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Alexander Junior Grant (born 27 August 1983),[1] known professionally as Alex da Kid or by.ALEXANDER, is a British music producer from Wood Green, London. He is known for his production work on songs for music industry artists, such as Dr. Dre ("I Need a Doctor"), Nicki Minaj ("Massive Attack"), B.o.B ("Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams), Eminem ("Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna), Matthew Koma ("Stars"), Diddy ("Coming Home" with Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey), Imagine Dragons ("Radioactive" "Demons") and Cheryl ("Under The Sun"). His style is noted for its blending of pop, hip-hop and alternative rock.[2]

The Evening Standard named him one of "London's Most Influential People in 2011." He has been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards including Album of the Year for his work on Rihanna's Loud. His record label, Kidinakorner, has been an imprint of Interscope Records since 2011.[3][4] In both 2013 and 2014, Grant (as owner of Kidinakorner Records) was chosen by Billboard magazine for their "Top 40 Under 40."[5] In 2020, Grant released a jazz album titled 000 CHANNEL BLACK, under the pseudonym by.ALEXANDER.

Early life

[edit]

Alexander Junior Grant was born 27 August 1983 in North London, to a Jamaican father and an English mother. Grant was a professional footballer, playing for Bristol City[6] until 19 years of age, at which time a friend introduced him to the digital music editing software FruityLoops, prompting an interest in music production.[7] He then attended University of West London (UWL) to study towards a master's degree in Audio Technology, now called Advanced Music Technology.[8]

Musical career

[edit]

Universal Music Publishing Group's Jessica Rivera first heard about Grant in 2009 though Grant's lawyer Scott Felcher. On request, Grant sent Rivera some of his music, and the publishing executive later related her reactions to HitQuarters: "It hit me right away that this dude had something different to bring to the table ... He wasn't just straight up hip-hop – his sound was very different and transcended genres."[9]

In 2011, Grant launched his record label, Kidinakorner. In 2012, he co-wrote and co-produced multiple songs for Christina Aguilera's seventh studio album Lotus.[10]

In 2016, Grant released his first solo project as an artist. The single, "Not Easy" features X Ambassadors, Elle King and Wiz Khalifa via Kidinakorner/RCA Records. The track was written and produced by Alex da Kid for Kidinakorner, Sam Harris, Casey Harris, Adam Levin, Elle King, and Wiz Khalifa.[11] In 2017, Grant released his second track, "American Funeral" which was a co-written collaboration with Joseph Angel.[12]

In a Music Connection magazine cover story from January 2015, Grant said, as a producer, he co-writes everything that he works on with the artists.[13]

On 27 August 2020, Grant released his first full-length project, a jazz album titled 000 CHANNEL BLACK, under the moniker by.ALEXANDER.[14] The album features guest appearances from 070 Shake, Tanerélle, Charles Bukowski, Michèle Lamy, Rainsford and Irina Shayk.

Other ventures

[edit]

In 2020, Grant founded _by.ALEXANDER, his own luxury fashion label.[15] His debut collection, called "000 CHANNEL BLACK", features a mix of one-off pieces and elevated sportswear styles. Actor Gary Busey and model Irina Shayk star in the first editorial campaign, kicking off the launch. Designed and developed in Los Angeles by Grant himself, the unisex 19-piece collection is full of contrasting details and juxtapositions.[16]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums
Title Album details
000 CHANNEL BLACK[17]
MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY [18]
  • Released: 8 November 2024
  • Label: by.ALEXANDER

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Not Easy"
(Alex da Kid featuring X Ambassadors, Elle King and Wiz Khalifa) 		2016 non-album singles
"American Funeral"[19]
(Alex da Kid and Joseph Angel) 		2017
"Go 2.0"
(Alex da Kid featuring Jorja Smith, H.E.R. and Rapsody) 		2018
"Trumpets"[20]
(by.ALEXANDER featuring 070 Shake) 		2020 000 CHANNEL BLACK
"le merveilleux résumé"[21]

Production discography

[edit]
Main article: Alex da Kid production discography

Singles produced

[edit]
List of singles as either producer or co-producer, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released, performing artists and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US US
R&B 		US
Rap 		AUS CAN FRA GER NZ SWE UK
"Massive Attack"
(Nicki Minaj featuring Sean Garrett) 		2010 122 65 — — — — — — — — non-album single
"Airplanes"
(B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore) 		2 65 2 2 2 89 8 1 10 1 B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray
"Love the Way You Lie"
(Eminem featuring Rihanna) 		1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
  • RIAA: 11× Platinum
    (Diamond)[25]
  • ARIA: 9× Platinum[26]
  • BPI: 2× Platinum[23]
  • BVMI: Platinum
  • IFPI SWI: 3× Platinum
  • RIANZ: 2× Platinum
 Recovery
"Coming Home"
(Diddy-Dirty Money featuring Skylar Grey) 		11 83 21 4 7 8 4 5 26 4
  • RIAA: 2× Platinum
  • ARIA: 3× Platinum[27]
  • BPI: Gold[23]
 Last Train to Paris
"I Need a Doctor"
(Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey) 		2011 4 124 16 12 8 29 25 23 56 8 non-album single
"Words I Never Said"
(Lupe Fiasco featuring Skylar Grey) 		89 — — — — — — — — — Lasers
"Rise Above 1"
(Reeve Carney featuring Bono and The Edge) 		74 — — — 71 — — — — — Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
"Dance Without You"
(Skylar Grey) 		— — — — — — — — — — non-album singles
"Invisible"
(Skylar Grey) 		— — — — — — 86 — — 63
"Invincible"
(MGK featuring Ester Dean) 		108 — — — — — — — — — Lace Up
"Under the Sun"
(Cheryl) 		— — — — — — — — — 13 A Million Lights
"C'mon Let Me Ride"
(Skylar Grey featuring Eminem) 		2012 — — — — 84 — — 17 — — Don't Look Down
"Radioactive"
(Imagine Dragons) 		3 — — 6 5 28 4 4 1 12
  • RIAA: 10× Platinum (Diamond)
  • ARIA: 4× Platinum
  • BPI: Platinum
  • BVMI: Platinum
  • IFPI SWE: 6× Platinum[29]
  • IFPI SWI: Platinum
  • MC: 3× Platinum
  • RMNZ: 3× Platinum[30]
 Night Visions
"Demons"
(Imagine Dragons) 		2013 6 — — 11 4 15 15 12 7 13
  • RIAA: 5× Platinum
  • ARIA: 2× Platinum
  • BPI: Silver
  • IFPI SWE: 4× Platinum[29]
  • IFPI SWI: Gold
  • MC: Platinum
  • RMNZ: Platinum[31]
"On Top of the World"
(Imagine Dragons) 		79 — — 10 43 35 13 10 40 34
  • ARIA: 3× Platinum[32]
  • BPI: Silver
  • IFPI SWE: 2× Platinum[33]
  • RMNZ: Platinum[34]
"Final Warning"
(Skylar Grey) 		— — — — — — — — — — Don't Look Down
"Monster"
(Imagine Dragons) 		78 — — — 41 — — — — — Smoke + Mirrors (Deluxe Edition)
"Jungle (Remix)"[35]
(X Ambassadors and Jamie N Commons featuring Jay Z) 		2014 87 — — — 62 55 44 — — 18 non-album single
"I Bet My Life"
(Imagine Dragons) 		28 — — 36 15 42 65 28 — 27
  • RIAA: Gold
  • MC: Platinum
 Smoke + Mirrors
"Bed of Lies"
(Nicki Minaj featuring Skylar Grey) 		62 19 — 7 41 134 — 13 11 73 The Pinkprint
"Gold"
(Imagine Dragons) 		— — — — — — — — — — Smoke + Mirrors
"Burning Bridges"
(Ludacris featuring Jason Aldean) 		— — — — — — — — — — Ludaversal
"American Oxygen"
(Rihanna) 		2015 78 — — 65 59 25 39 — 11 71 non-album single
"Renegades"
(X Ambassadors) 		17 — — 43 6 10 10 — 70 38
  • ARIA: Gold
  • MC: 4× Platinum
  • SNEP: Gold
  • BVMI: Gold
  • BPI: Silver
  • RIAA: Platinum
 VHS
"Unsteady"
(X Ambassadors) 		20 — — 94 61 — — — — —
  • MC: Platinum
  • RIAA: 2× Platinum
"Sucker for Pain"
(Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Logic, Ty Dolla Sign and X Ambassadors) 		2016 15 3 — 7 19 18 8 5 9 11
  • ARIA: Platinum
  • SNEP: Gold
  • RMNZ: Gold
  • BPI: Silver
  • RIAA: 2× Platinum
 Suicide Squad
"Not Easy"
(Alex da Kid featuring X Ambassadors, Elle King and Wiz Khalifa) 		— — — 73
[36]		 — — — — — — non-album singles
"American Funeral"
(Alex da Kid and Joseph Angel)[19] 		2017 — — — — — — — — — —
"Thunder"
(Imagine Dragons) 		4 --- --- 2 18 20 2 3 10 20
  • FIMI: Gold
  • RMNZ: Gold
  • IFPI: Gold
 EVOLVE

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex da Kid

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Grant, known professionally as Alex da Kid, is a British record producer, songwriter, and music executive renowned for his genre-blending work in hip-hop, alternative rock, and pop, including multi-platinum hits for artists such as Eminem, Imagine Dragons, and Dr. Dre.[1][2] Born in 1983 in Wood Green, North London, to a Jamaican father and an English mother, Grant grew up immersed in a diverse array of music influences, from reggae and soul to grime and European dance.[3][1] As a youth, he pursued a career in professional football, playing semi-professionally for Bristol City until age 19, when an injury and introduction to digital music production shifted his focus.[1][4] He began experimenting with production software like Fruity Loops and earned a degree in Audio Technology from the University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University) between 2003 and 2007, followed by internships at Metropolis Studios, MTV, and Island Records.[1][5] Grant's breakthrough came in 2010 under the moniker Alex da Kid, when he co-wrote and co-produced a string of international chart-toppers, including B.o.B's "Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams, Diddy – Dirty Money's "Coming Home," Dr. Dre's "I Need a Doctor" featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey, and Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" with Rihanna, the latter of which topped charts in over 30 countries and became the UK's biggest-selling single of the year.[1][2] These successes earned him four Grammy Award nominations for "Love the Way You Lie," including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, marking his rapid ascent in the industry.[6] He has since contributed to over five Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, with notable productions like Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive," "Demons," and "Thunder," as well as tracks for Nicki Minaj, U2, and Skylar Grey.[7][8] In 2011, Grant founded the record label KIDinaKORNER in partnership with Interscope Records and Jimmy Iovine, signing and developing acts such as Imagine Dragons, X Ambassadors, and Skylar Grey, and later renewing the venture with Universal Music Group in 2017.[9][1] The label has become a hub for boundary-pushing music, reflecting his philosophy of creating without genre constraints.[10] Beyond production, he ventured into releasing his own music, including the 2016 single "Not Easy" featuring X Ambassadors, Wiz Khalifa, and Elle King, created in collaboration with IBM's Watson AI, and more recent projects under the alias _BY.ALEXANDER blending future jazz with urban sounds, including 2025 releases such as a track featuring 070 Shake.[11][12] In 2023, he invested in the music-technology startup EngineEars, which raised $7.5 million in seed funding in 2024, further expanding his influence in the industry.[13][13]

Biography

Early life

Alexander Grant, known professionally as Alex da Kid, was born on August 27, 1983, in North London to a Jamaican father and an English mother.[1] He was raised in the Wood Green area of North London, where he grew up in a culturally diverse household exposed to a wide range of music from an early age.[3][14] From a young age, Grant developed a strong passion for football, aspiring to a professional career in the sport. By age 17, he had joined the youth team of Bristol City, a professional club in the English Football League, and continued playing until he was 19.[15][3] A knee injury ultimately ended his athletic pursuits, prompting a significant pivot in his life direction.[15] As a teenager, Grant discovered his interest in music production after a friend introduced him to the digital audio software FruityLoops, which sparked his self-taught skills in beat-making and song construction.[1][5] His early musical influences drew from American hip-hop and pop, alongside grime, European dance music, reggae, and soul records played by his father, shaping his eclectic approach to production.[1] This newfound passion led him to explore formal training in audio technology shortly thereafter.[1]

Education

Alexander Grant, professionally known as Alex da Kid, enrolled following a knee injury that curtailed his professional football ambitions in the bachelor's degree program in Audio Technology at Thames Valley University (now the University of West London).[1][16] This transition in the early 2000s marked his shift toward music as a primary pursuit. The curriculum emphasized practical and technical aspects of the field, including sound engineering principles, music production techniques, and proficiency with digital audio workstations such as Logic, taught by instructors with industry ties like those at EMI Music Publishing.[1] These studies equipped him with the tools to manipulate audio effectively, bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on application in recording and mixing.[5] Grant completed his bachelor's degree between 2003 and 2007, followed by a master's degree in advanced music technology at the University of West London.[1][14] During this time, he conducted early production experiments, such as crafting demo tracks using facilities at Metropolis Studios in London, where he worked overnight shifts from 2003 onward to refine his craft without initial aims of formal engineering roles.[1]

Professional career

Breakthrough productions

In 2009, Alex da Kid, born Alexander Grant, signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, marking his formal entry into the major music industry as a producer and songwriter.[17] This agreement provided a platform for his emerging talent, transitioning him from self-taught bedroom production to professional opportunities with high-profile artists.[18] His breakthrough came in 2010 with the production of "Airplanes" for B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, from the album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The track, blending hip-hop and pop elements with orchestral strings, peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global hit, showcasing da Kid's ability to craft emotive, anthemic beats.[19][20] Later that year, he produced "Love the Way You Lie" for Eminem featuring Rihanna, from Eminem's album Recovery. This intense duet about toxic relationships topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and earned four Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, solidifying da Kid's reputation for dramatic, cinematic production.[2][17] Da Kid extended his collaborations with Rihanna on her 2010 album Loud, producing the sequel track "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" featuring Eminem, which delved deeper into the narrative from Rihanna's perspective.[21] In 2011, he contributed to Dr. Dre's long-awaited comeback single "I Need a Doctor" featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey, from the album Detox. The song's sweeping production and emotional depth highlighted da Kid's versatility in hip-hop, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.[22] That same year, the Evening Standard recognized him as one of London's 1,000 Most Influential People in the Pop & Rock category, acknowledging his rapid ascent and impact on international music.[23]

Established productions

Following his breakthrough hits in the early 2010s, Alex da Kid solidified his reputation as a versatile producer through high-profile collaborations that spanned pop, hip-hop, and rock genres, achieving sustained commercial success from 2012 onward. One of his most enduring contributions was producing "Radioactive" for Imagine Dragons on their 2012 debut album Night Visions, a track that blended electronic pulses with anthemic rock elements and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 while spending a record 87 weeks on the chart. The song earned diamond certification from the RIAA in 2015, signifying 10 million units sold in the United States, underscoring da Kid's ability to craft crossover anthems with lasting radio and streaming appeal.[24][25] Da Kid continued his work with hip-hop artists by co-writing and producing "Bed of Lies" featuring Skylar Grey on Nicki Minaj's 2014 album The Pinkprint. This later collaboration peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and highlighted da Kid's evolving role in Minaj's discography, bridging raw rap delivery with orchestral swells for emotional depth. Similarly, his contributions to Eminem's 2010 album Recovery, including production on the diamond-certified "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, had prolonged impact as the project topped the Billboard 200 and generated multiple top-10 Hot 100 singles, influencing da Kid's subsequent hip-hop output. For Rihanna, da Kid co-produced and co-wrote "American Oxygen" in 2015, a reflective pop track intended for her album Anti that exemplified his fusion of electronic textures with vocal-driven storytelling, though it was ultimately released as a standalone single.[26][27] In the mid-2010s, da Kid extended his reach into alternative rock and pop crossovers, notably producing "Renegades" for X Ambassadors on their 2015 debut VHS, a gritty, motivational track that reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple in advertising campaigns like Jeep's Renegade ads. This period marked broader explorations, including productions for artists like Machine Gun Kelly, such as on the 2016 Suicide Squad soundtrack track "Sucker for Pain," which peaked at number 15. Da Kid's production style matured during this era, consistently merging electronic synths and hip-hop percussion with rock's dynamic builds to create genre-blurring sounds that appealed to diverse audiences, as seen in his bombastic, bass-heavy arrangements that prioritized emotional intensity over traditional boundaries. Over his career, these efforts contributed to more than 20 Billboard Hot 100 entries as a producer, reflecting his pivotal role in shaping modern crossover hits.[28][29]

Solo work

Alex da Kid ventured into solo artistry in 2016 with the single "Not Easy," featuring X Ambassadors, Elle King, and Wiz Khalifa, released via KIDinaKORNER/RCA Records.[30] The track, which delves into the complexities of relationships, garnered significant attention, accumulating over 27 million streams on Spotify by late 2017.[31] In 2017, he released his follow-up single "American Funeral" in collaboration with Joseph Angel, a brooding piece that appeared on the soundtrack for the television series Lucifer and achieved 1.2 million views on its official lyric video within its first few years.[32] Marking a pronounced creative evolution, Alex da Kid adopted the alias by.ALEXANDER for subsequent solo endeavors, shifting from his established pop and hip-hop production roots toward jazz and alternative genres to explore more introspective and experimental sounds.[33] Under this moniker, he self-released the jazz-infused album 000 CHANNEL BLACK on August 27, 2020, comprising original compositions that blend nu jazz elements with spoken-word elements and guest contributions from artists including 070 Shake and Tanerélle.[34] The project, issued on Blue Note Records, received acclaim for its innovative fusion of jazz traditions with contemporary production, earning a 3.5 out of 5 average rating from user reviews on platforms like Rate Your Music, where it was noted for revitalizing the producer's artistic voice.[35] Promoted through streaming services and limited vinyl editions, the album highlighted Grant's pivot to instrumental and atmospheric works, amassing tens of thousands of listeners on Spotify shortly after launch.[36] Continuing this trajectory, by.ALEXANDER issued the album MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY on November 8, 2024, a 13-track exploration of personal nostalgia and memory through experimental soundscapes merging jazz palettes, pop structures, and sampled elements, featuring guests such as A$AP Ferg, Jozzy, and CASISDEAD.[37] The self-released effort, available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, emphasizes thematic depth tied to specific locations and experiences, earning early positive reception for its genre-blending innovation, with user ratings averaging 3.4 on Rate Your Music and features in indie music discussions for its bold artistic risks.[38] Promotion focused on digital streaming and deluxe vinyl bundles, underscoring Grant's commitment to multifaceted creative output beyond traditional production roles.[39]

Business ventures

Kidinakorner Records

Kidinakorner Records was founded in 2011 by British producer Alex da Kid (Alexander Grant) as an independent imprint in partnership with Interscope Records, with headquarters in Los Angeles. As CEO, Grant oversees the label's operations, focusing on discovering and nurturing emerging talent in pop, rock, and alternative genres. The company combines a record label with music publishing, creative agency services, and production capabilities to provide comprehensive support for artists.[40][41][42] Under Grant's leadership, the label has signed and developed key artists including Imagine Dragons in 2011, X Ambassadors, Skylar Grey as its inaugural act, and K.Flay, among others. Notable releases include Imagine Dragons' debut album Night Visions in 2012, which Grant co-produced and which became a multi-platinum success, and X Ambassadors' VHS in 2015, marking their breakthrough with hits like "Renegades."[13][17][43][44][45] The label's business model prioritizes long-term artist development, granting creative freedom while integrating Grant's production expertise to foster authentic sounds and brand collaborations. This holistic approach, described as a "one-stop-shop" for music creation, strategy, and media planning, has enabled partnerships with major advertisers and contributed to the label's expansion. By 2025, Kidinakorner had signed over 10 artists, resulting in multiple platinum albums and sustained growth through strategic deals like its 2017 multi-faceted agreement with Universal Music Group.[46][47][41][48] Recent activities include supporting the 2024 distribution of Imagine Dragons' album Loom via Kidinakorner/Interscope, continuing the label's emphasis on established roster acts while exploring new creative ventures. This ongoing commitment has solidified its impact in the music industry, blending independent ethos with major-label resources.[49]

by.ALEXANDER

In 2020, British music producer Alexander Grant, known professionally as Alex da Kid, launched the luxury fashion label _by.ALEXANDER as an extension of his creative endeavors, aiming to redefine luxury through minimalist, utility-driven designs that blend art, fashion, and urban culture.[50] The brand emphasizes small-scale production to minimize waste, releasing limited editions of 20 to 100 pieces per drop, focusing on timeless apparel that merges streetwear aesthetics with high-end craftsmanship.[50] The debut collection, titled "000 CHANNEL BLACK," was released in August 2020 and consisted of 19 women's and unisex pieces, including elevated sportswear, tomboy-inspired silhouettes, and one-off items priced between $595 and $2,995.[51][52] This collection was closely tied to Grant's jazz album of the same name, reflecting thematic overlaps between his music and fashion outputs.[13] The launch campaign featured model Irina Shayk and actor Gary Busey, styled by Rihanna's longtime collaborator Mel Ottenberg, highlighting the brand's fusion of music industry influences with luxury apparel.[51][53] Following the debut, _by.ALEXANDER has continued to release subsequent limited collections, maintaining a focus on streetwear-infused luxury pieces that draw from urban and artistic inspirations.[50] In September 2024, the brand expanded with the opening of a retail concept store at 66 Greene Street in SoHo, New York, serving as an artistic hub for creation, design, and music recording to support emerging talents.[54] This physical space has hosted pop-up events, including art exhibitions and music-related gatherings through 2025, such as a live art exhibition on June 13, 2025, and collaborative launches blending fashion with performance.[54][55] The label's growth has included expansions into merchandise linked to Grant's music releases, notably items inspired by his 2024 album Memories for Sale ---At---> 66 Greene St Soho NY, which directly references the SoHo store and features collaborations with artists like A$AP Ferg and Jazzy.[37][54][56] Garments from the line have been worn by figures including 070 Shake, further intersecting fashion with Grant's music network.[54] Sales channels encompass the official online shop at byalexander.com, the SoHo flagship, and select merchandise platforms offering apparel alongside vinyl tied to album drops.[57][58]

EngineEars

In 2023, Grant invested in EngineEars, a music-technology startup founded by Grammy-winning mixing engineer Derek "MixedByAli" Ali. The platform serves as a marketplace connecting artists with audio engineers and has expanded to include distribution services. EngineEars raised $7.5 million in seed funding in February 2024, led by Drive Capital, with participation from investors including Grant, Kendrick Lamar, and DJ Khaled. On November 12, 2025, the company launched EngineEars Direct, a new music distribution platform.[59][60][13]

Recognition

Awards

Alex da Kid has earned recognition through several prestigious music industry awards, primarily honoring his songwriting and production contributions to chart-topping hits. In 2010, he received the BMI Pop Music Award and the BMI Urban Award for the songs "Airplanes" (performed by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams) and "Love the Way You Lie" (performed by Eminem featuring Rihanna), each achieving one million radio performances.[61] In 2011, the Evening Standard included him in its list of London's 1000 Most Influential People in the Pop & Rock category, highlighting his rapid rise from relative obscurity to a key figure in global music production.[23] His production work has also garnered significant certifications as forms of industry recognition. For instance, "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons, which Alex da Kid co-wrote and produced, was certified 17× Platinum (Diamond) by the RIAA as of December 2024, denoting 17 million units sold or streamed in the United States and underscoring its enduring commercial impact.[25][62]

Nominations

Alex da Kid received multiple nominations at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011 for his production on Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[63] At the same ceremony, he earned a nomination for Best Rap Album for his contributions to Eminem's Recovery.[40] In 2011, for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, he was nominated for Album of the Year for co-producing Rihanna's Loud.[64] That year also brought a Best Rap Song nomination for his work on Dr. Dre's "I Need a Doctor" featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey.[65] By the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, Alex da Kid secured a Record of the Year nomination for producing Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive."[66] Beyond the Grammys, Alex da Kid's early hits garnered recognition at other major awards between 2010 and 2014. For instance, "Love the Way You Lie" earned six nominations at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, spanning categories such as Top Hot 100 Song, Top Radio Song, Top Streaming Song (Audio), Top Rap Song, Top Charted Pop Song, and Top Charted Rap Song.[67] The accompanying music video also received nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, including for Best Direction and Best Cinematography.[68] These nods underscored the broad impact of his productions across rap, pop, and visual media during his breakthrough period.

Discography

Studio albums

Alex da Kid, under his solo moniker _by.ALEXANDER, has released two studio albums that showcase his evolution as a lead artist, blending electronic production with jazz influences and experimental elements. These projects mark his shift toward personal, instrumental-driven works distinct from his mainstream production credits.[33] His debut studio album, 000 CHANNEL BLACK, was released on August 27, 2020, via Blue Note Records. Self-produced entirely by Grant, the 11-track project draws heavily from jazz fusion, incorporating live instrumentation, spoken-word samples, and atmospheric electronics to create a cinematic soundscape inspired by his love for the genre. The album features collaborations with artists from music and fashion, including 070 Shake on "TRUMPETS," Tanerélle on "STALLING," Rainsford on "My Margaret," and supermodel Irina Shayk on "THE MONSTER & THE MUSE," alongside spoken contributions from Michele Lamy and archival samples from Charles Bukowski. Key production notes highlight Grant's hands-on approach, with multi-instrumental performances and modular synthesis adding organic textures to the fusion style. While it did not achieve major commercial chart success, the album resonated in independent jazz circles, earning acclaim for its innovative blend of hip-hop production techniques with traditional jazz structures.[69][35]
TrackTitleFeatured ArtistDuration
1le merveilleux résumé-2:05
2TRUMPETS070 Shake3:55
3the absence-2:36
4STALLINGTanerélle4:02
5BLOOM IN PARISCharles Bukowski5:08
6à l'extérieur-3:08
7DEAR THERAPIST-6:37
8THE CHEF & THE DJMichele Lamy2:53
9My MargaretRainsford4:01
10FAITH-4:28
11THE MONSTER & THE MUSEIrina Shayk5:42
Grant's second studio album, MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY, arrived on November 8, 2024, independently through _by.ALEXANDER Records. This 13-track effort expands into experimental territory, fusing nu jazz, alternative R&B, and introspective lyricism to explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and urban solitude, often referencing personal locations like the titular Soho address. Self-produced once again, the album incorporates raw vocal deliveries and eclectic beats, with production notes emphasizing field recordings, piano loops, and guest contributions that enhance its confessional tone. Featured artists include Jozzy on "FRIENDZONE," 070 Shake on "TASTE," Hawa and Julius Rodriguez on "FOCUS," CASisDEAD and Hawa on "Psychopathic Nostalgia," and A$AP Ferg on "FIRE W FIRE," bringing diverse energies to the project. Critically, it received positive reception for its emotional depth and sonic innovation, with user ratings averaging 3.4 out of 5 on platforms like Rate Your Music as of November 2025, praising tracks like "BLUH BLUH BLUH" for their hypnotic rhythms. On streaming services, the album has accumulated millions of plays.[70][39][38]
TrackTitleFeatured Artist(s)Duration
1MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY-1:11
2BYA-2:47
3FRIENDZONEJozzy3:30
4TASTE070 Shake2:51
5FOCUSHawa, Julius Rodriguez3:11
6DEAR DAD-2:38
7BLUH BLUH BLUH-2:58
8Psychopathic NostalgiaHawa, CASisDEAD3:15
9FIRE W FIREA$AP Ferg2:49
10DEAR THERAPIST-3:01
11SOMETHING-2:45
12HAWAIIHawa3:20
13THE END-4:08

Singles

Alex da Kid released his debut single as a lead artist, "Not Easy", on October 21, 2016, through Kidinakorner/Interscope Records, featuring vocals from X Ambassadors, Elle King, and Wiz Khalifa.[11] The track, co-written and produced by Grant, debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart with 18,000 downloads in its first week and reached No. 1 on Spotify's U.S. and Global Viral 50 charts, while peaking at No. 25 on the iTunes pop chart.[7] An official music video, directed by Patrick Stacy, premiered on November 1, 2016, depicting a narrative of personal struggle and resilience with appearances by the featured artists.[71] In 2017, Alex da Kid issued "American Funeral" as a standalone single on February 24 via Kidinakorner/Republic Records, featuring singer-songwriter Joseph Angel.[72] The R&B-infused track addresses themes of police brutality, racial tension, and systemic injustice in America, with lyrics like "Give me my freedom, run from these demons" emphasizing resistance against oppression.[73] It received positive reception for its timely social commentary and was featured in the season finale of the Fox series Star, highlighting similar issues of racial conflict.[74] A lyric video was released on March 26, 2017, but the single did not achieve significant commercial chart success. Under his solo moniker _BY.ALEXANDER, Alex da Kid released "TRUMPETS" on August 6, 2020, as the lead single from the jazz album 000 CHANNEL BLACK via Blue Note Records, featuring 070 Shake.[75] The song blends jazz-pop elements with funky basslines and introspective lyrics about self-destruction and fleeting relationships, such as "Look at the damage we have done / You should have called before you come."[76] A visualizer video, directed by Grant himself, accompanied the release on August 5, 2020, showcasing abstract imagery that complements the track's experimental vibe.[77] It marked a shift toward Grant's exploration of jazz influences in his solo work. Following the 2020 album, _BY.ALEXANDER continued releasing singles tied to subsequent projects, including "FRIENDZONE" and "BLUH BLUH BLUH" in 2024 from the album MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY.[78] These tracks maintain the nu-jazz and alternative R&B style, with "BLUH BLUH BLUH" emphasizing rhythmic experimentation, though neither achieved major chart placements by late 2025.[79] On November 18, 2025, _BY.ALEXANDER released the single "the decoupling of the nuclear family" featuring Hawa, Ghostface Killah, and Rapsody, marking the first release from an upcoming deluxe album project. The track continues his experimental fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B elements.[80]

Production credits

Notable singles

Alex da Kid's production work on singles for other artists has yielded several multi-platinum hits, particularly in hip-hop and alternative rock genres, with many achieving top positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and substantial RIAA certifications.
SingleArtist(s)YearBillboard Hot 100 PeakRIAA CertificationNotes
"Love the Way You Lie"Eminem feat. Rihanna2010#1 (7 weeks)Diamond (10× Platinum)Co-produced with Skylar Grey; written by Alex da Kid, Eminem, and Skylar Grey; earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.[81][82]
"Airplanes"B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams2010#2Diamond (10× Platinum)Produced and co-written by Alex da Kid with B.o.B and Hayley Williams; certified Diamond in October 2025.[83][84]
"I Need a Doctor"Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey2011#42× PlatinumProduced by Alex da Kid; co-written with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Skylar Grey; served as a lead single for Dre's Detox project.[85][86]
"Radioactive"Imagine Dragons2012#3Diamond (10× Platinum)Produced and co-written by Alex da Kid; featured on Night Visions album; nominated for Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance.[87]
"Demons"Imagine Dragons2013#6Diamond (10× Platinum)Co-produced and co-written by Alex da Kid; from Night Visions album.[88]
"Bed of Lies"Nicki Minaj feat. Skylar Grey2014#62PlatinumCo-produced by Alex da Kid with Boi-1da and others; from The Pinkprint album.[89][90]
"Renegades"X Ambassadors2015#17PlatinumProduced by Alex da Kid via his Kidinakorner label; used in Jeep Renegade commercials; topped Alternative Songs chart.[91][86]
"Thunder"Imagine Dragons2017#413× PlatinumProduced and co-written by Alex da Kid; from Evolve album.[92]

Notable albums

Alex da Kid contributed to Eminem's seventh studio album Recovery (2010) by producing the lead single "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, which became a global hit and helped propel the album's success. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 741,000 copies in its first week, and has since been certified diamond by the RIAA for 10 million units shipped in the United States.[93][94] On Rihanna's fifth studio album Loud (2010), Alex da Kid produced the track "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" featuring Eminem, serving as a sequel to the earlier hit and adding emotional depth to the record's pop and R&B sound. Loud peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales exceeding 207,000 units, and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2011; it has been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA.[95] As executive producer through his KIDinaKORNER label, Alex da Kid oversaw the production of Imagine Dragons' debut album Night Visions (2012), co-writing and producing key tracks such as "Radioactive," "Demons," and "It's Time," which blended rock and electronic elements to define the band's breakthrough sound. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200 and has been certified 8x platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over 8 million units sold in the US.[96] Alex da Kid served as the primary producer for X Ambassadors' debut album VHS (2015, released 2016 in some markets), handling oversight on tracks like "Renegades" and "Unsteady," which captured the band's introspective pop-rock style. VHS debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and achieved gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units.[97] In subsequent years, Alex da Kid continued his collaborative role as executive producer on Imagine Dragons' third studio album Evolve (2017), contributing to tracks including "Next to Me" and maintaining the group's arena-ready production aesthetic. Evolve topped the Billboard 200 upon release, selling 147,000 units in its debut week, and has been certified 4× platinum by the RIAA.[98]

References

  1. Alex Da Kid: From Football To Music Recording - Sound On Sound
  2. Hitmaker Alex Da Kid Talks Eminem's 'Lie,' Rihanna's New Album
  3. Alex Da Kid: The Brit behind 2010's biggest hit - BBC News
  4. Alex Da Kid lends magic to Eminem, 'Hunger Games' - USA Today
  5. 5 Questions With ... Alex Da Kid - GRAMMY.com
  6. First-Time Nominee: Alex Da Kid - GRAMMY.com
  7. Alex Da Kid Hits Rock Charts With Watson BEAT Collab 'Not Easy'
  8. The making of Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" - GRAMMY.com
  9. Exclusive: Alex da Kid Re-Ups His Label With Universal Music Group
  10. Sound Selectors: The Top 10 Producers in Music - Billboard
  11. Hear Alex da Kid's Eclectic Debut Single 'Not Easy' - Rolling Stone
  12. Alex Da Kid - Management — 100
  13. Alex Da Kid: 5 Things to Know About Halle Berry's New Man
  14. 5 Questions With… Alex Da Kid - GRAMMY.com
  15. Alex da Kid on Production Process and Philosophy
  16. https://www.theboombox.com/alex-da-kid-confident-about-grammy-nominations/
  17. Who is Alex Da Kid, the British music producer dating Halle Berry?
  18. In advance of Times Roundtable, producer-songwriter Alex Da Kid ...
  19. Week of August 14, 2010 - Billboard Hot 100™
  20. B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, "Airplanes" - Billboard
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/12463627-Rihanna-Loud
  22. I Need a Doctor (feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey) - Song by Dr. Dre
  23. London's 1000 most influential people 2011: Pop & Rock
  24. Imagine Dragons' 'Radioactive' Ties For Longest Hot 100 Run
  25. Imagine Dragons' 'Radioactive' is now RIAA Certified Diamond
  26. Eminem Recovery Production Credits - Rap Radar
  27. Alex Da Kid: A reminder of the producer's consistent catalog
  28. Renegades - Song by X Ambassadors - Apple Music
  29. Alex Da Kid: Producing music for the hottest stars - FLAVOURMAG
  30. Alex Da Kid - British record producer and songwriter - eSpeakers
  31. Year in Review: Best Rock Songs of 2017 | Stacker
  32. Alex Da Kid | Joseph Angel - American Funeral Lyrics - YouTube
  33. '000 CHANNEL BLACK' New Album _BY.ALEXANDER - Hypebeast
  34. 000 CHANNEL BLACK - Album by _BY.ALEXANDER - Apple Music
  35. 000 Channel Black by _BY.ALEXANDER - Rate Your Music
  36. 000 CHANNEL BLACK - Album by _BY.ALEXANDER | Spotify
  37. _BY.ALEXANDER releases brand new LP featuring CASISDEAD ...
  38. Memories for Sale ---At---> 66 Greene St Soho NY by _BY ...
  39. MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY
  40. Eminem, B.o.B. Hitmaker Alex Da Kid Launches Record Label
  41. UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP AND ALEX DA KID SIGN MULTI ...
  42. UMG signs 'multi-faceted' deal with Alex Da Kid's KIDinaKORNER
  43. X Ambassadors Share New Album 'The Beautiful Liar' | uDiscover
  44. 'Night Visions': Imagine Dragons' Debut Album Looks To The Future
  45. VHS - Album by X Ambassadors | Spotify
  46. How One Award-Winning Producer Is Transforming The Music Industry
  47. Alex Da Kid and WPP launch joint music venture
  48. Summer Songs Receive Sizzling Certifications - RIAA
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/31082996-Imagine-Dragons-Loom
  50. Alex Da Kid Is Redefining Luxury With A Little Help From Irina Shayk
  51. Alex da Kid Debut Collection "000 Channel Black" - Hypebeast
  52. Legendary Hitmaker Alex da Kid Is Making His Unlikely Fashion Debut
  53. Alex da Kid Launches Luxury Brand Mixing Music, Fashion and a ...
  54. FERG, Tavares Strachan, and 'CULTURED' Help Alexander Grant ...
  55. STORE · BY ALEXANDER
  56. https://www.merchbar.com/rock-alternative/by-alexander
  57. 10 Questions With Alex Da Kid | MusicWorld | BMI.com
  58. Imagine Dragons – Radioactive Lyrics - Genius
  59. https://www.grammy.com/news/first-time-nominee-alex-da-kid
  60. https://www.grammy.com/news/5-questions-with-alex-da-kid
  61. https://www.grammy.com/artists/skylar-grey/3651
  62. https://www.grammy.com/artists/alex-da-kid/2405
  63. Alex Da Kid Launches New Label Through Interscope - Billboard
  64. Love the Way You Lie (Music Video 2010) - Awards - IMDb
  65. _by.ALEXANDER - 000 CHANNEL BLACK
  66. MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY - Spotify
  67. Alex Da Kid Premieres “Not Easy” ft. X Ambassadors, Elle King ...
  68. Alex Da Kid & Joseph Angel's 'American Funeral': Listen | Billboard
  69. Alex da Kid & Joseph Angel – American Funeral Lyrics - Genius
  70. Alex Da Kid And JØ$EPH Angel Hold An “American Funeral”
  71. ‎TRUMPETS (feat. 070 Shake) - Single - Album by _BY.ALEXANDER
  72. _BY.ALEXANDER – TRUMPETS Lyrics - Genius
  73. _BY.ALEXANDER - TRUMPETS (Visualizer) ft. 070 Shake - YouTube
  74. _BY.ALEXANDER | Spotify
  75. _by.ALEXANDER Albums, Songs - Discography - Album of The Year
  76. Eminem's 30 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits
  77. Gold & Platinum - RIAA
  78. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=B.O.B.&ti=Airplanes
  79. Alex da Kid: 'There's going to be a resurgence in independent music ...
  80. Gold & Platinum - RIAA
  81. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Imagine+Dragons&ti=Radioactive
  82. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=X+Ambassadors&ti=Renegades
  83. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Nicki+Minaj&ti=Bed+of+Lies
  84. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Billboard
  85. Eminem's 'Recovery' Is 2010's Best-Selling Album - Billboard
  86. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Eminem&ti=Recovery
  87. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Rihanna&ti=Loud
  88. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Imagine+Dragons&ti=Night+Visions
  89. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=X+Ambassadors&ti=VHS
  90. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Imagine+Dragons&ti=Evolve
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