This week on Country Rap Tunes Podcast, Cory Mo & Kimberly Jones talk to the Legend himself Jazze Pha. They talk about his younger years growing up in the music industry. Working with R Kelly, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Ciara, UGK, Biggie, 2 Pac, Michael Jackson and much more. Jevon Dewand of the “Trap Stars” also joined in to talk about his new project ventures & how to live life the right way. This episode will inspire you to be motivated at what ever it is that you do in life. Ep. 1 Season 2.
People often forget about Jazze Pha when it comes to the greatest producers. At one point, he was the arguably hottest producer in the South. Through the 2000s, Jazze’s signature style of production fueled many of the biggest hits from that era. The Memphis producer created a few memorable moments in Hip Hop that makes his catalog stand out from all the other producers.
The South was on its way to taking the Hip Hop crown as rappers like T.I. popularized Trap Music. Meanwhile, Ludacris’s animated delivery felt like a breath of fresh air. Jazze Pha was able to create hits with both artists on more than one occasion. However, his reach extended beyond Atlanta and throughout the South, which was made evident by his first production deal with Cash Money Records.
With the emergence of talent in Memphis, what would a Jazze Pha production sound like in 2023? Hopefully, we’ll find out soon. With nearly 30 years of hits under his belt, his catalog speaks volumes. Let’s take a look at some of Jazze Pha’s hits.
7. “Sick Of Being Lonely”- Field Mob
“Sick of Being Lonely” is one of the songs Field Mob is known for. The record explores both Smoke and Shawn Jay’s relationship with the same women. In the first verse, Shawn Jay wonders if his woman is cheating because she isn’t contacting him like any other night. In Smoke’s verse, he is letting the woman know her man’s a fool for not staying at home with her. It looks like the woman isn’t picking up because she might be with Smoke.
Jazze Pha helped the Georgia duo achieve their first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #18 on the Hot 100. Jazze’s slow-burning production delivers a sultry feel but the drums uplift the mood. The Memphis producer’s presence is felt all across “Sick of Being Lonely,” especially with his ad-libs at the end.
6. “Let’s Get Down”- Bow Wow ft. Birdman
Jermaine Dupri was, at one point, Bow Wow’s go-to-producer but as he got older, things changed. On his third album, Unleashed, he teamed up with Jazze Pha on “Let’s Get Down” ft. Birdman as his hype man. “Let’s Get Down” landed at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the charts for four months. Jazze Pha helped Shad Moss’ transformation from the child-friendly Lil Bow Wow to just Bow Wow. Jazze Pha’s contributions to Unleashed helped give Bow Wow a sound that appealed well beyond the teenage demographic. Surely, Jazze Pha deserves credit for shifting the So So Def’s artist career.
5. “Let’s Get Away”- T.I. ft. Jazze Pha
On “Let’s Get Away,” Jazze Pha’s talents extend from the board to the booth. He sings part of the hook on T.I.’s feel-good anthem for the ladies. Jazze Pha’s paradise-like production helped T.I. create an anthem that showcased his versatility beyond being a voice for the trap. The combined success of T.I. and Jazze Pha’s talents were further affirmed when “Let’s Get Away” reached the number 35 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
“So What” is a relatable song for many people in relationships. In this one, the duo detail their partners’ friends spreading rumors in hopes to ruin their relationship. Jazze Pha makes another Field Mob song that you can bounce to and Ciara’s inclusion elevates it further. “So What” might be Field Mob’s biggest hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Jazze Pha takes a verse from the Notorious B.I.G. and turns it into a modern hit. It’s a fun song that serves as a type of celebration or tribute to the late great Christopher Wallace and entered the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jazze Pha flexed his producer skills by revamping “Nasty Boy” and undoubtedly did justice by turning it into an iconic hit.
Ciara and Missy Elliot had a hit with “1, 2 Step” but that’s also due to Jazze Pha’s production. The producer’s ad-libs bring high energy to the song. While his production undoubtedly shakes up the dancefloor, it’s his ability to bring amazing artists together that made the record a hit. Jazze Pha created a feel-good song that everyone can enjoy while Ciara came up with the signature moves. Just like in the music video, senior citizens, adults, teenagers, and kids can all join in on the “1, 2 Step”.
1. “Area Codes”- Ludacris ft. Nate Dogg
Jazze Pha made the perfect beat for Ludacris and Nate Dogg on “Area Codes.” As the two introduce us to different women in different cities, Jazze Pha lays down smooth and funky production. Ludacris made “Area Codes” for the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack, but it was the lead single off his album, Word of Mouf. The song reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.
