Since at least the early 1980s with Quincy Jones’ “The Dude,” we have had successful producers seeking to gain artist credit even though some of them can’t hold a tune with a bucket that Dear Henry and Dear Liza would bicker about or enough autotune to make Selena Gomez sound good. Why is this so?

Great question! There are a few key reasons why producers often want to be recognized as artists too, beyond just being behind-the-scenes figures.

1. Creative Validation

Producers do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to making music. They shape the sound, bring together collaborators, and often contribute just as much (if not more) to the final product as the featured artists. Being credited as an artist acknowledges their role in crafting the music and gives them recognition for their creative contributions.

2. Artistic Expression

Many producers aren’t just beatmakers or engineers—they have their own artistic vision. Sometimes, they want to create albums or projects that reflect their personal musical tastes rather than just facilitating someone else’s sound. Think of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Special or DJ Khaled’s curated projects.

3. Legacy & Branding

When a producer releases music under their own name, they start building a brand that extends beyond just production credits. Quincy Jones, for example, was a legendary producer, but The Dude and his other solo works cemented his legacy as a full-fledged music artist. It gives them a more lasting place in music history.

4. Financial Incentives

Even though producers make money from production fees and songwriting credits, being an artist brings in additional revenue streams—like streaming royalties, live performances, and merchandise. Owning the master recordings as an artist can be far more lucrative than just getting a producer’s cut.

5. Industry Recognition & Awards

Producers typically don’t get as much public credit as artists do. Awards like the Grammys are often focused on artists first, so being credited as one increases their chances of winning high-profile awards. It also solidifies their status in the industry beyond being a behind-the-scenes player.

6. Creative Freedom

When producing for other artists, producers have to tailor their work to fit someone else’s vision. But when they release music under their own name, they have full control over the direction of the sound, who they collaborate with, and how they present their work.

Producers-turned-artists like Benny Blanco, Metro Boomin, Calvin Harris, and even Timbaland have shown that their influence goes beyond just making beats—they can shape entire genres and cultural moments. So while they might already be successful, taking the step to being an artist gives them even more creative and commercial power.