Dot Da Genius is one of Hip Hop’s most slept-on sonic innovators. Kid Cudi’s closest collaborator and the co-mastermind behind hits like “Day ‘N’ Nite” and “Reborn,” the Brooklyn-bred producer has quietly helped push the genre’s sound forward over the last 15 years while influencing a generation of artists and producers.
Now, Dot is ready to open a new chapter in his decorated career. In late October, the 37-year-old announced he’d signed a worldwide exclusive publishing deal with OTM Music, the boutique publishing company which has landed major placements with the likes of Apple, Netflix and adidas since its launch in 2017.
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The partnership will allow OTM to license the entirety of Dot’s existing catalog for placement in films, TV shows and adverts, as well as other commercial and creative purposes. In addition to his countless fan-favorite collaborations with Kid Cudi, this includes tracks with Kanye West, Travis Scott, Pusha T, Nas, JID, Denzel Curry and Lil Nas X.
Having ventured into the world of film and TV by composing the score for Cudi’s Emmy-winning animated Netflix special Entergalactic (the soundtrack for which he also executive produced), Dot has proven that his music belongs in more than just fans’ speakers and streaming libraries.
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“I’ve been signed for the better half of almost 14 years with various different entities, major music conglomerates, and I got a taste of what that was like,” Dot told HipHopDX during a Zoom call from his home in Los Angeles.
“Now at this stage in my career, it’s important for me to work very closely with the people that are representing my music. OTM Music gives me a very unique opportunity to do that. They’re new on the scene and I believe that they will be able to usher in the new era of music that’s coming.”
Alex Sheridan, CEO and founder of OTM Music, added in a statement: “We have admired Dot Da Genius ever since he changed the Hip Hop landscape nearly 15 years ago. He is a legendary creator whose music is timeless and groundbreaking, and what he’s creating now is more exciting than ever. OTM Music has always aimed to partner with visionary artists, producers and multi-dimensional world builders who continue to elevate their craft.
“The timing felt organic to partner together as both OTM Music and Dot were looking to expand their team and creative vision. OTM’s recent partnership with Firebird has enabled us to grow our resources in order to provide the best hands-on services to multi-talented producers like Dot.”
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In the same way that his emotive and cinematic production has expanded Hip Hop’s sonic boundaries, Dot Da Genius is also hoping the partnership will help him continue to evolve beyond his familiar producer role. The classically-trained musician has plans to compose more film scores and wants to provide opportunities to other musical creatives through his HeadBanga Muzik company to help them realize their dreams, too.
“I’m gonna continue doing what I do, and that’s just creating music at an honest and high level. But in addition, I do have aspirations of growing outside of the normal producer box,” he said. “And that’s to hopefully bring opportunities to other creatives, artists, producers, songwriters and engineers. To continue to help other people realize their dreams musically and grow outside of what I’m doing and create in another way.”
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Sheridan added: “The team at OTM is here to provide creative support and additional infrastructure that will enable Dot and his team at Headbanga Muzik to operate across both worlds of music production and film/TV scoring. We are thrilled to be able to announce new music and projects for 2024 and beyond.”
There’s no shortage of new projects on Dot Da Genius’ plate. In addition to more film scores — including one with a “super amazing director” that he’s particularly excited about — the veteran producer is preparing to step further into the spotlight and drop his debut solo album.
Fans were treated to a first taste last summer with the woozy, hard-hitting “Talk About Me” featuring Kid Cudi, JID and Denzel Curry, arguably one of the most exciting lineups of the year. The single was accompanied by a trippy yet polished video directed by the in-demand Cole Bennett. But these aren’t the only big names that Dot is hoping to work with.
“It’s very ambitious what I’m trying to pull off,” he said of the album. “But if I am able to pull it off, I believe it will separate me from a lot of my peers. I’ve been working on it very diligently and in 2024 I’m gonna be traveling a lot to try and solidify a lot of the things that I’m trying to make a part of this album.”
Of course, Dot’s close friend Kid Cudi is also releasing a new album in 2024 — INSANO, due out January 12 — and rest assured the duo will be extending their collaborative chemistry.
“I definitely have a couple of cuts on the album,” he revealed. “With his album, Cudi was in search of an invigoration; he wanted to work with a lot of different producers. But I definitely helped assist with the album, as I normally do with most of his projects.”
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He added: “Whenever me and Cudi work together, you’re gonna always get what we do. Obviously we try to elevate it as much as we can and try new things. The sound throughout the course of the album is strong. Cudi definitely has a lot to get off his chest so expect melodies and raps.”
Check back for the next part of our interview with Dot Da Genius, where he delves deeper into his relationship with Kid Cudi, unreleased music with Denzel Curry, upcoming project with Key! and more.
