Focus... facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Focus...
Focus… in 2015
Background information
Birth name	Bernard Edwards Jr.
Born	(1972-11-06) November 6, 1972 (age 52) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop R&B
Occupation(s)	Record producer
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Aftermath Interscope a.Fam
Associated acts	Dr. Dre Bishop Lamont Marsha Ambrosius Busta Rhymes Beyoncé

Bernard Edwards Jr. (born November 6, 1972), known professionally as Focus..., is an American record producer from New York City. He became widely recognized after signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label in 2002. During his time with Aftermath, Edwards worked with many famous artists. These include Dr. Dre himself, Beyoncé, Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, 50 Cent, and Busta Rhymes. In 2022, Edwards helped create a music group called Read the PDF. He formed this group with fellow Aftermath producers, Dem Jointz and Mr. Porter.

Life and Career

Focus... is the son of the late Bernard Edwards. His father was a co-founder of the famous disco and R&B band Chic. Focus... was born in Manhattan, New York City. He grew up in the Tri-State Region. He often says his father inspired his love for music production. He developed this passion from a young age. He would go to many studio sessions with his father.

Dr. Dre first noticed Focus...'s talent for production. This happened when an artist Focus... had produced, named Daks, greatly impressed the Aftermath label boss. Dr. Dre later signed Focus... so they could work together.

Focus... left Aftermath in 2008. He had been with the label for seven years.

In 2013, Focus... returned to Aftermath Entertainment. He became an official staff producer there. He worked closely with Dr. Dre and other artists. Together, they helped create the album Compton. This album was nominated for a Grammy award. Compton was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This means it sold over 500,000 copies.

Music Production Highlights

Focus... has produced many songs for various artists. Here are some of his notable works.

Early Productions (1999-2002)

• 1999: Solé – Skin Deep
  • "I'm Coming" (Intro)
  • "Spell My Name Right" (featuring Mr. Raja)
• 2000: Joe – My Name Is Joe
  • "Get Crunk Tonight"
• 2001: Destiny's Child – 8 Days of Christmas
  • "Spread a Little Love on Christmas Day"
• 2002: Jennifer Lopez – This Is Me... Then
  • "Dear Ben"

Working with Famous Artists (2003-2007)

• 2003: Beyoncé Knowles – Dangerously in Love
  • "Yes"
• 2005: The Game – The Documentary
  • "Where I'm From" (featuring Nate Dogg)
• 2005: Tony Yayo – Thoughts of a Predicate Felon
  • "Eastside Westside"
  • "Project Princess" (featuring Jagged Edge)
• 2007: Keke Palmer – So Uncool
  • "The Game Song"

Later Works and Collaborations (2008-Present)

• 2009: Busta Rhymes – Back on My B.S.
  • "Respect My Conglomerate" (featuring Lil Wayne, Jadakiss)
• 2010: Christina Aguilera – Bionic
  • "Morning Dessert" (Intro)
• 2011: Marsha Ambrosius – Late Nights & Early Mornings
  • "Tears"
• 2012: 50 Cent – 5 (Murder by Numbers)
  • "My Crown"
• 2015: Dr. Dre – Compton
  • "Intro"
  • "Loose Cannons" (featuring Xzibit, COLD 187 um & Sly Pyper)
  • "Deep Water" (featuring Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak & Justus)
• 2019: Little Brother – May the Lord Watch
  • "Black Magic (Make It Better)"
• 2020: Eminem – Music to Be Murdered By – Side B (Deluxe edition)
  • "She Loves Me"
• 2022: Diamond D - The Rear View
  • "Live My Life" (featuring Ashtin Martin)