The producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has built a solid reputation as a creative force behind the scenes. His list of estimable credits is stacked with such award-winning names as Adele, Bruno Mars, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, T.I., Nipsey Hussle and Lukas Graham. In fact, in 2018 alone, Brody earned five Grammys for his contributions to Mars’ album of the year-winning 24K Magic. As one-third of the innovative trio Shampoo Press & Curl (along with Mars and Philip Lawrence), Brody co-wrote and produced the double-platinum album’s five hit singles: the title track, “Chunky,” “Versace on the Floor,” “Finesse” and “That’s What I Like.”
“I’m just a classic fanatic,” declares Brody, “but with new sonics.”
Born Christopher Steven Brown, the Los Angeles-based multi-talent counts Quincy Jones, George Clinton, Dr. Dre, Battlecat and DJ Quik as musical heroes. “I want to transition music fans’ minds,” Brody adds. “You don’t have to turn up all the time. You can be young and still have fun being classy and elegant. And I want to be the guy that shows people how to do that.”
A native of Compton, CA, the church-bred Brody grew up in a musical family. His first instrument was the drums. “I left ink marks all over the family television set trying to use pens as drum sticks,” he laughingly recalls of his seven-year-old self. But getting his hands on an actual set of drums still wasn’t enough. “I needed to learn more instruments because I wanted to express myself in every way I could.”
Brody’s self-taught instrumental repertoire includes bass, guitar, percussion and piano. His grandmother introduced him to the latter—while giving him a lifelong lesson about music. “She taught me about the piano and music using baseball lingo,” says Brody. “You’ve got to hit first, second and third base before you can go home. And that’s how I look at songs. You put together the verses, the hook and then you close it out.”
At the tender age of 14, a precocious Brody found himself accepting an invitation from R&B star Bobby V. to play bass on his tour. That opportunity led to his joining a crew of musicians, songwriters, and producers now known as the multiple Grammy-nominated production team 1500 or Nothin’ (Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, B.o.B.) Subsequent tour gigs with Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, T.I. and American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee followed. As did an internship with Grammy-winning production duo The Underdogs, with credits that featured collaborations on the Shrek and Smurfs soundtracks.
Brody Brown’s ultimate winning moment, however, arrived in 2009 when a then-unknown Mars—with whom Brody shared the same publisher—recruited the fellow newcomer to work on Mars’ first studio album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Brody co-wrote the set’s Grammy-nominated, seven-times platinum single “Grenade” and later hit the road with Mars as his music director while also doubling on the bass and keys.
Since then, Brody Brown has quietly evolved into an in-demand songwriter/producer, racking up a series of enviable writing and/or production credits through word of mouth. Among them: co-writing Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifia’s “Young, Wild & Free” featuring Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson’s “Feel Right” featuring Mystikal, Cee Lo Green’s “F*ck You,” T.I.’s “Love This Life,” Adele’s “All I Ask,” Lukas Graham’s “7 Years”/“Mama Said” and Nipsey Hussle’s “Feeling Myself.”
Asked for the secret behind his success thus far, Brody says it all comes down to listening. “I’m always listening to and studying the artist I’m catering to,” he explains. “That’s what helps me keep a keen ear, always digging and not just settling. As long as I know what it is the artist wants, it’s a wrap.”
“For me, it doesn’t come down to money,” says Brody. “It’s about legacy. I just want to make sure I do the best that I can do.”