Midi Mafia Explained

The MIDI Mafia is a music production duo consisting of American Bruce Waynne (born Waynne Nugent) from Brooklyn, New York and Canadian Dirty Swift (born Kevin Risto) from Ottawa, Ontario.[1] Together as Midi Mafia since 2003, they are most notable for their production of 50 Cent's number-one single "21 Questions".[2] The MIDI Mafia has also produced for artists such as Frank Ocean ("Swim Good"), Fantasia ("When I See U"), Sha Stimuli (the single "Clap At Ya"), Capone-N-Noreaga ("Yes Sir"), Justin Bieber, Bravehearts, Gemma Fox, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Young Buck, Nelly, Miri Ben-Ari, Lloyd Banks and Tamia.[3]

History

Beginnings

Bruce Waynne met Dirty Swift at Makin' Records Studio in Brooklyn, NY, while working on a project for Bad Seed. At the time, Swift was the in house engineer/beat maker for the project, while Bruce pitched beats and helped compose and perform choruses for Bad Seed.[1]

The duo officially began working together after attending a meeting with manager Tony Perez, who suggested that Bruce and Swift would make a good musical team. They began to hold meetings with different A&R representatives and did spec work for various people, including Sylvia Rhone, who was the president of Elektra Records at the time.[1]

Initial success

In 2002, Dino Devalie, who was preparing to sign 50 Cent to his label, approached The MIDI Mafia about using some of their beats for 50 Cent's debut record, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. MIDI Mafia agreed, and though 50 Cent ended up signing to Interscope Records instead, their beats were used for the song "21 Questions", which was featured on Get Rich or Die Tryin.

After the success of "21 Questions", The MIDI Mafia signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a label and production deal with Elektra Records. They were also offered A&R positions at Elektra and were being prepared to run Black Music.

In 2006, The MIDI Mafia launched FamilyTies, an imprint label that allows them to sign and develop their own roster of talent. Singer/songwriter Deemi was the first artist signed to their label.[2]

The MIDI Mafia produced Pop/R&B song "When I See U", (originally written for Tori Kelly when she was signed to Geffen Records) the second single from Fantasia Barrino's self-titled album Fantasia[2] which held the number one spot for eight weeks on the U.S. Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.[4] The song was written by Grammy award-winning songwriter Jane’t Sewell, Bruce Waynne, and Erika Nuri.

In 2007, the duo worked with Jennifer Lopez on her track "Hold It Don't Drop It", contributing as both writers and producers.[5]

Relocation to Los Angeles

In 2008, The MIDI Mafia moved from New York to Los Angeles. After their relocation, MIDI Mafia collaborated with American Idol contestant David Archuleta, contributing a track on his self-titled debut album, released in November 2008.[6]

In the process of working with Brandy and James Fauntleroy II, MIDI Mafia met and began to work with Frank Ocean, whom at the time went by the name Lonny Breaux. Then, Breaux was working as a lyricist, and approached The MIDI Mafia with a desire to become better at composing melodies.

While with The MIDI Mafia, Frank Ocean wrote the songs "Quickly" for John Legend,[7] "Bigger" and "Mamma’s Boy" for Justin Bieber.[8] In 2010, The MIDI Mafia recorded Frank Ocean's mix tape, Nostalgia Ultra, in which The MIDI Mafia produced the song Swim Good. The mixtape was recorded by The MIDI Mafia engineer, Reggie Rojo Jr.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Midi Mafia: Beward of the Boys. July 2003. XXL. Keith Murphy.
  2. Web site: Midi Mafia: DJ Dirty Swift and Bruce Waynne break it down and build it up . Mix Magazine . 2008-03-01 . 2008-08-13 . Elianne Halbersberg . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080917063552/http://mixonline.com/recording/mixing/audio_midi_mafia/ . 2008-09-17 .
  3. Web site: Midi Mafia - Hitmen For Hire. 2008-07-03. SixShots.com. Jon Michael. 2008-08-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20080711155945/http://www.sixshot.com/articles/11674/ . 2008-07-11.
  4. "Fantasia Barrino - Artist Chart History - Singles"
  5. Web site: iTunes - Music - Brave by Jennifer Lopez . Itunes.apple.com . 2007-10-09 . 2014-08-09.
  6. Web site: iTunes - Music - David Archuleta (Deluxe Version) by David Archuleta . Itunes.apple.com . 2008-11-11 . 2014-08-09.
  7. Web site: 2008-10-28 . iTunes - Music - Evolver by John Legend . 2014-08-09 . Itunes.apple.com.
  8. Web site: 2009-11-17 . iTunes - Music - My World by Justin Bieber . 2014-08-09 . Itunes.apple.com.
  9. Web site: iTunes - Music - Channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean . Itunes.apple.com . 2012-07-10 . 2014-08-09.
  10. Web site: Phamous Planet Hollywood Flash Mob! . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/C18p7QIbWqc . 2021-12-21 . live. YouTube . 2009-11-30 . 2014-08-10.
  11. Web site: The Day The Mob Saved Vegas. [Vegas Tripping]. 2009-12-28. 2009-12-30.
  12. http://www.wekilledtheradiostar.com/podcastarchive.htm
  13. http://www.mtvbase.com/music/artist/the-midi-mafia/3my5y3 THE MIDI MAFIA: ABOUT
  14. Web site: Jersey Shore (Season 3) | Ep. 305 | Songs from the Show . https://web.archive.org/web/20110727024333/http://www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/season_3/episode_music.jhtml?episodeID=175125 . dead . July 27, 2011 . MTV . 2014-08-09.
  15. Web site: The MIDI Mafia On Jersey Shore ::MIDI Mafia News . antiMusic.com . 2014-08-09.
  16. Web site: Jersey Shore vs American Reunion . YouTube . 2012-04-03 . 2014-08-09.
  17. Web site: iTunes - Music - Get Connected by The Midi Mafia . Itunes.apple.com . 2012-01-24 . 2014-08-09.
  18. Web site: Conor Maynard – Contrast (2012) (ITunes Version) « HipHopCafeExclusive . www.hiphopcafeexclusive.com . 2 February 2022 . https://archive.today/20130125183208/http://www.hiphopcafeexclusive.com/?p=9226 . 25 January 2013 . dead.
  19. Web site: iTunes - Music - L.I.F.E by Josh Osho . Itunes.apple.com . 2012-06-22 . 2014-08-10.
  20. Web site: [frank&#93; my arms are tired. [gurl&#93; drop your... - frank ocean |publisher=Frankocean.tumblr.com |date= |accessdate=2014-08-09}}</ref> The MIDI Mafia also collaborated with [[Frank Ocean]] as writers on the track "Bad Religion", off Ocean's debut album, Channel Orange".[9]

    Branding

    In November 2009, "PHamous", a hip house song they wrote and produced, was used as a backing track for a flash mob at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The flash mob was conceived by YouTuber ShayCarl, who was assisted by fellow YouTubers LisaNova, MysteryGuitarMan, KassemG, Denise Vlogs, Traphik, and HiimRawn.[10] [11] The flashmob video reached two million views within 5 days of its release.

    Within the first 20 minutes of the song being posted for download on the Internet, 450,000 people downloaded the song, causing The MIDI Mafia’s website to crash.

    "PHamous" was used in promos for VH1 television programs and it was also used as the ending song for the weekly video of What da Faq Show which airs on YouTube and Facebook.

    On July 16, 2010, the video for "PHamous" debuted on YouTube on TheStation channel, a collaboration channel of most of the YouTubers of the original flash mob, including the lyric about being "friends with ShayCarl." The song was also featured on the We Killed the Radio Star Podcast[12] as the introductory and concluding piece of music during the episode "Don't Drink the Water".

    Vegas Lights

    On June 1, 2010, The MIDI Mafia released their own album, Vegas Lights, via FamilyTies. The songs "PHamous", "Last Call" "Mr. Vegas", and "2 Piece" were included on the album.[13] "PHamous", "Last Call", and "2 Piece" were also featured on Season 3 of the MTV show, Jersey Shore.[14] [15] "Mr. Vegas" was used for former Dance Moms star Kalani Hilliker's hip hop trio on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. "Mr. Vegas" features an Acme siren.

    The song "Lucky Tonight" was featured on Jersey Shore vs American Reunion, an MTV video used to cross-promote the new season of Jersey Shore and the release of the movie, American Reunion.[16]

    Get Connected

    In the beginning of 2012, The MIDI Mafia released Get Connected, an EDM album. MIDI Mafia used the project to re-launch their brand.[17]

    A remix of their song "Blinded By The Lights" off of Get Connected was used in a promotional trailer for Pauly D’s show, The Pauly D Project.

    On July 27, 2012, Conor Maynard released his debut album Contrast featuring the Midi Mafia produced "Pictures".[18]

    The MIDI Mafia also remixed Josh Osho's "Giants" featuring Childish Gambino which was included on Osho's album L.I.F.E.[19]

    Production discography

    YearArtistAlbumSong
    1991Ground ControlAnother Dope Jam
    1993Jimmy GeorgeA Month Of SundaysMy Final Days With You
    1995k-osMusical Essence
    1996Breez Evahflowin'Forsaken
    1997Breez Evahflowin'I Heard It
    1999Precious ParisFour P's In A Pod
    USNiggaz
    Streetz Worldwide
    Where U At
    Make 'Em Bleed
    2000The Bad SeedUhhnnhWar & Peace
    USEast New York
    Price Is Right
    Were #1
    Seen What I Seen
    2001DJ SpinbadUnderground Airplay Version 1.0Smokey
    2002Angie MartinezAnimal HouseNever
    ChoclairMemoirs of Blake SavageLove ’Em All (feat. Baby Blue Soundcrew & Mr. Mims)
    BabyBirdmanWhat Happened To That Boy (Dirty Swift Remix) (feat. Clipse)
    Liberator The Righteous WarriorStrange GirlMovin' Up In Life
    200350 CentCradle 2 the Grave (soundtrack)Follow Me Gangster (feat. G-Unit)
    G-UnitBeg for Mercy Groupie Love (featuring Butch Cassidy)
    Westside ConnectionTerrorist Threats You Gotta Have Heart
    Izm
    50 CentGet Rich or Die Tryin'21 Questions (feat. Nate Dogg)
    Capone-N-NoreagaWhat Up 2 da Hood Yes Sir (feat. Musaliny-N-Maze)
    TamiaMoreOfficially Missing You (MIDI Mafia Remix)
    The God MommieI'm So Ghetto
    Watch Ya Head
    BraveheartsBraveheartedB-Train
    Buss My Gun (featuring Nashawn)
    Realize (featuring Nashawn and Teedra Moses)
    Lil' MoMeet the Girl Next Door21 Answers (featuring Free)
    4Ever (Midi Mafia Remix) (featuring Baby Cham)
    2004Young BuckStraight Outta Ca$hvilleThou Shall
    NellySweat Getcha Getcha (featuring St. Lunatics)
    Talib KweliThe Beautiful StruggleBlack Girl Pain (feat. Jean Grae)
    We Got the Beat (feat. Res)
    I Try (feat. Mary J. Blige)
    Jean GraeThis WeekYou Don't Want It
    ChamillionaireThe Mixtape Messiah Call Some Hoes (featuring Kanye West & Stat Quo)
    Tres CoronasNew York MixtapeSolo Me Deja Mi Tristeza
    The UNUN Or U OutRussian Hat Wear
    D.O.A.
    Money
    What They Want
    Game Of Death
    Mr. VegasPull Up
    Sha StimuliClap At Ya
    Midi MafiaLet's Get It On (Feat. Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac) (Midi Mafia Remix)
    BoramyLe Souffle De La Roquette
    2005Lloyd BanksThe Big Withdraw Gettin Money
    Talib KweliThe Beautiful Mixtape Vol. 2: The Struggle Continues Tryin To Breathe (feat. Killer Mike)
    Rock On
    Mack 10Hustla's HandbookSo Gangsta (featuring Butch Cassidy)
    Keep It Hood (feat. Bre Perry)
    Miri Ben-AriThe Hip-Hop Violinist4 Flat Tires (feat. Birdman, Lil Wayne & Six-Shot)
    Sha'Liek RiversGet 2 Know Ya (feat. Juvenile)
    Midi MafiaWait (Remix) (feat. N.O.R.E.)
    Kast OneI'm A Hustla (feat. Mary J. Blige)
    2006Lady WrayInDepenDance Day Vol. 1: The TakeoverI’ll Take Your Man
    Lloyd BanksRotten AppleMake A Move
    T-RepsMLB 06: The Show SoundtrackHeat It Up
    2007Little BrotherAnd Justus For AllGrown Man (feat. Talib Kweli)
    Mia AguileraLate Nights & Early MorningsWhen I See U
    Talib KweliEardrumGetting My Grown Man On (featuring Little Brother)
    DeemiSoundtrack of My LifeSoundtrack of My Life
    FantasiaFantasiaWhen I See U
    Elliott YaminElliott YaminFree
    Wait for You (feat. Bruce Waynne) (Midi Mafia Radio Edit)
    Midi MafiaOh Drama (feat. Kanye West & Stat Quo)
    Big Chips (feat. Deemi & Cassidy)
    Get Off The Block (feat. N.O.R.E.)
    ShiréMiss My Love
    Sidi-OExtrait D'amertumePetit Speech
    Le Prix A Payer (feat. Seth Gueko)
    DeemiWhy N@ggas Always Wanna F#ck?
    The Hoodz Princess (feat. Styles P)
    2008Bryn ChristopherMy WorldHelp Me (feat. Bruce Waynne)
    The Way You Are
    Jennifer LopezBraveHold It Don’t Drop It
    John LegendEvolverQuickly (featuring Brandy)
    BrandyHumanCasualties
    Torn Down
    David ArchuletaDavid ArchuletaRunning
    Christina MilianDream In ColorOne Kiss
    2009Toni BraxtonIf I Was Sane
    Elliott YaminFight for LoveTorn Down
    Apart From Me
    Forever In You
    Know Better
    Sean KingstonTomorrow Why U Wanna Go
    Justin BieberMy WorldBigger
    Down to Earth
    2010Frank OceanWayfarers (Light Show)
    Good Decoration
    FantasiaBack To MeOverload
    Justin BieberMy World 2.0 Overboard (with Jessica Jarrell)
    Mama’s Boy
    Midi MafiaJersey Shore SoundtrackLast Call
    Chanel West CoastChanel a.k.a CCTease
    I'm Done
    Kat DeLunaClub On Smash
    Fire
    CiaraBasic InstinctWhy You
    If Only
    2011Glasses MaloneBeach CruiserGo Big
    Justin BieberOverboard (Live) (featuring Miley Cyrus)
    Frank OceanThe Lonny Breaux CollectionStanding Still
    Old Terror
    Done
    Read the Stars
    Greedy Love
    Richest Man in the Room
    Standing Still
    Lights
    Taste
    Bedtime Story
    No Bonnie
    Rocket Love
    If I'm in Love
    Simply
    Quickly
    Overload
    Got the Keys
    Scared of Beautiful
    Miss You So
    Ohh in Love
    Time Machine
    One Look
    Blasted
    Hardest Thing
    When I’m Done
    nostalgia,ULTRA.Swim Good
    Try
    Nick CarterI'm Taking OffSpecial
    Electric BarbarellasStrange WorldStrange World
    2012Midi MafiaWhat to Expect When You're Expecting SoundtrackPut Your Hands Up
    Conor MaynardContrastPictures
    Brams L’InsatiableSky is the limit Dans la mesure du plausible
    JLSEvolution Troublemaker (featuring Bebe O'Hare)
    BrandyTwo ElevenScared of Beautiful
    Frank Oceanchannel ORANGEBad Religion
    Cee Lo GreenI'm a Man
    Sazamyzy & HypeGrand Banditisme Paris Vol. 2El Diablo
    Paris, Paris (feat. Demon One)
    2013AngelAbout Time Rocket Love
    Eric BellingerBorn II Sing Vol. 3 R&B Singer
    Club Lights (feat. Tank)
    Body Language (feat. Sha Sha Jones)
    Chanté MooreMoore Is More On and On (feat. Da Brat)
    Midi MafiaMoola (feat. K.I.D & Eric Bellinger)
    Do 4 Love (feat. Eric Bellinger)
    Jazmin Sisters90's Baby You
    PYT
    Rockie FreshGet Connected Brand XBack Down
    Honey CocaineHe's The One (feat. Roxie LS)
    2014Midi MafiaReach For The Stars (feat. Frank Ocean & Rockie Fresh)
    Mucho DeNiroFinally Single (feat. Rayven Justice)
    KehlaniCloud 19As I Am
    Eric BellingerThe RebirthR&B Singer (Remix) (feat. Joe Budden)
    Do 4 Love
    President DavoWhen I see you
    Jazmin SistersPower
    You (Remix) (feat. Iamsu!)
    Keep on Livin’ Keep On Living
    Do it Right
    Stay Right Here
    Second Chances
    Paper Cut
    2015IndianaNo RomeoSwim Good
    Antonique SmithLove Is EverythingHigher (Let Your Guard Down)
    2016H MagnumGotham CitySaint Blaise
    Jade MckenzieLove Letters
    Original GodThe Great American Tragedy Armada (feat. Swerzie, Yung Bitch & XELA)
    BeezHey TomorrowDonuts In A Lambo
    Round Here
    What You Want
    Bibi BourellyFree the Real (Pt. 2)Ballin
    2017Eric BellingerEric B for President: Term 2Naked in the White House
    Make You Mine
    Know / Vibes
    Too Cool / Boujee
    Treat Yourself
    Coastin'
    Island
    Malibu Nights
    CannablissBlazin’ Wit the Bros
    Flight
    Wayne TuckerWake Up and See The SunBad Religion
    2018TankWhen We (Remix) (feat. Trey Songz & Ty Dolla $ign)
    TinasheJoyrideWeekday
    2020A Boogie wit da HoodieArtist 2.0Cinderella Story
    Myke TowersEasy Money BabyGirl
    Eric BellingerFeelin' Like ChristmasWakin Up
    Gift Exchange
    2021FoolioWhen I See You
    Lil MukSee Me
    Eric BellingerGeniusShare You With No One
    Genius
    Juice WRLDTurkey Burgers
    2022Cat PowerCoversBad Religion

    External links

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