Knobody facts for kids

Jerome Foster, known as Knobody, is an American music producer and A&R. A music producer helps artists create their songs. An A&R (Artists and Repertoire) person finds new talent and helps them develop their music.

Knobody has produced many hit songs for famous artists. These include Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Akon, The Game, Big Pun, Mýa, and R.E.M.. Many of these artists have sold millions of albums. Knobody also worked as an A&R for major record labels. Because of his work with Akon, Knobody was named one of the top A&R people in the world.

Knobody's Impact on Music

Knobody is known for helping to start the careers of many famous artists. His work has greatly influenced the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Working with Jay-Z

Knobody produced the song "Can't Knock the Hustle" for Jay-Z. This was the first song on Jay-Z's very first album, Reasonable Doubt. "Can't Knock the Hustle" was Jay-Z's first song to appear on music charts. It helped him become famous and start a career that has sold millions of albums. Many people still call this song one of the best Jay-Z has ever made.

Helping Big Pun Become a Star

Knobody also produced "Still Not a Player". This was the main song from Big Pun's first album, Capital Punishment. The album quickly became very popular. It was the first album by a solo Latino rap artist to sell over a million copies. "Still Not a Player" helped Big Pun go from being a lesser-known artist to a huge star. It was even named one of hip hop's greatest remixes ever.

Discovering Akon

When Knobody worked as an A&R, he helped discover Akon. He also helped Akon create his first album, Trouble. Knobody produced Akon's hit song, "Locked Up" (Remix). This song was a big reason for the album's success. Akon became a major R&B star after this album. Because of Akon's huge success, Knobody was recognized as a World Top 10 A&R in 2005.

Songs Produced by Knobody

Here are some of the popular singles Knobody has produced:

• 1993: "So Whatcha Want?" (MF Grimm)
• 1995: "Funky Piano" (E. Bros) - from the New Jersey Drive Soundtrack
• 1996: "Can't Knock the Hustle" (Jay-Z f/Mary J. Blige)
• 1997: "How You Want It" (Jungle Brothers f/De La Soul & Q-Tip)
• 1998: "Still Not a Player" (Big Pun f/Joe)
• 1998: "Movin' Out" (Mýa f/ Raekwon & Noreaga)
• 2002: "I've Been High" (R.E.M.)
• 2004: "Locked Up (Remix)" (Akon f/Styles P)
• 2004: "Coo Coo Chee" (Ric-A-Che)
• 2006: "Feels So Good" (Remy Ma f/Ne-Yo)
• 2006: "Wanna Be" (The Fugees)
• 2008: "Game's Pain" (The Game f/Keyshia Cole)

Knobody's Awards

Knobody has received important awards for his work in music. In 2005, he was named a "World Top 10 A&R." This was because of his big role in Akon's first album, Trouble. In 2008, Knobody won a GRAMMY Award. He won it for "Leaving Tonight," a song he worked on for Ne-Yo's album, Because of You. That album won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album in 2007.