Matthew Burnett

Matthew Raymond Burnett (born July 24, 1991) is a Canadian record producer, musical director and manager from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who has worked with a number of major recording artists in various genres from R&B to soul, hip hop and rap. Burnett has produced for the likes of Daniel Caesar, Drake, Eminem, Nas, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Childish Gambino, Ellie Goulding and Snoh Aalegra to name a few. He has also musically directed Daniel Caesar, Tyla, Kelly Rowland, Jessie Reyez, Willow Smith and Queen Naija. Alongside longtime music partner Jordan Evans, Burnett manages Caesar. Matthew Burnett's work has earned him two Grammy Award nominations and five Juno Award nominations. In 2018 he took home a Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for Caesar's debut studio album, Freudian.

Biography

Burnett's tuneful ability became apparent at an early age. Starting piano lessons at just four years old, his music instructor noted his natural talent to play songs by ear. As he got older, Burnett's love of music would only grow stronger. By the time he was in ninth grade he was playing in a professional band around the city. Music production software FL Studio (formerly FruityLoops) would introduce him to the art of producing and recording his own music. A student of his craft, Burnett coupled his inherent passion with a fierce dedication to honing his skills, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In 2007, Burnett was introduced to Grammy Award-winning producer Matthew Samuels, known commonly as Boi-1da, thus beginning a mentorship that would change his life and career. Under Samuels' guidance Burnett continued to hone his sound and technique, officially signing to Boi-1da Productions in 2010 where he and Evans would thrive as the production power-duo behind some of the biggest hits in hip hop and R&B. Notable among Burnett's earliest achievements was his production on "Not Afraid," the lead single on rapper Eminem's seventh studio album, Recovery, and the sixteenth song in Billboard history to debut at number one. The track earned Burnett a Grammy Award-nomination for "Best Rap Song" in 2011.

Ending his Boi-1da deal in 2013, Burnett and partner Evans moved on to cultivate Canadian R&B artist, Daniel Caesar. The two are the principal producers for Caesar's debut album, Freudian, which was nominated for two awards at the 60th Annual Grammys. Today, Burnett continues to lend his expertise in studio production, live show curation, musical direction and management to several of today's leading artists.

Artistry

Record production

Production was Burnett's first love and a talent that catapulted him to success at a very early age. By just 21 years old, his unique ear led him to co-produce music for some of the industry's biggest names, including Drake, Eminem, Keri Hilson, Nas, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled. Today, that list has expanded to include Daniel Caesar, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Childish Gambino, Kelly Rowland, Jessie Reyez and Ellie Goulding. His sound and production style were heavily influenced by his Christian upbringing, taking inspiration from gospel music. As he matured, his musical style followed suit and took form through consistent experimentation, practice, and the tutelage of Boi-1da. Today, Burnett's work is unified across genres by a soulful, powerful sound.

Musical direction

A producer at heart, Burnett's wheelhouse soon expanded to include not only studio production, but live show curation and musical direction. He served as the visionary behind live performances for singers Daniel Caesar, Tyla, Jessie Reyez, Willow Smith, Kelly Rowland, and Queen Naija among others. From composing musical arrangements to scouting, hiring and rehearsing their bands, Burnett is a conduit of creativity, building harmonies both in music and within the teams that create it.

Management

Burnett serves alongside longtime music partner Jordan Evans as the co-manager to Grammy Award-winning artist, Daniel Caesar. In partnership with Evans and Caesar, Burnett founded the independent record label Golden Child Recordings.

Production Discography

2010

Drake – Thank Me Later

• 06. "Up All Night" (featuring Nicki Minaj) (produced with Boi-1da)

Eminem – Recovery

• 07. "Not Afraid" (produced with Boi-1da, Jordan Evans and Eminem)
• 08. "Seduction" (produced with Boi-1da)

Bun B – Trill OG

• 16. "It's Been a Pleasure" (featuring Drake) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Lil' Wayne – I Am Not a Human Being

• 10. "Bill Gates" (produced with Boi-1da)

Drake – Unreleased single

• "Something" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Lloyd Banks – The Hunger For More 2

• 15. "Where I'm At" (featuring Eminem) (produced with Boi-1da)

Keri Hilson – No Boys Allowed

• 01. "Buyou Music" (featuring J. Cole) (produced with Boi-1da, Polow da Don and Bei Maejor)
• 10. "Gimmie What I Want" (produced with Boi-1da)
• 16. "Fearless" (produced with Boi-1da, Polow da Don and Bei Maejor)

2011

DJ Khaled – We The Best Forever

• 08. "Can't Stop" (featuring Birdman and T–Pain) (produced with Boi-1da)

Mindless Behavior – #1 Girl

• 08. "Future" (produced with Boi-1da)

Down With Webster – Time to Win, Vol. 2

• 07. "I Want It All" (produced with Boi-1da)

2012

Childish Gambino – Royalty

• 16. "Wonderful" (featuring John Osho) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Nas – Life Is Good

• 19. "Trust" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Busta Rhymes – Year of the Dragon

• 09. "Sound Boy" (featuring Cam'ron) (produced with Boi-1da)

2 Chainz – Based on a T.R.U Story

• 01. "Yuck" (featuring Lil Wayne) (produced with Streetrunner)

Slaughterhouse – Welcome to Our House

• 13. "Goodbye" (produced with Boi-1da and Eminem)

Talib Kweli – Attack The Block

• 06. Outstanding (featuring Ryan Leslie) (produced with Boi-1da)

Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re–Up

• 02. "Freedom" (produced with Boi-1da)

Game – Jesus Piece

• 09. "See No Evil" (featuring Kendrick Lamar and Tank) (produced with Boi-1da)

2013

Kelly Rowland – Talk a Good Game

• 09. "Red Wine" (produced with Boi-1da and Kevin Cossom)

Rich Gang – Rich Gang

• 01. "R.G." (featuring Mystikal) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Lil Wayne – Dedication 5

• 12. "Live Life" (featuring Euro) (produced with Streetrunner)

Audio Push – Come as You Are

• 09. "Turn Down" (produced with DZL)

Drake – Nothing Was the Same

• 13. "Pound Cake" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Doley Bernays – Just In Case

• 06. "Drown" (produced with Jordan Evans and DZL)

Fabolous – The Soul Tape 3

• 07. "You Know" (featuring Young Jeezy) (produced with Boi-1da and Vinylz)

2014

Eric Bellinger – The Rebirth

• 06. "Delorean" (produced with T-Minus)

Zuse – Bullet

• 11. "Oiler" (featuring Trae The Truth) (produced with Go Grizzly and DZL)

Sebastian Mikael – Speechless

• 04. "Made For Me" (featuring Teyana Taylor) (produced with DZL)

G–Eazy – These Things Happen

• 05. "Opportunity Cost" (produced with Jordan Evans)

Game – Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf

• 02. "F.U.N."
• 06. "Married To The Game" (featuring French Montana, Dubb and Sam Hook) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)

Astro – Computer Era

• 10. "N*gga Pls" (produced with [Boi-1da])

Jahkoy – Forward Thinking

• 08. "Vacay" (produced with Jordan Evans)

OB O'Brien – "Schemin' Up" Single

• "Schemin' Up" (produced with Boi-1da and 40)

2015

Kyndall – Still Down EP

• 02. "All Mine" (produced with Boi-1da and DZL)

Raekwon – Fly International Luxurious Art

• 13. "Worst Enemy" (featuring Liz Rodrigues) (produced with DZL)

Daniel Caesar – Pilgrim's Paradise

• 02. "Death and Taxes" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 03. "Paradise" (produced with BadBadNotGood and Jordan Evans)
• 05. "Streetcar" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 06. "Show No Regret" (produced with Jordan Evans)

KYLE – Smyle

• 10. "Remember Me?" (featuring Chance The Rapper) (produced with Jordan Evans)

Chris Brown – Royalty

• 06. "Zero" (produced with Tushar Apte and Riley Bell)

Various artists – Magic Mike XXL Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

• 08. "Untitled (How Does It Feel)"

2016

June's Diary – "All of Us" Single

• "All of Us" (produced with DZL)

Audio Push – 90951

• 04. "Spread Love" (produced with DZL)

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Single

• '"Won't Live Here" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• "Get You" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• "Japanese Denim" (produced with Jordan Evans)

Nathan Sykes – Unfinished Business

• 09. "Give It Up" (featuring G–Eazy) (produced with Riley Bell)

Ellie Goulding – Single

• "Just in Case" (produced with Jordan Evans)

PartyNextDoor – TBD

• "You Made It" (produced with Jordan Evans)

11:11 - 11:11 (Executive producer with DZL)

• 01. "West Side"
• 02. "You"
• 03. "Byo"
• 04. "I'm Good"
• 05. "My Bish"
• 06. "Henny & Gin"
• 07. "Don't Worry"

2017

Joyner Lucas – 508-507-2209

• 09. "Way To Go" (featuring Snoh Aalegra) (produced with Riley Bell)

Chris Brown – Heartbreak on a Full Moon

• 41. "Reddi Whip" (produced with Jordan Evans)

Daniel Caesar – Freudian (Executive producer with Jordan Evans)

• 01. "Get You" (feat. Kali Uchis)
• 02. "Best Part" (feat. H.E.R)
• 03. "Hold Me Down" (produced with Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
• 04. "Neu Roses (Transgressor's Song)"
• 05. "Loose" (produced with Alex Ernewein)
• 06. "We Find Love" (produced with Jordon Manswell)
• 07. "Blessed"
• 08. "Take Me Away" (feat. Syd) (produced with Riley Bell)
• 09. "Transform" (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (produced with Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
• 10. "Freudian" (produced with and Riley Bell)

2018

Jessie Reyez feat. Daniel Caesar – Single

• "Figures, a Reprise" (produced with Jordan Evans)

Daniel Caesar – Single

• "Who Hurt You?" (co-produced with Jordan Evans)

2019

Snoh Aalegra – Ugh, Those Feels Again

• 06. "Toronto" (produced with Riley Bell)

Daniel Caesar – Case Study 01 (Executive producer with Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar)

• 02. "Cyanide" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 03. "Love Again" (feat. Brandy) (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 05. "Open Up" (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 06. "Restore the Feeling" (feat. Sean Leon and Jacob Collier) (produced with Jordan Evans)
• 08. "Too Deep to Turn Back" (produced with Jordan Evans and River Tiber)

2020

Fousheé – Single

• "Single AF" (produced with Solomonophonic)

2021

Dylan Sinclair - Single

• "Black Creek Drive" (produced with Jordan Evans and Zachary Simmonds)

2022

Daniel Caesar - Single

• "Please Do Not Lean" (produced with Jordan Evans and BADBADNOTGOOD)

Givēon - Give or Take

• "dec 11th" (produced with Jordan Evans)

2023

Daniel Caesar – NEVER ENOUGH

• "Ocho Rios" (produced with Daniel Caesar,Jordan Evans, Sir Dylan and BADBADNOTGOOD)
• "Cool" (produced with Daniel Caesar, Jordan Evans and Sacha Rudy)
• "Homiesexual (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)" (produced with Daniel Caesar, Jordan Evans, Sir Dylan and Zachary Simmonds)
• "Superpowers" (produced with Daniel Caesar, Jordan Evans and Sir Dylan)

2024

Charlotte Day Wilson - Cyan Blue

• "Dovetail" (produced with Jordan Evans, Charlotte Day Wilson, Jack Rochon)

Jessie Reyez - Single

• "Merry Nothin" (produced with Jessie Reyez)

2025

Givēon - Beloved

• "Mud" (produced with Peter Lee Johnson, Aaron Paris, and Sevn Thomas)
• "Rather Be" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Maneesh, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "Twenties" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Maneesh, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "Strangers" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, David Phelps, NinetyFour, and Beat Butcha)
• "Numb" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Peter Lee Johnson, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "I Can Tell" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Kemy Siala, Los Hendrix, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "Keeper" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "Backup Plan" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Maneesh, and Jeff Gitelman)
• "Don't Leave" (produced with Peter Lee Johnson, and Sevn Thomas)
• "Avalanche" (produced with Sevn Thomas, Maneesh, and Jeff Gitelman)

Jessie Reyez - Single

• "Culdn't Be Me (Piano Acoustic Version)"
• "Culdn't Be Me (Live Version)" (produced with Jonathan Gateretse)

Daniel Caesar - Son of Spergy

• "Call On Me" (produced with Jordan Evans, Daniel Caesar, and Rami Dawod)
• "Who Knows" (produced with Daniel Caesar)

Tours (musical direction)

TV and live performances (musical direction)

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Juno Awards

Canadian Film Screen Awards

External links

• on X
• on Instagram
• at IMDb