If you don’t know Craig Collins yet, let’s just say you’ve definitely heard him.
From R&B to hip-hop, Latin pop to rock, this L.A.-born, ATL-raised mastermind has been in the music game for over two decades—and he’s just getting warmed up. Whether it’s a nostalgic 90s R&B revival or a genre-bending trap-rock remix, Collins doesn’t just make beats—he builds worlds.
A Childhood Surrounded by Legends (Literally)
Imagine growing up with Diana Ross on speed dial. That was real life for Craig, whose mom worked as her road manager and executive assistant. His dad? A musician with a fire record collection that played everything from Earth, Wind & Fire to Tears for Fears. Basically, Craig’s life was a playlist before Spotify even existed.
This early exposure gave him more than just musical taste—it gave him range. That’s why today, Craig can effortlessly bounce between genres while still keeping it 100% authentic.
From Posters to Production: The Gene Simmons Moment
One of the biggest “pinch me” moments of his youth? Meeting his childhood idol Gene Simmons from KISS before the masks came off. That backstage hangout didn’t just spark a dream—it shaped a lifestyle. Inspired by Simmons’ no-drugs, no-alcohol discipline, Craig chose the same path. Focused. Clear. Intentional. And it shows in the work.
The ATL Era: Where It All Clicked
When his family moved to Atlanta in the late 80s, Craig was dropped right into the nucleus of a music revolution. Think early Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, Rico Wade. Think drum machines, keyboards, and the kind of basement studio grind that made legends.
With a Yamaha DX100 keyboard gifted by his mom and a city buzzing with creativity, Craig put in work—learning, listening, watching, asking questions, and building his sound from scratch.
From Studio to Stadium: The Art of Flexing Genres
Craig doesn’t do boxes. In fact, he unpacks them. Whether working with Grammy-winning producers or helping brands like Anheuser-Busch and Sea World build sonic experiences, he’s all about tailoring the sound to the story. Sometimes that means crafting a pop-R&B hybrid, other times it’s reinventing a rock hook with trap drums and digital finesse.
Even with the rise of laptops and bedroom studios, Collins stays rooted in the fundamentals: preparation, emotional clarity, and knowing your why.
“A hit song starts in the heart, not the hard drive,” he says.
Real Talk: Lessons from the Greats
Craig has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with icons like Philip Lawrence (Bruno Mars) and Will Baker (Pink, Enya). From them, he learned how to sharpen the tiniest lyrical detail and experiment boldly without losing the soul of the song.
He also understands the producer hustle is about more than sound—it’s about vision, relationships, and always being a student of the game.
His Recent Work? Fire.
Craig recently teamed up with artist Anthony Llewellyn on Just a Man on the Mic, channeling that buttery 90s R&B feel with a crisp, modern edge. Think slow jams reimagined for 2025—rich, nostalgic, and totally binge-worthy.
He also helped produce Flashing Lights Remix, a wild genre-mash with trap, pop, rock, and R&B all thrown into the blender. Producer Jessie Burner added the guitar riffs, and together they made art, not just a track.
The Glow-Up Isn’t Over
Despite having more years in the industry than some TikTokers have been alive, Craig is still growing, evolving, and, honestly, flexing harder than ever. His advice to upcoming producers?
- Stay humble.
- Stay ready.
- Don’t chase trends—start them.
- Expensive gear won’t save you. Ears will.
So, Grammy Watch? Activated.
Craig’s that friend in the crew who hasn’t won a Grammy—yet. But let’s be real: it’s coming. With his unstoppable work ethic, chameleon-like versatility, and deep respect for the craft, Craig Collins is building more than a catalog. He’s building a legacy.
And to anyone out there still sleeping on him? You’re about to hear a wake-up call—and it’s got Craig’s name all over it.
Follow the journey and stay tapped in. Craig Collins is the culture.