Mathematics (producer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mathematics
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Mathematics in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ronald Maurice Bean |
| Also known as | Allah Mathematics |
| Born | October 21, 1971 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1987–present |
| Associated acts | Wu-Tang Killa Beez, Wu-Tang Clan, Wu-Elements |
Ronald Maurice Bean (born October 21, 1971), known by his stage name Mathematics, is a famous hip hop producer and DJ. He is a key member of the world-famous group, the Wu-Tang Clan. Besides making music, he is also a talented graphic designer who created the iconic "W" logo for the Wu-Tang Clan.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Mathematics, whose real name is Ronald Maurice Bean, grew up in the Jamaica, Queens neighborhood of New York City. His older brother introduced him to hip hop music. He would bring home recordings of early artists like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five.
Inspired by this new music, Mathematics started his own career in 1987. He began as a DJ at local block parties and park events. His DJ name back then was Supreme Cut Master. By 1988, he was the official DJ for the rapper Victor C, performing at many clubs and colleges across New York City.
Joining the Wu-Tang Clan
Meeting the Founders
In 1990, Mathematics connected with the rapper GZA, who was also known as The Genius. This was a big step in his career. He joined GZA on his first major tour, the Cold Chillin Blizzard Tour. This tour featured some of the biggest names in hip hop at the time, like Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane.
After the tour, GZA, his cousins RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Mathematics started working together. These three would go on to form the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.
Designing the Famous Logo
As the Wu-Tang Clan was just starting, they needed a logo. Mathematics used his skills as a graffiti artist to help. He designed the famous "W" symbol that is now recognized by fans all over the world. He also created many other designs for the group and its members.
Becoming a Music Producer
Mathematics learned a lot about making music from RZA, who became his mentor. One night, he helped RZA build a beat from scratch. That beat became the song "Ice Cream" on Raekwon's popular album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
This experience inspired Mathematics to start producing his own music. In 1996, he produced his first official track, "Fast Life." The song featured Ghostface Killah and football star Andre Rison.
From there, he began producing music for many Wu-Tang Clan members. He created tracks for albums like GZA's Beneath The Surface and Method Man's Tical 2000: Judgement Day. He also produced songs for the entire group, such as "Do You Really (Thang, Thang)."
Solo Albums and Later Work
In 2003, Mathematics released his first solo album, Love, Hell Or Right. He produced, mixed, and arranged the entire album himself. It featured appearances from almost every member of the Wu-Tang Clan.
He continued to release his own albums, including The Problem in 2005. He also kept producing music for other artists. In 2017, he produced the entire Wu-Tang Clan album Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues. The album's first single, "People Say," featured the rapper Redman.
Discography
Studio Albums
| Album Name | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Love, Hell or Right | August 26, 2003 |
| The Problem | June 28, 2005 |
| Soul of a Man | June 13, 2006 |
| Mathematics Presents Wu-Tang Clan & Friends Unreleased | February 6, 2007 |
| Mathematics Presents... Return of the Wu & Friends | February 16, 2010 |
| Prelude to the Answer | April 16, 2013 |
| The Answer | October 1, 2013 |
| Black Samson, the ... Swordsman | April 12, 2025 |
Selected Production Work
Mathematics has produced songs for many famous albums. Here are a few examples:
- The Pillage by Cappadonna - "Oh Donna"
- Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm - "Cobra Clutch", "Punishment"
- Tical 2000: Judgement Day by Method Man - "Snuffed Out"
- Beneath the Surface by GZA - "Amplified Sample", "Publicity"
- Uncontrolled Substance by Inspectah Deck - "Uncontrolled Substance"
- Blackout! by Method Man & Redman - "Dat's Dat S...", "Fire Ina Hole"
- The W by Wu-Tang Clan - "Do You Really (Thang Thang)"
- Supreme Clientele by Ghostface Killah - "Mighty Healthy", "Wu-Banga 101"
- Iron Flag by Wu-Tang Clan - "Rules"
- Legend of the Liquid Sword by GZA - "Fam (Members Only)"
- No Said Date by Masta Killa - "Last Drink", "Whatever"
- 4:21... The Day After by Method Man - "Dirty Mef", "Everything"
- 8 Diagrams by Wu-Tang Clan - "Stick Me for My Riches"
- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II by Raekwon - "Mean Streets"
- Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang by Raekwon - "Dart School"
- The Saga Continues by Wu-Tang Clan - entire album
