Stevie J's 10 Greatest Music Contributions

Before Stevie J became a reality star, he was an incredible producer and writer for some of the biggest acts in music.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It's fair to say that, in 2014, Stevie J is best known publicly for his role on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. But don't let his outlandish character on VH1 fool you. Before Stevie became a reality star, he was an important behind-the-scenes man in music during the mid- to late-'90s and into the 2000s.

Alongside Puff Daddy, Stevie J and a handful of other producers—known as the Hitmen—crafted some of the biggest hits of the era, no pun intended. His production and writing credits include the Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Eve, and of course, Puffy. Chances are you've probably heard his work on the radio or at the club, but didn't have the slightest clue that Stevie J was involved. With today being his birthday, it's only right that we celebrate by highlighting his 10 Greatest Music Contributions

112 f/ The Notorious B.I.G. and Ma$e “Only You (Bad Boy Remix)” (1996)

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Album: 112

Credits: Co-producer

One of Stevie J's first major contributions came in 1996, when he co-produced half of 112's eponymous debut album, including their breakout single, "Only You." The record featured Bad Boy's signature sound, with Stevie and Puff Daddy flipping George McCrae's "I Get Lifted" and layering it with a groovy interpolation of Tony! Toni! Toné​!'s "Feels Good." 

New Edition f/ Missy Elliott “You Don't Have to Worry (Vocal Version)” (1996)

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Album: Home Again

Credits: Co-producer

In 1996, Bobby Brown rejoined New Edition for the first time in over a decade for their reunion album, Home Again, and Stevie J got to be a part of this momentous occasion by co-producing their single "You Don't Have to Worry." The song featured an opening verse from a still relatively unknown Missy Elliott, who shined over the bubbling production.

Mariah Carey f/ Puff Daddy, Ma$e, and The LOX “Honey (Bad Boy Remix)” (1997)

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Album: Butterfly

Credits: Co-producer, co-writer

Mariah Carey broke bread with Puff Daddy in 1996 on the Bad Boy remix of "Fantasy," which in turn opened the door for Puffy and Stevie J to work on her album Butterfly the next year. Stevie received co-production and co-writing credits for her massive hit "Butterfly," a record that stands as one of Mariah's biggest in her legendary career.

Mariah Carey f/ Bone Thugs-n-Harmony “Breakdown” (1997)

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Album: Butterfly

Credits: Co-producer, co-writer

Stevie J kept his chemistry with Mariah Carey flowing on "Breakdown," which featured slick verses from Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone of Bones Thug-n-Harmony. Stevie crafted the smooth production alongside Puff Daddy and Mariah, and also penned part of the R&B-rap ballad.

The Notorious B.I.G. f/ Puff Daddy and Ma$e “Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)

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Album: Life After Death

Credits: Co-producer, co-writer

Bad Boy Records ushered in the jiggy era in the late '90s, with "Mo Money Mo Problems" standing as their mission statement. Stevie J and Puff Daddy flipped Diana Ross' already-funky "I'm Coming Out" into an undeniable rap record tailored for radio and nightclubs alike. The song would spend two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Stevie J a bona fide star behind the scenes. Mo money, indeed.

Puff Daddy f/ The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes “Victory” (1997)

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Album: No Way Out

Credits: Co-producer, co-writer

When it came time for Puff Daddy to branch out as a solo artist, who else but Stevie J was riding shotgun for the creation of Puffy's debut album, No Way Out. Stevie came through with hard-hitting production on "Victory," which sampled Bill Conti's "Going the Distance," a record that was included on the original soundtrack for Rocky. How prophetic of Stevie.

Puff Daddy f/ Faith Evans and 112 “I'll Be Missing You” (1997)

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Album: No Way Out

Credits: Co-producer

Stevie J was also called upon for "I'll Be Missing You," co-producing the emotional rap ballad that pays homage to the Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy's fallen legend. The record heavily samples "Every Breath You Take" from the Police, which brought upon an air of familiarity and passion that Puff Daddy could lean on. "I'll Be Missing You" spent 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the biggest songs of the '90s.

Boyz II Men “Can't Let Her Go” (1997)

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Album: Evolution

Credits: Co-producer, co-writer

Stevie J and Puff Daddy produced on a handful of records off Boyz II Men's 1997 album, Evolution, including the single "Can't Let Her Go." The song kept in tune with Bad Boy's jiggy style at the time, offering an upbeat club vibe. "Can't Let Her Go" followed the release of Boyz II Men's "A Song for Mama," a move that was the epitome of yin and yang​.

Tamia “Falling for You” (1998)

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Album: Tamia

Credits: Producer, co-writer

Stevie J linked up with Tamia to work on her self-titled debut album, crafting "Falling for You," an innocent anthem that catered to the youngins. The song sampled "Best of My Love" from the Emotions, playing off the lush melody and groovy bass line. "Falling for You" never quite gained the proper traction it should have back in 1998, which makes it a sweet diamond in the rough two decades later.

Eve f/ Gwen Stefani “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” (2001)

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Album: Scorpion

Credits: Co-writer

Eve earned her first top 10 single as a solo act in 2001 with "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," and Stevie J was a big part of its success, co-writing the Dr. Dre and Scott Storch-produced single that reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. His pen game was certainly proper.

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