9th Wonder, born Patrick Denard Douthit in 1975, is an esteemed American record producer, DJ, rapper, and educator. Rising to prominence as a member of the influential hip-hop trio Little Brother, he gained recognition for his soulful, sample-based production style showcased in their debut album "The Listening." Throughout his career, 9th Wonder has produced for a multitude of artists including Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, and Kendrick Lamar, crafting a distinct sound that blends vintage soul and jazz samples with hard-hitting drum patterns. Notable solo projects such as "The Wonder Years" and collaborative efforts like "Jamla Is the Squad" further underscore his musical versatility. Beyond music, 9th Wonder is also known for his role as an educator, lecturing at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Duke University, where he shares insights into hip-hop culture and history. Through his enduring contributions to music and education, 9th Wonder has solidified his place as a respected figure in both the hip-hop community and academia.
I'm teaching something that has always been a part of me- history and hip-hop.
Biography
9th Wonder, born Patrick Denard Douthit on January 15, 1975, is a highly respected American record producer, DJ, rapper, and lecturer. Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 9th Wonder gained widespread recognition as one-third of the acclaimed hip-hop group Little Brother, alongside Phonte and Big Pooh.
With his signature soulful and sample-based production style, 9th Wonder quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. He gained significant attention for his work on Little Brother's debut album, "The Listening," which was released in 2003 and received critical acclaim for its innovative production and thoughtful lyricism.
Following the success of "The Listening," 9th Wonder went on to produce tracks for numerous artists, including Jay-Z, Destiny's Child, Erykah Badu, and Kendrick Lamar, among many others. His production work often incorporates vintage soul and jazz samples, layered over hard-hitting drum patterns, creating a unique and unmistakable sound.
In addition to his production work, 9th Wonder has also released several solo albums and collaborative projects, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. Notable releases include "The Wonder Years" and "Jamla Is the Squad," which feature collaborations with a diverse range of artists from across the hip-hop spectrum.
Beyond his contributions to music, 9th Wonder is also a dedicated educator. He has served as a lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Duke University, where he has shared his knowledge and insights into the history and culture of hip-hop.
Throughout his career, 9th Wonder has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop production while staying true to the genre's roots. His influence can be felt not only through his own music but also through the countless artists he has inspired and collaborated with over the years.
But You
Continuing his commitment to education, 9th Wonder embarked on a new academic venture in January 2010, co-teaching a course titled "Sampling Soul" alongside Dr. Mark Anthony Neal at Duke University. In an interview with HitQuarters, he expressed his motivation for venturing into academia: "Educating the youth on where hip-hop comes from and the history of it, using the records we use, gives hip-hop a longer life. I decided to become an advocate of that." Additionally, 9th Wonder has recently undertaken a course titled "Intro to Hip Hop Production," further solidifying his role as an educator dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of hip-hop culture.