The Emancipation Of Mimi Archives

Bryan-Michael Cox has numerous recording productions under his belt. Moreover, his work pierces through multiple genres, and he has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Jagged Edge, and more. Soon after relocating to Atlanta in 2000, Cox and Jermaine Dupri fostered a working relationship, becoming production partners. This partnership led to widespread success, as well as numerous accolades. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bryan-Michael Cox has been behind some timeless tracks, earning him an induction into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame. The following seven songs are a testament to his brilliance as a producer.

7. “Say Goodbye” – Chris Brown

Released on August 8, 2006, from Chris Brown’s self-titled debut album, this track was also featured in the movie Step Up. It also marked Brown’s third top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 following the success of “Run It!” and “Yo (Excuse Me Miss).” The song’s lyrics reveal Chris Brown ending a relationship, as he croons about the difficulty of staying together despite his best efforts. Bryan-Michael Cox is the sole producer on the track, making it his first of four productions with Chris Brown.

6. “Don’t Mess With My Man” – Nivea

By the 2000s, Bryan-Michael Cox was behind numerous productions for Jagged Edge. That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise when he produced Nivea’s “Don’t Mess With My Man,” featuring Brian and Brandon Casey. The lyrics are a warning against interfering in the singers’ relationships, emphasizing their determination to protect it. “Don’t Mess With My Man” was the third single from Nivea’s self-titled debut album. The track peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, it was nominated for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003.

5. “Like You” – Bow Wow Ft. Ciara

In 2005, Bow Wow and Ciara collaborated on “Like You,” a track from the former’s album Wanted. Produced by longtime collaborators Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, it was released as the album’s second single, released in July 2005. This hit soared to the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and landed at number three on the Hot 100. Additionally, “Like You” held the third position on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. It marked Bow Wow’s second top-10 hit and Ciara’s fifth. Beyond the US, the song hit the top 40 in Ireland, Germany, and the UK. Even now, “Like You” stands as Bow Wow’s highest-ranking song on the charts.

4. “Where The Party At” – Jagged Edge Ft. Nelly

“Where The Party At” is one of over 30 songs produced by Bryan-Michael Cox for Jagged Edge. The smash party hit, which features Nelly, topped the Billboard R&B chart for three weeks. Furthermore, it became the group’s highest-charting single on the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining at number three for five weeks. At the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002, it earned a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, a newly introduced category at the time. The R&B banger captures the thrill of a night out, celebrating with friends, exuding swag, and relishing the carefree moments. Moreover, the lyrics are filled to the brim with references to drinking, dancing, mingling with beauties, and leaving worries behind for an unforgettable night out.

3. “Don’t Forget About Us” – Mariah Carey

Bryan-Michael Cox worked on numerous records with Mariah Carey, beginning in 1994. However, of the bulk of tracks they created, “Don’t Forget About Us” is their only collaboration to peak atop the Hot 100. The fourth single from Mariah’s The Emancipation Of Mimi revolves around moving past a breakup and getting ready to abandon the relationship. This track’s lyrics are a stark contrast from another standout song on the album, “We Belong Together,” where she still nurses hope for a reunion. Notably, “Don’t Forget About Us” marked Mariah Carey’s 17th Hot 100 chart-topper, propelling her into a tie for second place with Elvis Presley for the most #1 hits.

Read More: Mariah Carey’s Albums, Ranked

2. “Confessions Pt. II” – Usher

True to its name, Usher delivers his confessions on this track. Hoping for a reconciliation, he sings passionately of his undying love for his girl. The song is a sequel to “Confessions Pt. I,” which was originally an interlude. It didn’t take long for the rumor mill to start linking the song to Usher’s real-life relationships. The lyrics were particularly rumored to be aimed at TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, whom he dated from 2001 to 2003. Usher himself would deny the rumor, leaving most to believe the speculations were only a publicity stunt by his label, Arista Records. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most popular songs Cox has produced.

1. “Be Without You” – Mary J. Blige

It would be impossible to list the best productions by Bryan-Michael Cox without honoring the iconic track, “Be Without You.” The lead single off Mary J. Blige’s seventh album, The Breakthrough, remains one of her most popular ever. Throughout the song, Blige encourages her partner to value their relationship and commit to its survival. “Be Without You” became one of the most-played tracks on the radio in 2006. However, the song’s success extends past radio play, as it is one of the most recognizable R&B tracks of all time.

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The legendary Jermaine Dupri has several iconic music productions in his catalog. He began producing when he was just twelve years old for local artists in his hometown of College Park, Atlanta. His career-defining moment would come in 1992 when he made “Just Kickin’ It” for Xscape, paving their path to a deal with LaFace Records. Jermaine Dupri then launched his label, So So Def Recordings two years later, ushering in a wave of now-timeless productions and artists.

His extensive collaborations with the likes of Da Brat, Mariah Carey, Usher, Monica, and Bow Wow have left an indelible mark on Hip Hop. However, his impact extends far beyond the genre. Jermaine Dupri has since shaped evergreen hits, while persistently influencing the industry. Today, his ongoing contributions to production, entrepreneurial endeavors, and philanthropy continue to shape the music landscape, solidifying his enduring prestige in the industry.

7. “Grillz” – Nelly (2005)

“Grillz” by Nelly made its mark by claiming the number one position on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also held this coveted spot for two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, on Billboard’s year-end chart for 2006, the single was the 12th biggest hit. The track earned a platinum certification from the RIAA, surpassing a million sales. Recognizing its impact, the song received a nomination for Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.

6. “Always Be My Baby” – Mariah Carey (1996)

A serial record breaker, “Always Be My Baby,” was co-written and produced by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Manuel Seal. The soft and mellow track is one of the biggest Jermaine Dupri productions of all time and was a rager on the charts. It became Carey’s eleventh Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper and held the spot for two weeks. More notably, it stayed for nine weeks at number two, setting the record for the fourth-longest song to hold that position.

5. “The First Night” – Monica (1998)

This track remains a staple from Monica’s impeccable R&B discography. It was written by Tamara Savage and Jermaine Dupri, marking one of the latter’s more intimate productions. The track initially held the number one spot but was briefly dethroned by Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week,” only to reclaim the top position for an additional three weeks. It marked Monica’s sixth Top Ten and second consecutive number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100. “The First Night” also got certified platinum by the RIAA, and made the 18th spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 year-end listing.

4. “U Got It Bad” – Usher (2001)

“U Got It Bad” secured Usher’s third number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 2001. This marked Usher’s first consecutive pair of number-one hits, following “U Remind Me.” Reaching the chart’s peak again in January 2002, the song dominated the Hot 100 for five more weeks. Simultaneously, it shattered the record for the highest audience impression on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, previously held by Alicia Keys.

3. “Burn” – Usher (2004)

After tasting the magic of his productions, Usher kept Jermaine Dupri on board for his third album, 8701. Originally intended as the lead single for his commercially triumphant album Confessions, “Burn” is another staple in Usher’s catalog. Debuting at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 months before its physical release, the soulful single rose to number one in May 2004. It would also hold the spot for eight non-consecutive weeks. “Burn” also ranked as the fifth most-played song in 2004, and earned an RIAA platinum certification. Moreover, it claimed the position of the second best-selling single in the US, trailing behind Usher’s own “Yeah!.” In 2009, Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs of the Decade named it as the 21st most successful song of the 2000s.

2. “Jump” – Kriss Kross (1991)

One of his earliest productions, Jermaine Dupri shone behind the scenes on this classic Hip-Hop anthem. The young Kriss Kross duo: Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, were aged 12 and 13 respectively when the song was recorded. “Jump” raged across local and global charts, and it remains Kris Kross’s biggest hit to date. Topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Rap Songs chart, it became the fastest-selling single in fifteen years, reigning atop the Hot 100 for a consecutive eight weeks. The track’s success also fueled over four million sales of Kris Kross’s debut album, Totally Krossed Out.

1. “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey (2005)

After a minor career decline between 2001-2004, joint productions by Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey led to the classic 2005 album, The Emancipation Of Mimi. One of the songs to revitalize Carey’s career was the track “We Belong Together.” The emotional ballad was a critical and commercial success and a testament to both of their lasting legacies. This track also earned Carey her sixteenth chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100 where it reigned for fourteen weeks. Nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, “We Belong Together” secured wins for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

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