Mustard
Biography
Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, known professionally as Mustard, is an American record producer, DJ, and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. He has become one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop and R&B, crafting a signature sound often referred to as "ratchet music". This style is characterized by its up-tempo, club-oriented, and melodic feel. Many of his productions feature his iconic producer tag, "Mustard on the beat, ho!", which is a vocal sample of his frequent collaborator, YG.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Mustard's career took off in the early 2010s. He gained significant recognition for producing Tyga's 2011 hit single, "Rack City". This track's success quickly made him a highly sought-after producer. He went on to produce a string of hits for various artists, including 2 Chainz's "I'm Different" and Young Jeezy's "R.I.P.". Mustard's collaboration with YG was pivotal, as he executive produced YG's debut album "My Krazy Life," which was a critical and commercial success.
Notable Collaborations and Hits
Throughout his career, Mustard has worked with a diverse range of top-tier artists. His production credits include hit songs like "Show Me" by Kid Ink, "Don't Tell 'Em" by Jeremih, and "Needed Me" by Rihanna. His extensive collaboration list also features artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Big Sean, and T.I. In 2019, he released his own highly successful single, "Ballin'," featuring Roddy Ricch, which earned a Grammy nomination. More recently, he produced Kendrick Lamar's 2024 chart-topping single "Not Like Us".
Solo Albums and 10 Summers Records
In addition to his production work for other artists, Mustard has released several of his own projects. His debut album, "10 Summers," was released in 2014, followed by "Cold Summer" in 2016 and the platinum-certified "Perfect Ten" in 2019. "Perfect Ten" included the hit singles "Pure Water" with Migos and the aforementioned "Ballin'". In 2014, Mustard founded his own record label, 10 Summers Records. The label's most notable success story is British singer Ella Mai, whose debut single "Boo'd Up," produced by Mustard, became a multi-platinum hit and won a Grammy Award.
Recent Work
Mustard continues to be a dominant force in the music industry. His fourth studio album, "Faith of a Mustard Seed," was released in July 2024. The album features an extensive list of guest appearances, further showcasing his collaborative spirit. His production on Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" garnered several Grammy nominations for the 2025 awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.