“Incoming!” Dem Jointz’s Mark on the Music World

 Music producer Dem Jointz, his real name being Dwayne Allen Abernathy Jr., has made his mark on the music industry. With the iconic producer tag, marked by the phrase “Incoming!,” Dem Jointz’s unique sound is unmistakable. Working with multiple big names in music across multiple genres, Dem Jointz has proven himself to be a force in music.

Originally from Compton, California, Dem Jointz started his path in music by playing the drums for his local church. He found music as an inspirational motivation that led him out of the pressures of the gang and crime culture around him. His first influences varied genres, with rap artists such as NWA, DJ Quik, and CMW as well as classic rock influences such as Fleetwood Mac and The Jacksons. While music has always been at the center of Dem Jointz’s life, he did not start producing music until the age of 34 in 2010, when he decided that office life was not for him.

Dem Jointz has worked with superstars in music, including Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, and Dr. Dre. His work on Rihanna’s 2011 album Talk That Talk with the song “Cockiness (Love It)” was a stand out for its unique samples and creative production style. The producer accredits his success in production in being able to think outside the box. When asked about his process, he said, “I came in thinking that you had to do it all. I didn’t know that there was a difference between producers and beat makers. I felt like we all fall into that same category,” he explained. “I didn’t know that was going to actually be the reason why I’m still around, still relevant. My placements are as much because I do more than just make beats.” His ability to create more than just beats has helped him establish himself in the industry. 

As of late, Dem Jointz has been making waves in the kpop industry. He started working with kpop giant SM Entertainment. The first song he made for the company was “Don’t U Wait No More” for girl group Red Velvet. Since then, he has made songs for groups such as EXO, Taeyeon, and N.MIXX, but the group he has worked the most extensively with is boy group NCT 127. His creative direction fits perfectly with the kpop group’s intense sound. While working extensively with the group's discography, 2021 was a great year for both Dem Jointz and NCT 127. Their third full album, Sticker, amassed millions of sales, with the shining star of the album, the title track “Sticker,” encompassing Dem Jointz’s distinctive sound. “Sticker” was undoubtedly the most talked-about kpop song of 2021, proving Dem Jointz’s irrefutable influence in the industry.

The future is bright for kpop’s most sought-out producer. As his career progresses, the memorable “Incoming!” tag will continue to shake the industry.

His Spotify: ​​https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AUT4fNQ2QC0e2f5pIxOCd?si=pE2ugrX4SDKDpVvoZpeONw

Songs produced by Dem Jointz: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5zu3H65uPi33wbTMOxJJxu?si=ec16dd8e26154ce6

Sources:

https://www.envimedia.co/creative-spotlight-how-dem-jointz-found-a-producers-playground-in-k-pop/

https://www.demjointz.com/