The Songwriters And Producers Behind Two Decades Of Hip-Hop & R&B Hits

Over the past week, the idea of collaboration has taken on a different meaning for many artists, producers, and songwriters. 

Hit-Boy and Boi1da, Johnta Austin and Ne-Yo, and Sean Garrett and The-Dream hopped on Instagram Live to engage in virtual bouts of friendly competition. Each revealed some of the most popular songs they wrote or produced in an attempt to one-up the other. For viewers at home, the competitions pulled back the curtain on the creative masterminds behind some of hip-hop and R&B’s most popular songs in the last 20 years. The songs listed below are only a few of the dozens showcased during each live stream. 

Hit-Boy vs. Boi1da

Both producers found mainstream success merely a decade ago and have accumulated production credits with some of the same artists since, including Justin Bieber, Drake, and Kanye West. During their digital beat battle, Boi1da included snippets of an unreleased Drake and Roddy Ricch cut. Hit-Boy flaunted a vaulted track featuring Nipsey Hussle and Big Sean. Onlookers included Kevin Durant, Timbaland, and Drake.

Hit-Boy 

• Rihanna – “Woo”
• ASAP Rocky – “1Train” 
• Beyonce – “Sorry”

Boi1da

• Rihanna – “Work”
• J. Cole – “Deja Vu”
• Drake – “Best I Ever Had”

Johnta Austin vs. Ne-Yo

Johnta Austin logged into the Instagram Live session wearing a white button-down and black blazer, while Ne-Yo comfortably sported a black beanie and hoodie. Austin boasts credits for Mariah Carey (“We Belong Together”) and Mary J. Blige (“Be With You”). Ne-Yo’s resume lists Mario (“Let Me Love You”) and Beyonce (“Irreplaceable”) as collaborators.

Johnta Austin

• Chris Brown – “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)”
• Bow Wow & Chris Brown – “Shortie Like Mine” 
• Bryson Tiller – “Don’t” 

Ne-Yo 

• Rihanna – “Unfaithful”
• Keri Hilson – “Knock You Down”
• Plies – “Bust It Baby”

Timbaland vs. Swizz Beatz

Versatility was the overarching theme between Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. Timbaland’s catalog ranges from smooth R&B cuts with Aaliyah (“One in A Million” and “I Miss You”) to chart-topping hip-hop singles with Jay-Z (“Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Big Pimpin’”). Beatz elevated rap culture with DMX (“Rufff Ryders” and “Party Up (Up in Here)”) just as much as he permeated the R&B/pop space alongside Beyonce (“Upgrade U” and “Check On It”). 

Timbaland 

• Bryson Tiller – “Sorry Not Sorry”
• Justin Timberlake – “Cry Me a River”
• Omarion – “Ice Box”

Swizz Beatz 

• Lil Wayne – “Uproar” 
• Kanye West – “Famous”
• Angie Stone – “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” 

Sean Garrett vs. The-Dream

In addition to earning stripes as two of R&B and hip-hop’s most prolific songwriters, both The-Dream and Sean Garrett were artists, too. The-Dream boasts mid-2000s hits like “Falsetto” and “Shawty is the S***.” Garrett’s catalog includes “Feel Love” featuring J. Cole and a guest appearance on Gucci Mane’s “Break Up.” Over 38,000 viewers tuned into their virtual showcase, including Usher, Wiz Kahlifa, and Hitboy. 

Sean Garret 

• Chris Brown – “Wall to Wall”
• Beyonce – “Upgrade U”
• Usher – “Yeah”

The-Dream

• Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake – “Holy Grail” 
• Beyonce – “Single Ladies”
• Beyonce – “Dance for You”