This interview is part of “Pivotal,” a Q&A series where we highlight the defining moments that have shaped a star’s career — from breakthrough roles to game-changing milestones to epic moments that catapult them into the spotlight. Read our interview with Rodney Jerkins here.
Bryan-Michael Cox doesn’t really like to brag, but he’s more than earned the right to.
Regarded as one of the most prolific songwriters and producers in the R&B space, the certified hitmaker has worked with the best of them all throughout his career — Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, Justin Bieber, just to name a few. And with a decades-long run that includes over 100 million records sold and a slew of accolades, Cox has quietly, but undeniably, kept his thumb on the pulse of contemporary R&B continuously, one hit song at a time.
Some of the most notable classics Cox has credits on include Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married,” Usher’s “Confessions” and Blige’s “Be Without You” — the latter of which earned him a Grammy in 2007 for Best R&B Song. He also played a key role in two staple releases that turn 20 this year: Chris Brown’s self-titled debut album and Carey’s “The Emancipation of Mimi.”
