Heads are nodding in the control room of DJ Music Studios in Atlanta, GA where Daron Jones, one of the members of multi-platinum pop/R&B group, 112, is leaning over the studio console turning the fader down on I Should Have Cheated, a song he produced for Keyshia Coles debut release, The Way It Is. She listens intently as her voice is layered against the keyboard loop and smiles. Daron gives her a knowing look, the same one that Biggie gave R. Kelly after hearing the track that would become, F**king You Tonight, another Daron Jones production. As their eyes connect, Daron remembers that same feeling he got after producing and co-writing Cupid, from 112s self-titled debut which would launch their career on Bad Boy Records.
After several Grammy, MTV, Billboard, BET, Soul Train Awards, American Music Award nominations, over 7 million albums sold domestically, and 15 million worldwide, of course, he should know a hit when he hears one. Musically, 112 has carved a unique niche that touches everyone from dance floor anthems to sexy bedroom ballads. While their signature seductive vocals are a key ingredient in their romantic arsenal, their songwriting and the instrumentals layered against their melody is another component that has defined 112s sound and made them one of the most innovative and resilient groups in the R&B/hip-hop genre.
If Darons recent success creating a career defining song for Keyshia Cole and the club classic for Biggie and R.Kelly is an indication of whats to come, then his upcoming production of Forecast, on Jamie Foxxs J Records debut and Good Love, on Musiq Soulchilds upcoming album will cement Darons status as one of musics most sought-after producers. As part of a group with four lead vocalists, its hard to show your individuality. What I bring into 112 as the in-house producer is our sound. If you read the credits, youll recognize Darons production credit on most of their more recognizable singles most notably Cupid, and Anywhere, which are huge hits for 112. Hes also produced and written songs for everyone including Ushers Separated, from his multi-platinum 8701 album, Floatin On Your Love, for The Isley Brothers Mission To Please album, two songs Caramel Kisses, and Love Will Pass You By on Faiths Keep The Faith, Secret Love, on Kelly Prices Soul Of A Woman, and Love Is Such A Crazy Thing, on Pinks multi-platinum album Cant Take Me Home. Daron has also produced tracks for hip-hop notables like Bonecrusher, 8Ball, and The Notorious B.I.G. In fact the first song you would recognize besides Cupid, and Anywhere, that he produced is F***king You Tonight, a hit single and club classic performed by Biggie and R.Kelly, released on Biggies Life After Death album.
He never would have guessed at the time that two of musics legendary artists would select his DAT simply labeled DJ, from a pile of tracks lying around the Daddys House studio, but thats exactly what happened. At the time, Daron was in Trinidad with 112, when he received the call that would mark a defining moment in his career as an emerging producer. When I created that track it wasnt intended for anyone. It was actually one of the many tracks that I just threw on DAT, but I remember thinking to myself, this track is a hit. I left it at Daddy's House and somebody got a hold of it, and gave it to Biggie and R. Kelly. I was surprised that they picked it, considering all the Bad Boy Hitmen tracks that were in the studio.
Over time his ability to recognize a hit developed and he learned the business of publishing, production, and the value of having a hit single. On I Should Have Cheated, I wanted to create a song that men and women would identify with, but from a females perspective. Weve all had a moment when were completely faithful, trying to do the right thing, resisting opportunities, but the person youre with still thinks youre cheating. It makes you feel like just going for yours. Daron wrote the hook and produced the track and Q (112) wrote the verses, then they started listening for the right voice. Originally the song was offered to Nivea, but her label didnt want to make it a single, so DJ Music held onto it. When I heard Keyshia Cole, I knew she was the one who could take what I heard in the music to a higher level. Darons premonitions were right again and the single peaked at ..4 on the Billboard R&B charts.
As a singer myself, when Im creating a track or writing a song, I consider the style and sound of the artist. Its like being a fashion stylist, you have to know your client and be able to select songs that will fit their style and image. A song has to fit you like a pair of your favorite jeans. It has to cater to your curves, move when you move and just flow inside you, he explains. Nine times out of ten when Im in the studio, Im working by myself. A lot of my music and the songs I write are based upon concepts and then the artist Im working with brings their own style to that concept. Another thing Daron brings into his music is a distinctive sound that you recognize instantly from the intro alone. If you listen to F**king You Tonight before you even hear Biggie say and another one, and R. Kelly sing, you must be used to me spending you already know whats coming and your body has already made its way to the dance floor.
112s breakthrough singles, Cupid, and Anywhere produced by and co-written with his fellow group members were the first hits he created that helped to define the groups sound. At the time, we were supposed to get a song from BabyFace and it was too expensive, so I decided to create my own version of a BabyFace track; it was as simple as a beat with a guitar loop running through it. The benefits of late night studio sessions at Daddy House, observing and then using the equipment under the watchful eye of hit producer, Stevie J, was all it took. Musically I already knew what sound I wanted to create. You can teach someone the technical aspects of production, but you cant teach them how to write a song or how to bring that song to life.
Even when alone in the studio with a piano, MPC3000, Motif Keyboard Sound Module, and the Proteus 2000 to build his tracks, Daron is a songwriters songwriter with a musicians ear. As the in-house producer for 112, once the group gets off the road and begins conceptualizing their new album, everything he brings to the first rehearsal lays the groundwork and concept that the four members will contribute to which ultimately sets the tone for the album. Being a vocalist, musician, songwriter, arranger, and performer gives me an advantage as a producer, because I can go into the studio by myself, visualize the concept for the song, the show, the video and come out with a whole record done. 112 offers me the opportunity to take that gift and present it to the world, not from behind the boards, but on stage. Who wouldnt want the best of both worlds?
