Best Kept Secret is an American

music production A record producer or music producer is a music creating project's overall supervisor whose responsibilities can involve a range of creative and technical leadership roles. Typically the job involves hands-on oversight of recording sessions; ensu ...

duo, composed of record producers Julian Nixon and Craig Balmoris. The duo met in 2006, during their time in high school. Former member Ernest "Tone P" Price was a part of Best Kept Secret from 2007 until 2009. Infusing go-go with hip hop, Best Kept Secret connected with fellow DC native, Wale, to produce the majority of his critically acclaimed mixtape, The Mixtape About Nothing. They would later team up with Clarence "CJ" Mitchell aka "Flawless Tracks" to create one of the most popular

SoundClick SoundClick is a music-based social community. Songs can be streamed, downloaded in MP3 format, sold through the store, or licensed to others. SoundClick compiles daily charts for various genres, based on undisclosed factors. The social-network o ...

pages. The SoundClick production is often heard with the

producer tag A producer tag (sometimes simply called a tag) is the element of a song, typically at the beginning of it, inserted there by the song's producer – a short sound meant to familiarize the listener with who is responsible for the production of the ...

, "Hey it's the Best Kept Secret", and can be found on many Ballislife.com videos and other popular internet content.

Production discography

Wale – '' 100 Miles & Running'' (2007)

* 02. "DC Gorillaz" * 03. "Ice Cream Girl"

Rhymefest Che Armond Smith (born July 6, 1977), known professionally as Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, with writing credits on his songs includi ...
– ''Mark Ronson Presents: Man In The Mirror'' (2008)

* 02. "Can't Make It" * 07. "Never Can Say Goodbye" ft.

Talib Kweli Talib Kweli Greene (; born October 3, 1975) is an American rapper. He first earned recognition through his collaboration with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey) in 1997, when they formed the group Black Star. Kweli's music ...

Wale – '' The Mixtape About Nothing'' (2008)

* 01. "The Opening Title Sequence" * 03. "The Feature Heavy Song" ft.

Bun B Bernard James Freeman (born March 19, 1973), known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper. He is best known as one half of the Southern rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz), a group he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work wi ...

Pusha T Terrence LeVarr Thornton (born May 13, 1977), better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as one half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which he formed with his older brother No Malice, Malice. M ...

and Tre from UCB * 05. "The Perfect Plan" * 06. "The Kramer" * 07. "The Crazy" * 08. "Vacation from Ourselves" * 10. "The Grown Up" * 11. “The Manipulation" * 12. "Artistic Integrity" * 18. "The Hype" * 19. "The End Credits"

Robin Thicke Robin Alan Thicke (born March 10, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his 2013 single " Blurred Lines" (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams), which peaked atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, received ...
– Miscellaneous (2008)

* "

Magic Magic or magick most commonly refers to: * Magic (supernatural), beliefs and actions employed to influence supernatural beings and forces ** ''Magick'' (with ''-ck'') can specifically refer to ceremonial magic * Magic (illusion), also known as sta ...

" Remix ft.

Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. Often referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Qu ...

and Wale Co- Produced w/

Mark Ronson Mark Daniel Ronson (born 4 September 1975) is a British-American DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He has won nine Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year for Amy Winehouse's album '' Back to Black'' (2006), as well as two for Record ...

Rhymefest Che Armond Smith (born July 6, 1977), known professionally as Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, with writing credits on his songs includi ...
– '' El Che'' (2008)

* 02. "Talk My Shit"

Wale – ''Back to the Feature'' (2009)

* 08. "Sweatin Out Weaves" ft. UCB * 22. "New Soul" ft.

Yael Naim Yael Naim (; born 6 February 1978) is a French-born Israeli singer and actress. She rose to fame in 2008 in the US after her hit single "New Soul" was used by Apple Inc., Apple in an advertising campaign for its MacBook Air. The song peaked at N ...

Young Chris Christopher Francis Ries (born March 9, 1983), known professionally as Young Chris, is an American rapper. He rose to fame as one-half of the Philadelphia-based hip hop duo Young Gunz, which he formed with rapper Neef Buck in 2001. That same yea ...
– ''30 Days 30 Verses'' (2009)

* 16. "Searching" ft.

and Wale

Skyzoo Gregory Skyler Taylor (born December 24, 1980), known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American Director rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including '' Cloud 9: The 3 Day High'' with 9th W ...
– '' The Salvation'' (2009)

* 04. "My Interpretation"

Wale – '' Attention Deficit'' (2009)

* 04. " Pretty Girls" ft.

Gucci Mane Radric Delantic Davis (born February 12, 1980), known professionally as Gucci Mane, is an American rapper. He is credited, along with fellow Atlanta-based rappers T.I. and Jeezy, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream a ...

& Weensey * 08. "Shades" ft.

Chrisette Michele Chrisette Michele Payne (born December 8, 1982) is an American R&B and soul singer. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for her song " Be OK" (featuring will.i.am). She was previously signed to Motown Recor ...

* 14. "Prescription"

Wale - Miscellaneous (2009)

* "Family Affair" * " Pretty Girls (Remix)" ft.

Fabolous John David Jackson (born November 18, 1977), known professionally as Fabolous, is an American rapper. Raised in Brooklyn, he first gained recognition for his ability upon performing live on DJ Clue's WQHT, Hot 97 radio show. Jackson then signed ...

and

Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A Pop music, pop and hip-hop-influenced contemporary R&B, R&B musician who works in a variety of genres, he has been called the "Honorific nic ...

Logic Logic is the study of correct reasoning. It includes both formal and informal logic. Formal logic is the study of deductively valid inferences or logical truths. It examines how conclusions follow from premises based on the structure o ...
- ''Young, Broke & Infamous'' (2010)

* 14. "Ask Em"

Shawty Lo - Miscellaneous (2010)

* "Say Yeah" ft.

Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. ( ; born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Rooted in West Coast hip-hop, he is widely regarded as one of t ...

Wale – ''More About Nothing'' (2010)

* 03. "The Soup" * 21. "The Get Away (Fly Away) ft. Northeast Groovers"

Mike Posner Michael Robert Henrion Posner ( ; born February 12, 1988) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit.For Posner's full name, see He signed with J Records in 2009 and released his debut single "Cooler Than Me" the follo ...
– ''The Layover'' (2011)

* 12. "21 Days" * 13. "Attitudes" ft.

Casey Veggies Casey Joseph Jones (born July 18, 1993), known professionally as Casey Veggies, is an American rapper. A founding member of the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective Odd Future, he co-formed the group with Tyler, the Creator, Hodgy, Left Brain, t ...

Skyzoo Gregory Skyler Taylor (born December 24, 1980), known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American Director rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including '' Cloud 9: The 3 Day High'' with 9th W ...
– ''The Great Debater'' (2011)

* 01. "Complicated Rhythm" * 06. "We Here"

Nipsey Hussle Ermias Joseph Asghedom (born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom; August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019), known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, was an American rapper, entrepreneur, and activist. Emerging from the West Coast hip-hop scene in the mid-20 ...
- TMC: X-Tra Laps (2012)

* 01. "Faith"

Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first music ...
and
Jay Rock Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. (born March 31, 1985), better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California. Rock signed with local independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. He secured a major lab ...
- The Vault (2012)

* "Hands Up"

Schoolboy Q Quincy Matthew Hanley (born October 26, 1986), better known by his stage name Schoolboy Q (stylized as ScHoolboy Q), is an American rapper. He began recording in 2007, and released his first two mixtapes, ''ScHoolboy Turned Hustla'' (2008) and '' ...
– ''
Habits & Contradictions ''Habits & Contradictions'' is the second studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. It was released on January 14, 2012, exclusively on iTunes, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The album features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Jhené Aiko, ...
'' (2012)

*03. " Hands on the Wheel" ft.

ASAP Rocky Rakim Athelaston Mayers (born October 3, 1988), known professionally as ASAP Rocky ( ; stylized as A$AP Rocky), is an American rapper. Born and raised in Harlem, he embarked on his musical career as a member of the hip hop music, hip hop coll ...

**Sample credit: " Pursuit of Happiness" - Lissie

Skyzoo - '' A Dream Deferred'' (2012)

* 11. "How to Make It Through Hysteria"

Tinashe Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe ( ; born February 6, 1993), known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California, as a child, where she pursued w ...
- '' Reverie'' (2012)

* 05. "Another Me"

Epic Rap Battles of History ''Epic Rap Battles of History'' (ERB) is a YouTube web series and music project created by Peter "Nice Peter" Shukoff and Lloyd "EpicLLOYD" Ahlquist. The series pits historical and pop culture figures against one another in a rap battle format ...
(Season 2) (2013)

* Ep. 28 "Adam vs Eve" ft.

Jenna Marbles Jenna Nicole Mourey (born September 15, 1986), better known as Jenna Marbles, is an American former YouTuber. Over the span of ten years, her YouTube channel has accumulated approximately 1.8 billion video views and, at its peak, over 20 million ...

Tinashe Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe ( ; born February 6, 1993), known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California, as a child, where she pursued w ...
- ''Black Water'' (2013)

* 06. "Midnight Sun"

Wale - (2014)

* "Royals (Remix)" ft. Magazeen

Rittz Jonathan Matthew McCollum (born August 16, 1980), better known by his stage name Rittz, is an American rapper. His debut album '' The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant'' was released on April 30, 2013, rising to number 8 on ''Billboard'' Hot R&B/Hi ...
- Next to Nothing (2014)

* 08. "In My Zone" ft.

Mike Posner Michael Robert Henrion Posner ( ; born February 12, 1988) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit.For Posner's full name, see He signed with J Records in 2009 and released his debut single "Cooler Than Me" the follo ...

and B.o.B * 12. "Going Through Hell" ft.

Teyana Taylor Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Taylor (born December 10, 1990) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, model, dancer, choreographer, and music video director. After choreographing the video for Beyoncé's 2006 single " Ring the Alarm," she signed ...
- VII (2014)

* 02. "Just Different"

Wale - Festivus (2014)

* 09. "Chess" ft.

Jerry Seinfeld Jerome Allen Seinfeld ( ; born April 29, 1954) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. As a stand-up comedian, Seinfeld specializes in observational comedy. Seinfeld gained stardom playing a semi-fictionalized version ...

Tabi Bonney Tabiabuè Bonney, better known as Tabi Bonney, is a Togo-born, Washington, D.C.–based rapper. He is the son of Itadi Bonney, an afro-funk musician popular during the 1970s in Togo and West Africa. Bonney achieved recognition in the Washingt ...
- Miscellaneous (2014)

* "Poom Poom"

Estelle -
True Romance ''True Romance'' is a 1993 American romantic crime film directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. It features an ensemble cast led by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, with Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt ...
(2015)

* 05. "Timeshare (Suite 509)"

Wale - The Album About Nothing (2015)

* 12. "The Bloom (AG3)"

Cyhi the Prynce Cydel Charles Young (born September 15, 1984), known professionally as CyHi the Prynce (also referred to as CyHi Da Prynce or simply CyHi), is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Stone Mountain, Georgia. He signed a major label recor ...
- (2015)

* "Elephant in the Room"

Dr. Dre Andre Romell Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and co-founder of ...
- '' Compton'' (2015)

* 06. "Darkside" ft. King Mez

Rittz Jonathan Matthew McCollum (born August 16, 1980), better known by his stage name Rittz, is an American rapper. His debut album '' The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant'' was released on April 30, 2013, rising to number 8 on ''Billboard'' Hot R&B/Hi ...
- Top of the Line (2016)

* 05. "Inside of the Groove" ft.

and

E-40 Earl Tywone Stevens (born November 15, 1967), better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper. Stevens is a founding member of the rap group The Click (band), The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. He has released 27 stud ...

Wale - (2016)

* "Heisman Watch"

Jidenna Jidenna Theodore Mobisson (born May 4, 1985), known mononymously as Jidenna, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. He signed with Janelle Monáe's record label Wondaland Arts Society, an imprint of Epic Records to release his debut sing ...
- The Chief (2017)

* 06. " Long Live the Chief"

SZA Solána Imani Rowe (born November 8, 1989), known professionally as SZA ( ), is an American singer-songwriter. Known for her diaristic lyrics and genre explorations, she has been credited as a prominent figure in influencing contemporary R& ...
- Ctrl (2017)

* 08. " Garden (Say It like Dat)"

Bekon - Get With the Times (2018)

* 01. "7am" * 02. "America" * 03. "Cold As Ice" * 04. "9am" * 05. "Oxegen" * 06. "Catch Me If You Can" * 07. "Mama Olivia" * 08. "12pm" * 09. "17" * 10. "30" * 11. "4pm" * 12. "Get With The Times" * 13. "7pm" * 14. "Candy and Promises" * 15. "10pm Soda Break" * 16. "In Your Honor"

Lolawolf - (2018)

* "Baby I'm Dyin'"

Marsha Ambrosius Marsha Ambrosius-Billups, born Marsha Angelique Ambrosius (born 8 August 1977) is an English singer and songwriter. She began her music career in the early 2000s with Floetry, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. Following the ...
- Nyla (2018)

* 09. "Today" (produced with Focus...) * 13. "Scorn"

H.E.R. - I Used to Know Her: Part 2 (2018)

* 07. "Fate" * 08. "Lord is Coming"

Wale - Miscellaneous (2019)

* "09 Folarin"

Higher Brothers - Five Stars (Higher Brothers album) (2019)

* "Do It Like Me" ft.

JID Destin Choice Route (born October 31, 1990), better known by his stage name JID (also stylized J.I.D), is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Atlanta, he signed with J. Cole's Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscop ...

Rich Brian - The Sailor (2019)

* 01. "The Sailor" * 02. "Rapapapa" ft.

RZA Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (born July 5, 1969), better known by his stage name RZA ( ) or the RZA, is an American rapper, record producer, composer, actor, and filmmaker. He is the '' de facto'' leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having pro ...

* 04. "Kids" * 05. "Drive Safe" * 06. "Confetti" * 07. "Vacant" * 08. "No Worries" * 11. "Curious" * 12. "Where Does the Time Go" ft. Joji

H.E.R. - I Used to Know Her (2019)

* 02. "Fate" * 19. "Lord is Coming" ft.

YBN Cordae Cordae Amari Brooks ( Dunston; born August 26, 1997), known mononymously as Cordae (formerly YBN Cordae and Entendre), is an American rapper. He began his career as a member of the hip hop collective YBN. His 2019 debut studio album, '' The Los ...

Rich Brian - Miscellaneous (2020)

* "Bali" ft. Guapdad 4000

Rich Brian - 1999 (2020)

* "Love in My Pocket"

Joji -
Nectar Nectar is a viscous, sugar-rich liquid produced by Plant, plants in glands called nectaries, either within the flowers with which it attracts pollination, pollinating animals, or by extrafloral nectaries, which provide a nutrient source to an ...
(2020)

* 01. "Ew"

Easy Life - Life's a Beach (2021)

* 01. "A Message to Myself"

'' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: The Album'' (2021)

* 01. "Always Rising" (performed by Niki, Rich Brian, and Warren Hue) * 02. "Diamonds + and Pearls" (performed by DPR Live, DPR Ian and peace.) * 07. "Lose Control" (performed by JJ Lin) * 10. "Foolish" (performed by Rich Brian, Warren Hue, and Guapdad 4000) * 12. "Act Up" (performed by Rich Brian and EarthGang) * 17. "Hot Soup" (performed by 88rising and Simu Liu) * 18. "Warriors" (performed by Warren Hue and Seori)

Rich Brian - '' Brightside'' (2022)

* 04. "Sunny"

Easy Life - "MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE" (2022)

*. 09. "CROCODILE TEARS"

Tanna Leone - "Sleepy Soldier" (2022)

* 13. "If There's A God" * 14. "February"

Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first music ...
- '' Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers'' (2022)

* 06. " Auntie Diaries" * 09. "Mirror"

Fousheé Britanny Fousheé (born August 1, 1990), known simply as Fousheé, is an American singer-songwriter. She came to wide notice when the vocals for her song "Deep End" were used on a hit song by rapper Sleepy Hallow in 2020. She released her RCA Reco ...
- '' Softcore'' (2022)

* 08. "Unexplainable"

Hozier Andrew John Hozier-Byrne (born 17 March 1990), known professionally as Hozier ( ), is an Irish musician. His music primarily draws from Folk music, folk, Soul music, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and taking politica ...
- " Eat Your Young" (2023)

* 01. "Eat Your Young"

Hozier Andrew John Hozier-Byrne (born 17 March 1990), known professionally as Hozier ( ), is an Irish musician. His music primarily draws from Folk music, folk, Soul music, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and taking politica ...
- "
Unreal Unearth ''Unreal Unearth'' is the third studio album by Irish musician Hozier, released on 18 August 2023. A loose concept album inspired by and drawing on themes from Dante's ''Inferno'', it contains the singles "Eat Your Young" and "Francesca", along ...
" (2023)

* 06. " Eat Your Young" * 14. "Abstract (Psychopomp)" * 16. "First Light"

1999 Write The Future - "hella" (2024)

* 01. "avOcadO SHakE" * 14. "PrAisE nIgHt BluES InteRLUde ft. Dumbfounded

Hozier Andrew John Hozier-Byrne (born 17 March 1990), known professionally as Hozier ( ), is an Irish musician. His music primarily draws from Folk music, folk, Soul music, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and taking politica ...
- " Unheard" (2024)

* 03. "Empire Now"

Ravyn Lenae - "
Bird's Eye Birds Eye is an international brand of frozen foods founded in the United States and now owned by Conagra Brands in the United States, by Nomad Foods in Europe, and Simplot in Australia. The former Birds Eye Company Ltd., originally named "Bi ...
" (2024)

* 07. " Love Me Not"

Ravyn Lenae - (2024)

* "Love Me Not" Remix ft.

Rex Orange County Alexander James O'Connor (born 4 May 1998), known professionally as Rex Orange County, is a British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Grayshott, England. '' NPR Music''s Zoë Jones has described O'Connor's music as "a bright b ...

Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first music ...
-'' GNX'' (2024)

* 01. " Wacced Out Murals" * 04. " Man at the Garden"

References

{{Authority control American musical duos Record production duos Record producers from Washington, D.C. Musicians from Washington, D.C. Musical groups established in 2007

Production discography

Wale – '' 100 Miles & Running'' (2007)

Wale – '' The Mixtape About Nothing'' (2008)

Robin Thicke Robin Alan Thicke (born March 10, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his 2013 single " Blurred Lines" (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams), which peaked atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, received ... – Miscellaneous (2008)

Rhymefest Che Armond Smith (born July 6, 1977), known professionally as Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, with writing credits on his songs includi ... – '' El Che'' (2008)

Wale – ''Back to the Feature'' (2009)

Young Chris Christopher Francis Ries (born March 9, 1983), known professionally as Young Chris, is an American rapper. He rose to fame as one-half of the Philadelphia-based hip hop duo Young Gunz, which he formed with rapper Neef Buck in 2001. That same yea ... – ''30 Days 30 Verses'' (2009)

Skyzoo Gregory Skyler Taylor (born December 24, 1980), known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American Director rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including '' Cloud 9: The 3 Day High'' with 9th W ... – '' The Salvation'' (2009)

Wale – '' Attention Deficit'' (2009)

Wale - Miscellaneous (2009)

Logic Logic is the study of correct reasoning. It includes both formal and informal logic. Formal logic is the study of deductively valid inferences or logical truths. It examines how conclusions follow from premises based on the structure o ... - ''Young, Broke & Infamous'' (2010)

Shawty Lo - Miscellaneous (2010)

Wale – ''More About Nothing'' (2010)

Mike Posner Michael Robert Henrion Posner ( ; born February 12, 1988) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit.For Posner's full name, see He signed with J Records in 2009 and released his debut single "Cooler Than Me" the follo ... – ''The Layover'' (2011)

Skyzoo Gregory Skyler Taylor (born December 24, 1980), known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American Director rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including '' Cloud 9: The 3 Day High'' with 9th W ... – ''The Great Debater'' (2011)

Nipsey Hussle Ermias Joseph Asghedom (born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom; August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019), known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, was an American rapper, entrepreneur, and activist. Emerging from the West Coast hip-hop scene in the mid-20 ... - TMC: X-Tra Laps (2012)