The producer Focus… is best known for his work with Dr. Dre, and had his hand in half a dozen songs on the legend’s long-awaited new album Compton: A Soundtrack By Dr. Dre. But the versatile beat maker’s work can’t just be summed up by his contributions to one album, however well-known. He began his career as a rapper, but quickly moved into production. He made not just hip-hop, but also hit r&b songs for artists like Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez.

Focus… first came to Dre’s attention in the early aughts, and worked for the NWA member’s Aftermath label for seven years before taking a brief hiatus. After several years off, and some superb solo albums along the way, he returned to help make Compton possible. One might say that Focus…’s job is in his blood. His father and namesake is the late bassist Bernard Edwards, best known for his work with the great dance band Chic.

See http://theciphershow.com/episode/130/ for full show notes and comments.