J. Rhodes

Position
Associate Professor

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Justin L. Rhodes is a Grammy Award–winning music producer, hailing from Dallas, Texas. Dr. Dre, Lecrae, the Game, Talib Kweli, Royce da 5'9", Killer Mike, and many other talented artists have been backed by Rhodes's production. He is also an educator, public speaker, and author. His book These Beats Ain’t Free serves as a template for up-and-coming producers to make their passion their paycheck. The second installment of the series, These Dreams Ain't Free, is slated for a winter 2024 release.


His music is also firmly cemented in the sync world of television, film, and video games. His film credits include One Night in Miami..., Black and Blue, #FreeRayshawn, Coffee & Kareem, and Between the World and Me. His TV sync credits include the Netflix show The Recruit, the Starz series America to Me, and the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He also coproduced the Killer Mike song “Yes,” which was included in the Madden NFL 22 video game. Rhodes is a highly regarded filmmaker who directs his own movies and series. His 2021 feature film, It's a Wonderful Plight, received rave reviews, and the same is expected from his upcoming release King of Dallas. He is the creator of House of Beats, the first reality TV show for music producers. The second season will be released soon.

Career Highlights
  • Won Grammy for participation on the Killer Mike Michael project - Rap Album of the Year - 2024
  • Worked with Dr. Dre
  • Created House of Beats, the first and only reality TV show for music producers
  • Author of the music producer self-help book These Beats Ain't Free
Awards
  • Grammy Award Winning Producer, Michael Best Rap Album 2024
  • GMA Dove Award, Billboard Music Award, and Stellar Award winner
  • Gold-selling music producer
  • Won Stellar Award for hip-hop album of the year for Anomaly by Lecrae
  • Received Gold Record for Anomaly by Lecrae
In Their Own Words

My main goal is to allow my students the space for their creativity and imagination to run wild. We then can convert all of that energy into a tangible plan to create a revenue-driven career. My teaching comes from a slight theoretical standpoint, but I mainly focus on practical implication that comes from my in-field experience.

Behind the Beat "YES!" From the Killer Mike "Michael" Album