Alexander Grant, the Los Angeles-based producer and label head recognized as Alex da Kid, started _by.ALEXANDER in 2020 as a contemporary jazz outlet paired with a matching apparel collection. His production and mixing credits across projects by Rihanna, U2, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and numerous additional artists have earned him multiple Grammy awards.
Grant's aesthetic fuses elegance, melody, warmth, and timeless qualities through a hybrid jazz framework that unites piano trio formats, vocals, emotionally resonant neo-soul, samples, loops, and trap kit rhythms alongside dance music grooves rooted in jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. The 2020 album 000 Channel Black, released through Blue Note, featured contributions from rapper/singer 070 Shake, soul singer and songwriter Tanerélle, and actress/songwriter Rainsford (Rainey Qualley). This effort preceded the more expansive Memories for Sale --- At ---> 66 Greene St. Soho NY.
Born in Bristol, England, Grant competed as a professional footballer with Bristol City's youth squad until age 19, when he redirected his energies toward music production and completed an MA in Audio Technology at the University of West London. He cultivated industry relationships first in London and later in Los Angeles after relocating to the United States, accumulating experience through studio sessions and work placements. His composition "Airplanes" achieved international success for hip-hop artist B.o.B and Paramore's Hayley Williams in 2010, opening the path to production and co-writing roles on multiple hits for Eminem, Rihanna, Imagine Dragons, Dr. Dre, and X Ambassadors from 2010 to 2017.
After those periods of widespread commercial success, the _by.ALEXANDER project surfaced as an unforeseen departure. The refined, deliberate piano-centered jazz pieces that formed August 2020's 000 CHANNEL BLACK reflected masterful production and arrangement. Primarily supported by a rhythm section of double bass and acoustic drums, the material also incorporated electronic components. Blue Note embraced this forward-leaning direction, issuing the album worldwide after its work with Yussef Dayes and Tom Misch on the similarly inventive What Kinda Music. 000 CHANNEL BLACK was introduced by the singles "Le Merveilleux Résumé" and "TRUMPETS," the latter featuring New Jersey rapper 070 Shake.
In November 2024, _by.ALEXANDER released its second long-player, Memories for Sale --- At ---> 66 Greene St. Soho NY, in digital format. Named for his initial U.S. studio, the 13-track set included guest appearances from Hawa, A$AP Ferg, 070 Shake, Jozzy, and Julius Rodriguez.
