Known as a forerunner & pioneering voice in hip hop culture since the late 90’s, Focus…, AKA Bernard Edwards Jr, is a Los Angeles based 5x Grammy Award-winning music producer.
Focus…’s career has been instrumental in shaping the sound of music culture internationally across many different genres. As the son of Bernard Edwards, legendary bassist and founding member of the hit-making 70’s disco band CHIC, his intrinsic aptitude for producing great music was apparent as a young child. The foundation of his musical leanings can be attributed to his strong desire to create songs as well as to watching the rise and success of his father’s career.
“I use Little AlterBoy on most of my productions to degenerate sounds/samples, giving them grit and hip hop elements as I see fit.”
Focus…’s creative production skills were first recognized by the legendary Dr. Dre who signed him as a staff producer for Aftermath Entertainment in 2001 and is a key contributor to the sound, production, and team at Aftermath Entertainment to this day.
Using Soundtoys on Dr. Dre’s Compton:
“Decapitator was used on the project “Compton” by our engineer, Quentin Gilkey, on vocals for ‘Talk About It’, ‘Deep Water’ and anywhere else you may hear the radio static/distorted vocal used on the album.”
Over the course of his career, he has produced for the music industry’s most notable artists including Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Pink, NSYNC, and many more.
Today Focus… can be found behind the boards crafting the future of sound as well as paving the way for the next generation of Musicians and Artist through training and education. You can keep up with him on Instagram and listen to just a sample of his extensive credits on Tidal.
