Well acknowledged for producing radio hits such as J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz” and Bryson Tiller’s “Let Me Explain,” Darius J. Barnes, also known as “Phonix Beats,” has co-written and produced hip-hop, R&B and pop music for labels such as Interscope, Def Jam, Aftermath, Atlantic Records, Warner Brothers and more. He’s worked with The Game, Trey Songz, Eminem, 50 Cent, Jeremih, Fabolous and other artists.

Born on March 29th in South Central Los Angeles, Phonix Beats followed in the likes of his father John Barnes, music producer and songwriter of pop legends Michael Jackson and Celine Dion amongst other musical icons. His brother, John Barnes III, aka L.A. Jay, also a musician, worked on songs with Pharcyde, Willie Nelson, Mos Def and the Good Girls. L.A. Jay introduced him to the music of legendary producer and rap artist J Dilla, whose production style inspired Phonix to begin his career. Shortly after, Phonix perfected his craft as a musician, mastering the bass, keys, drums and percussion, as well as being a skilled vocalist.

Phonix attended the Musician Institute in Hollywood before leaving to pursue his career in Oakland. He returned to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California and left his university after meeting his mentor Dr. Dre. He received his first placement in 2009 with TDE artist Jay Rock. He released his first instrumental LP titled the “The Leaks.”

In 2011, he was awarded “Producer of the Year” presented by Sounds Like Fire. Since his first placement in 2007, Phonix has had a steady progression of placements, gradually leading to his double platinum selling single ”No Role Modelz,” for which he received a Grammy nomination in 2015. He has since been looking to expand his music production company, Phonix Beats Productions, established in 2015.