Musical virtuoso, Joseph Díaz(Born 1982), professionally known as “JKEY,”(Mister Super Producer) started his music career as a self-taught pianist who eventually went on to play piano with the Harlem Gospel Choir. In 1998, he began honing his production skills as the exclusive in-house keyboard player for prestigious Hip Hop powerhouse, Roc-A-Fella Records. During his tenure at Roc-A-Fella, JKEY interacted with the crème de la crème of the Hip Hop world, including renowned producers Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz and Pharell from the production duo, The Neptunes and artists such as Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, amongst others. Multi-talented with an impeccable work ethic, JKEY garnered the confidence and respect of acclaimed audio engineer, Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton (Mariah Carey,Jay Z,Notorious B.I.G., 8 Mile Soundtra, American Gangster Soundtrack), who quickly took the young musician under his wing and personally taught him the art of audio engineering. JKEY’s work as an audio engineer has allowed him to work with the likes of R&B/Hip Hop artists such as Mya,Carl Thomas,Jay Z and the Terror Squad.
While nurturing and developing his love for Urban American music, JKEY has simultaneously remained faithful to his Latin roots and has played a key role in several major productions. In 2005, he conceptualized and spearheaded the Reggaeton Niños project, which went on to sell over 200,000 copies. In 2006, he co-produced and scored “Porque Soy,” the first ever Hip Hop song (Latin or no) ever to be recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, JKEY is an avant garde producer of bachata music, the future of the Spanish urban movement. He has produced such acts as Xtreme,Andy Andy, A.B. Quintanilla III’s Kumbia All Starz (the bachata version of their smash hit, “Chiquilla”), and many more. He has been commissioned by many well-known artists to produce the reggaetón remixes of their hit singles, in order to crossover into the Latin market (Alicia Keys, Mario, Snoop Dogg, etc.) He is currently working on the deluxe edition of Kat DeLuna’s smash album, 9 Lives.
|