In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox for a masterclass in musicianship and hustle. From Houston roots to crafting hits with Usher and Jermaine Dupri, he breaks down how he quietly became one of R&B’s key architects.

B. Cox shares how he moved to Atlanta, cold-called studios, earned a Noontime internship, and leveraged it into full studio access before anyone even heard his beats. They dive into the difference between musicianship and producing, the power of simplicity, the science of songwriting, and the story behind “U Got It Bad.”

A blueprint episode for aspiring producers, songwriters, and R&B lovers alike.

This is one episode you don’t want to miss! 🎶✨

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📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!

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Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic

Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio

Edited By: Lazy Pickle Studio | www.instagram.com/LazyPickleStudios

Timestamps:

00:00 Opening Drop & Host Intro

00:31 Giving B. Cox His Flowers

01:59 Why B. Cox Chose To Be “Unsung”

02:45 From Producer “Sound” To Producer “Tag”

05:06 Rodney Jerkins & The Birth of the R&B Tag

05:35 Jermaine Dupri’s Legacy & Work Ethic

06:39 JD’s Focus vs. Side Hustles

07:40 The Group Ideal & Industry Politics

08:44 Discovering the Name “Brian Michael Cox”

09:27 Early Musical Roots in Houston

12:17 Houston as a Musical City

13:39 Networks, School & Destiny’s Child Origins

15:05 First Stab at the Industry: Mailing Demos

16:26 Crossroads: LA with Greg vs. Finding His Own Path

18:49 Love Story That Led to Atlanta

20:28 Getting Mom’s Blessing & The Move to Atlanta

21:26 Housing Struggles & Finding a Roommate

22:23 Arriving With a Bag of DATs & Calling Studios

23:18 The Noontime Flyer Breakthrough

24:45 Persistence Pays Off: Landing the Meeting

25:53 Relearning Tools: From Computer to MPC

27:04 Learning from Jazzy Pha, Teddy Bishop & Eric Roberson

27:58 Building a Reputation at the Studio

29:00 Leveraging Yourself: Trading Pay for Access

29:28 “You Need to Sign This Kid”

30:01 Musician vs. Producer: Two Different Jobs

30:35 The Science of Producing & Songwriting

31:24 From Master Musician to Accessible Producer

32:08 Listeners Feel More Than They Hear

32:36 Quincy Jones on Space, Density & Blueprint

34:03 Overproducing vs. Serving the Song

35:01 Case Study: Usher – “U Got It Bad”

35:58 Lesson from JD: Muting the Kitchen Sink

37:10 Writing from the Core & JD/Usher Chemistry

38:01 Finding His Role: From Keys to Vocal Production

38:48 JD as Musician vs. Producer

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