Rodney Jerkins, better known as Darkchild, is one of the most influential producers in R&B and pop history. From Grammy-winning hits to deep album cuts, his production style has shaped the sound of a generation. Whether crafting lyrics or building beats, Jerkins has delivered timeless records that continue to be too good to skip.
His producer tag, Darkchild’99, became synonymous with radio hits, but even when his name was not stamped on the track, Jerkins’ signature musicality was a defining sound of R&B and pop from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. Industry titans like Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Beyoncé, and countless others have all collaborated with the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.
In an interview with People, Jerkins reflected on the producer’s role in shaping music: “Producers play a big role in helping artists change the trajectory of music. I know I have a responsibility to them. And I know when that phone rings that I have to step up. I have to help these artists go to their next level [and] help them accomplish what they have a vision for. That's my job.” Needless to say, he’s been clocked in for years — racking up double-digit Grammy nominations, multiple wins, and reaping endless praise for his contributions that we can’t get enough of. Take a listen to 17 of his best tracks that we will always press play on.
1. Brandy and Monica — “The Boy Is Mine”
Brandy and Monica won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999 for “The Boy Is Mine.” According to Jerkins, the song was originally performed by the “Moesha” star. Admittedly, it became a standout track when the Georgia native added her vocals. The song has had a cult-like following since it debuted in 1998 and even spawned the Ariana Grande remix featuring the ‘90s superstars.
2. Destiny’s Child — “Say My Name”
Jerkins knew “Say My Name” was destined for success, but he never imagined that it would become the biggest single from The Writings on the Wall, the group's sophomore album. “It's still one of my favorite songs that I've ever produced, for sure,” he admitted in a past interview. The song spent 32 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at the No. 3 spot.
3. Michael Jackson — “You Rock My World”
Michael Jackson’s last studio album, Invincible, felt fresh and representative of music at the turn of the millennium, all while maintaining the essence of the global pop star’s past offerings. The lead single, “You Rock My World,” was produced by Jerkins — a manifestation that first came to fruition in a dream.
4. Monica — “Angel of Mine”
The up-tempo ballad appears on Monica’s platinum-selling sophomore LP, The Boy Is Mine. Her version became a chart-topping hit, earning platinum certifications. At its peak popularity, the track spent four consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Mary J. Blige featuring Lil’ Kim — “I Can Love You”
The Queen of Hip Hop/Soul and Darkchild’s creative synergy led to the birth of “I Can Love You.” It’s just one of the singer’s songs that fans can’t get enough of.
6. Kirk Franklin and The Family — “Revolution”
Jerkins helped produce and co-write the gospel anthem that daringly merged the church with the secular sounds of mainstream hits. Jerkins even jumped on the track himself, unleashing rap vocals in the fourth verse and making an appearance in the music video.
7. Beyoncé featuring JAY-Z — “Déjà Vu”
Beyoncé has tapped the songwriter-producer for a handful of collaborations throughout her career, but a standout moment came during her B’Day era. The icons were a super-force on the bass, hi-hat drums, and horn-heavy production masterminded in part by Jerkins.
8. Toni Braxton — “He Wasn’t Man Enough”
This single peaked at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2000 while simultaneously becoming an anthem for women leaving a cheating ex in the past. Braxton used the track to launch her third studio album, The Heat.
9. Ciara feat. 50 Cent — “Can’t Leave ‘Em Alone”
The producer tag re-emerged on “Can’t Leave ‘Em Alone,” only this time, instead of hearing Jerkins’ voice, it was 50 Cent who stamped the track with Darkchild. Those signature piano chords, hand claps, and moody R&B tones set the third single from Ciara: The Evolution apart from other sounds on the radio airwaves.
10. Destiny’s Child — “Lose My Breath”
DC3 ushered in their final group album, Destiny Fulfilled, with Darkchild’s production behind “Lose My Breath.” His musical genius also appears on “Cater 2 U.” “Destiny's Child reunion – I would love for that to happen. I would pray that that happens, and [that] they would call me because we [can] pick up right where we left off,” he told People about working with the ladies.
11. Keyshia Cole feat. Amina — “Shoulda Let You Go”
The mid-tempo breakup song masterfully highlights Jerkins’ ability to reinvent his sound. “Shoulda Let You Go” was co-written by the producer and Keyshia Cole for her album Just Like You. Her vocals shine on this record as she sings about no longer holding on to a relationship that has run its course.
12. Mary J. Blige — “Share My World”
Jerkins was in the early aughts of his career when he joined forces with Mary J. Blige to craft her third LP, Share My World (1997). She invited him to New York for a listening session with producers, where the title track and “I Can Love You” solidified him as a go-to hitmaker.
13. Brandy — “Never Say Never”
Brandy is arguably the cornerstone of Jerkins’ ‘90s discography and easily one of his most beloved collaborators. The creatives came together on her projects Never Say Never and Full Moon. The classically trained pianist told You Know I Got Soul, “If you listen to Full Moon, it was nothing like Never Say Never. It was [about] how can we be innovative and creative and do something completely different that people will appreciate for years to come. Brandy, of course, wanted to challenge herself with new tones in her voice, which was great.”
14. Whitney Houston — “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay”
Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singers of all time, but when she linked up with Jerkins to work on her fourth album, My Love Is Your Love, she tapped into a new realm of her gift. “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” set the tone for the 13-track project. Jerkins was behind the lead single that ultimately went on to forge his unbreakable friendship with the generational talent.
15. Ray J — “One Wish”
After making a name for himself as an actor, Ray J returned to his singing roots for his third solo effort, Raydiation. Jerkins was in tow, supplying Ray J — Brandy’s brother — with four tracks, including the album’s biggest hit, “One Wish.” The album climbed to the No. 48 spot on the Billboard 200 and its breakout single almost cracked the top 10 when it peaked at No. 11 after a 25-week run on the Hot 100 chart.
Rodney Jerkins’ catalog is more than this collection of hits. But his blueprint for R&B and pop success is proof that from Brandy’s vocal layering and Beyoncé’s sonic experimentation, his fingerprints are all over the genres’ evolution.