The Man Behind The Music

The Man Behind The Music
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Man Behind The Music, where we go beyond the beats and into the real stories behind music production, composition, and sound for film and television. I’m your host, Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton—a producer, music supervisor, and composer whose decades-long career includes collaborations with icons like Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera. I’ve also helped shape the musical tone of hit series like BMF, Power, The Chi, and The Boondocks, with extensive experience in both the executive and creative sides of the industry.
Joining me are two powerhouse co-hosts: Grammy-winning producer Denaun “Mr. Porter” Porter and legendary hitmaker Rockwilder. Denaun’s journey from his early days with D12 as Kon Artis to becoming a visionary producer has been marked by evolution and excellence. With credits spanning Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Sting, and Rapsody, and nearly 40 million records sold, his sound has defined eras and crossed genres. His film and television scoring work includes Fast 5, Waist Deep, Godfather of Harlem, and the Straight Outta Compton trailer, all while continuing to break new ground through his label, Planit Dope.
Rockwilder, the architect of hip-hop staples like Method Man and Redman’s “Da Rockwilder” and Jay-Z’s “Do It Again,” brings a legacy that bridges classic and crossover. His signature sound has powered tracks for everyone from Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J to Janet Jackson, Pink, and Christina Aguilera. From underground anthems to Grammy-winning smashes like “Lady Marmalade,” his production credits define a generation. Together, we’ll unpack the craft, culture, and business of music—and give aspiring producers and artists the chance to submit work through our Patreon for potential placement in major TV and film projects.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics such as music production processes, personal stories from industry veterans, and the intersection of music and visual media. Episodes might delve into the creative journey of crafting soundtracks for series like BMF and Power or discussions around the evolution of hip-hop production. The show also emphasizes the culture of music and the business landscape, providing valuable insights for aspiring artists.

Welcome to The Man Behind The Music, a podcast that goes beyond the beats and into the real
stories behind music production, composition, and sound for film and television. Hosted by
Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton, a producer, music supervisor, and composer whose decades-long
career includes working with icons like Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera.
He’s also helped shape the sound of hit series like BMF, Power, The Chi, and The Boondocks.
Joining Big Tank are two industry powerhouses. Grammy-winning producer Denaun “Mr.
Porter”, known for his work with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Sting, and nearly 40 million records
sold, plus film and TV scoring credits like Fast 5, Godfather of Harlem, and the Straight Outta
Compton trailer. And Rockwilder, the legendary hitmaker behind classics like “Lady
Marmalade,” Method Man & Redman’s “Da Rockwilder,” and tracks for Janet Jackson, Pink,
Christina Aguilera, and more.
Together, they break down the craft, culture, and business of music, sharing insider stories and
giving aspiring producers and independent artists the chance to submit their work through
Patreon for potential placement in major TV and film projects.
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s the ultimate backstage pass to the sound of success.
In this week’s episode of The Man Behind the Music, we sit down with Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy talk about the GRAMMYs. From how nominations are chosen to the industry’s shift toward independent artists, Harvey opens up about the evolving landscape of music, fairness, and the future of the world’s biggest music awards.
We also dive into Harvey’s journey from platinum producer to one of the most powerful executives in entertainment. He shares thoughts on GRAMMY controversies, the impact of artists like Beyoncé and Bad Bunny, and how the Academy is working to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. If you’ve ever questioned how the GRAMMYs work—or dreamed of winning one—this episode is a must-watch.

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