Grammy-Winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Producer.
Cultural Pioneer. Visionary.

About Mr. DJ

Mr. DJ, whose real name is David Sheats, is a Grammy Award–winning producer, DJ, and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia, whose work with OutKast has been honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His new ways of making music and visionary art have changed the sound of modern Southern hip-hop in a big way. Mr. DJ was one of the three members of the groundbreaking production group Earthtone III, along with Big Boi and André 3000 from OutKast. Together, they started a musical revolution that not only changed the sound of hip-hop, but also made Atlanta an undeniable center of creative excellence. His contributions have created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists, producers, and music lovers across the globe.

 
 

From the cosmic explorations of ATLiens (1996) and the philosophical depth of Aquemini (1998) to the genre-defying experimentation of Stankonia (2000) and the ambitious double-album masterpiece Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), Mr. DJ’s creative vision and production expertise played a big part in taking hip-hop to new sonic heights. These revolutionary albums didn’t just do well in sales; they also received a lot of praise from critics, won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, went multi-platinum, and became known around the world, crossing musical and cultural lines.

Mr. DJ helped break down regional biases in hip-hop by working with OutKast. He showed that Southern artists could compete with and even surpass their coastal counterparts in creativity, technical skill, and cultural impact. His work was crucial in making both OutKast and himself true pioneers of Southern hip-hop. It changed the genre forever and opened doors for many other artists who came after them.

A Creative and Forward-Thinking Producer Beyond OutKast

Mr. DJ is probably best known for his work with OutKast and as a key member of the legendary Dungeon Family collective, which also included Goodie Mob, Organized Noize, and other famous Atlanta musicians. However, his artistic influence and production skills go far beyond his hometown.

Mr. DJ has worked with a long list of hip-hop legends and conscious rap pioneers, such as Common, Mos Def, J. Cole, Killer Mike, and many others who care about the quality of their lyrics and music. There is no mistaking his signature style in every collaboration: a one-of-a-kind mix of soul, emotional depth, complex musicality, and creative thought that takes every project to a higher level than standard hip-hop production. He can work with a wide range of artists because he is a versatile producer. He can change his style while still keeping the unique quality and authenticity that makes his work stand out.

In 2008, Mr. DJ started Camp David Records, an independent record label and creative hub that helps new artists, producers, and songwriters grow, learn, and gain confidence. He did this because he saw the need to nurture new talent and protect the artistic integrity that is often lost in mainstream music. He has made a place at Camp David Records where creativity can thrive without having to worry about making money. Artists can try new things, and the next generation of musical innovators can learn from a master craftsman.

Mr. DJ stresses how important it is for every project at Camp David to be real, original, and innovative. He shares what he’s learned over the years in the industry and encourages young artists to find and develop their own unique voices. His mentorship goes beyond teaching technical production skills; he teaches his students the importance of artistic integrity, business sense, and staying true to their creative vision no matter what the industry wants them to do.

A History of Creativity and Greatness

Mr. DJ is more than just a producer; he is a visionary architect of sound, a cultural bridge-builder, and a protector of hip-hop’s creative spirit. His music easily moves between different styles, from traditional Southern soul and funk to experimental electronic music and modern hip-hop. This creates a unique sound that can’t be easily put into a box. His music has a timeless quality that keeps it relevant and influential decades after it was first released. It still speaks to both old fans and new generations of listeners.

His journey—from the Dungeon Family’s basement studios, where he worked as a creative incubator, to performing on the biggest stages in the world and winning the highest honors in music—is a testament to his unwavering passion, artistic resilience, and lifelong commitment to musical excellence. Mr. DJ’s story shows what can happen when raw talent meets hard work, when local support meets global ambition, and when creative integrity refuses to give in to commercial pressures.

Many modern productions show his influence because modern producers keep studying and copying the methods he came up with. Mr. DJ set the stage for modern music-making with his creative use of live instruments in hip-hop production and his expert layering of samples and original compositions. His legacy lives on in the classic records he helped make, the way Southern hip-hop keeps changing, and the success of the artists he has mentored and inspired.

The Evolution Goes On

Mr. DJ is not resting on his accomplishments; he is still working hard to push the limits of music and find new ways to be creative. He keeps coming up with new ideas, inspiring others, and pushing the limits of traditional hip-hop production through his latest artistic projects. This shows that true pioneers never stop growing.

His new single, “POP My SH*T,” which features the Mississippi rapper and producer Big K.R.I.T., is the first release from his highly anticipated upcoming album Beats + Vibes & Verses. This album is a bold new chapter in his storied career that celebrates the deep roots of Southern hip-hop culture while pushing the genre forward with modern energy, cutting-edge production techniques, and a fresh artistic perspective that honors tradition without being limited by it.

Beats + Vibes & Verses promises to show how Mr. DJ has grown as an artist while keeping the things that have made his work so important: great musicality, new soundscapes, interesting collaborations, and a strong commitment to quality over compromise. The album is not only a personal artistic statement, but it also shows that Southern hip-hop is still at the forefront of the genre’s creativity.

Check out the official music video for “POP My SH*T” and find out more about Mr. DJ’s full catalog, upcoming projects, tour dates, and exclusive content at iammrdj.com.

ARTIST SONG SONG AWARD PROJECT TITLE ALBUM AWARD YEAR LABEL
DJ Khaled feat. SZAJust UsPlatinumFather of AsahdPlatinum2019Epic
Future feat. André 3000Benz & FriendzHonestPlatinum2014Epic
Big BoiApple Of My EyeVicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors2012Purple Ribbon/ Def Jam
Big BoiDaddy Fat SaxSir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty2010Purple Ribbon/ Def Jam
Mos DefPretty DancerThe Ecstatic2009Downtown Records
Mos DefTwilight SpeedballThe Ecstatic2009Downtown Records
Mos DefSuper MagicThe Ecstatic2009
CommonMake My DayUniversal Mind Control2008Geffen/Universal
CommonEverywhereUniversal Mind Control2008Good Music
CommonChangesUniversal Mind Control2008Good Music
Rich BoyAnd I Love YouRich Boy2007Good Music
Da BackwudzFantasticWood Work2007Rowdy Records
Bubba SparxxxThat ManThe Charm2006Purple Ribbon
OutKastEntire AlbumIdlewild2006Arista
Killer MikeMy ChromeGot Purp? Vol. 22005Purple Ribbon
Killer MikeMonsterMonster2003Aquemini
Killer MikeA.D.I.D.A.S.Monster2003Aquemini
Nappy RootsRoll AgainWooden Leather2003Atlantic
Gangsta BooDown ChickEnquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera2003Yorktown Records
OutKastThe Way You Move / Hey YaPlatinumSpeakerboxxx/The Love Below13× Platinum2003LaFace/Arista
SoundtrackLand Of A Million DrumsScooby Doo (Movie)2002Lava/Atlantic
Field MobWhere R U GoingFrom The Roota To the Toota2002Interscope
No DoubtHey Baby (Stank Remix)2002Interscope
Dungeon FamilyCrooked BootyEven In Darkness2001Arista
Dungeon FamilyON & ON & ONEven In Darkness2001Arista
Dungeon FamilyThey Comin’Even In Darkness2001Arista
Lenny KravitzAgain (Stankonia Mix)Greatest Hits3× Platinum2000Virgin
OutKastMs. Jackson8× PlatinumStankonia5× Platinum2000LaFace/Arista
OutKastB.O.B.PlatinumStankonia5× Platinum2000LaFace/Arista
UGKTough GuyShaft Soundtrack2000LaFace/Arista
MystikalAin’t Gonna See TomorrowLet’s Get Ready2000Jive
MystikalThe BraidsLet’s Get Ready2000Jive
Goodie MobChain SwangWorld PartyGold1999Arista
Jim CrowFlaw BoyzCrow’s Nest1999Epic/Sony
Jim CrowBig DreamsCrow’s Nest1999Epic/Sony
Cool BreezeE.P.G.H.East Point’s Greatest Hit1999Organized/Interscope
Cool BreezeDoin’ It In The SouthEast Point’s Greatest Hit1999Organized/Interscope
8Ball & MJGPaid DuesIn Our LifetimeGold1999Suave House
8Ball & MJGWe Don’t Give A FuckIn Our LifetimeGold1999Suave House
8Ball & MJGThrow Your Hands UpIn Our LifetimeGold1999Suave House
Mystikal/OutKastNeck Uv Da WoodsThe Wood Soundtrack (Movie)1999Jive
Goodie MobThey Don’t Dance No MoStill Standin’Gold1998LaFace/Arista
Goodie MobBlack IceStill Standin’Gold1998LaFace/Arista
OutKastRosa ParksPlatinumAquemini3× Platinum1998LaFace/Arista
OutKastDa Art of Storytellin’ 1GoldAquemini3× Platinum1998LaFace/Arista
WitchdoctorHeaven Comin’A S.W.A.T. Healin’ Ritual1998Organized/Interscope
SoundtrackGangsta PartnerHoodlum Soundtrack (Movie)1997Loud
Masters Of FunkUptown Slang (Remix)II1996U.N.I.T.Y.
OutKastSouthernplayalisticadillacmuzikGoldSouthernplayalisticadillacmuzikPlatinum1994LaFace/Arista
OutKastPlayer’s BallGoldSouthernplayalisticadillacmuzikPlatinum1994LaFace/Arista