info | Billboard.com
- ^ RIAA - Gold & Platinum - March 25, 2011
- ^ a b c RIAA - Gold & Platinum - March 25, 2011
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Beyonce/chart-history/317670?f=379&g=Singles
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/song/pitbull/hotel-room-service/14065158
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/song/nelly/just-a-dream/23083961
- ^ Single: Erase Me – Kid Cudi Feat. Kanye West - Dat New 'Cudi'
- ^ Kid Cudi Leaves Drug Use, Legal Troubles Behind on Sophomore Album | Billboard.com
- ^ The Official Fantasia Site
- ^ Grammy Nominations for Fantasia, Carrie, and Adam - Show and Alumni News - American Idol
- ^ Nelly 'Gone' f/ Kelly Rowland (prod. Jim Jonsin) leads new music update - Gowhere Hip Hop
- ^ Nelly Music News & Info | Billboard.com
- ^ Eminem's 'Recovery' Is 2010's Best-Selling Album; Katy Perry's 'California Gurls' Top Digital Song | Billboard.com
- ^ Grammy Awards: Eminem gets a best rap album Grammy, Streisand can still make you cry | Pop & Hiss | Los Angeles Times
- ^ Eminem Prepares Fourth Single From "Recovery" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX
- ^ http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/a-grammy-winning-producer-explains-how-an-award-turns-into-cash/19339634/
- ^ B.o.B. performance rocks Burruss - Roanoke.com
- ^ a b c B.o.B Promises Paramore Collabo If He Wins A Grammy - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
- ^ a b RIAA - Gold & Platinum - March 25, 2011
- ^ a b B.o.B Album & Song Chart History | Billboard.com
- ^ B.o.B's 'Nothin' On You' Was Slated For Lupe Fiasco, Producer Reveals - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
- ^ Nothin' on You - B.o.B | Billboard.com
- ^ Eminem Leads 2010 American Music Awards Nominations | Radar Online
- ^ Jay-Z Leads BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX
- ^ B.o.B Says VMA Nominations Are 'Very Special To Me' - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
- ^ Lady Gaga, Katy Perry Score MTV Europe Music Awards Nominations - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
- ^ Drake, Usher, Alicia Keys Top Soul Train Awards Nomination List - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
- ^ http://www.teenchoiceawards.com/pdf/TC10-Winners.pdf
- ^ There Goes My Baby | AllMusic
- ^ a b Daniel Morris | AllMusic
- ^ Now or Never - Tank | AllMusic
- ^ Love.Live.Life, N-Dubz, Music CD - Barnes & Noble
- ^ Pac Div - Let Loose - Listen Now
- ^ Bucky Lasek Profile - Competition History - ESPN
- ^ Music and Motorsports Collide: Superstar Producer Jim Jonsin Launches Rebel Rock Racing in Palm Beach with Oakley
- ^ Jim Jonsin Talks Racing Team, Motorsport Events and the Fast Life! Exclusive Interview! | UrbLife.com - Everybody Has to Grow Up Sometime
- ^ The Only Thing on TV Next Year Will Be Singing Shows - Amplifier
- ^ iTunes to Release First 'Idol' Season 10 Compilation Album Wednesday Night - Hollywood Reporter
- ^ BMI Salutes Top Urban Music Makers at Star-Studded Gala in NYC | News | BMI.com
- ^ 2006 BMI Urban Awards Song List | Press | BMI.com
- ^ 2006 BMI London Awards | News | BMI.com
- ^ 2007 BMI Urban Awards: BMI Award Winning Songs | News | BMI.com
- ^ 2009 BMI Urban Awards: BMI Award-Winning Songs | News | BMI.com
- ^ Nominees And Winners | GRAMMY.com
- ^ BMI Pop Awards 2010 | News | BMI.com
- ^ 2010 BMI Urban Music Awards Winners | News | BMI.com
- ^ 2010 BMI London Award Winners | News | BMI.com
- ^ Billboard.BIZ
- ^ Nominees And Winners | GRAMMY.com
- ^ Billboard - Google Books
- ^ Producer's Corner: Jim Jonsin | Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop | HipHop DX
