Maejor
Brandon Michael Green (born July 23, 1988), known professionally as Maejor, is an American Grammy-nominated record producer, singer, and songwriter from Southfield, Michigan.[1] He rose to prominence in the music industry as an R&B and hip-hop producer, contributing to albums such as Bun B's Trill (2005), Trey Songz's Passion, Pain & Pleasure (2010), and Monica's Still Standing (2010).[1] Maejor co-wrote and produced the single "Lolly" (2013) featuring Juicy J and Justin Bieber, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[1] His production work on Justin Bieber's album Purpose (2015) earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.[1] In addition to his mainstream success, which includes over 1 billion streams as an artist and more than 2 billion as a producer, Maejor has collaborated with artists such as Frank Ocean, Drake, Keke Palmer, and DJ Martin Garrix, including as part of the EDM duo AREA21.[2][1] Inspired by his personal experience as a cancer survivor, Maejor has increasingly focused on the intersection of music and wellness, advocating for sound therapy and healing frequencies in mental health and education.[2] He co-founded The Frequency School in 2024, an initiative that integrates sound healing into curricula, and served as a key producer for its Guinness World Record-holding project: the song featuring vocals from the most nationalities (159) in a single recording, achieved on January 20, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland, with 195 women contributing to promote gender equality using 528 Hz frequencies.[3] Maejor produced a Guinness World Record-holding project for the song featuring vocals from the most nationalities (159) in a single recording and has been recognized at global forums, including the United Nations and World Economic Forum, for advancing music's therapeutic potential.[2] His podcast on science, spirituality, and music won Adweek's Podcast of the Year award, and in 2025, he was honored with the Music Has Power® Award for his contributions to sound therapy.[2]Early life
Childhood and family background
Brandon Michael Green, known professionally as Maejor, was born on July 23, 1988, in Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. He grew up in the Detroit area, where he developed an early interest in music influenced by Disney songs such as those from The Lion King, including "Hakuna Matata" and "Circle of Life."[4] Green's family background included limited direct musical involvement, with his grandfather serving as a concert pianist being the primary familial connection to music; few other relatives were musically inclined, though he has a younger sister who plays guitar, and he has expressed interest in collaborating with her once her skills advance further.[5] His parents initially regarded his musical pursuits as mere hobbies and encouraged him to pursue higher education, but they became supportive of his career after he attended college.[5] During his childhood, Green began experimenting with music production around ninth grade, using basic computer software to replicate tracks heard on the radio, and sold beats online for $50–$100 to purchase better equipment, marking the start of his self-taught journey in the industry.[5] By age 16 in 2004, he was creating beats with rudimentary setups, such as a microphone taped to the ceiling and padded with toilet paper, drawing inspiration from producers like Timbaland and J Dilla.[4]Education and initial influences
Maejor attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a student in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). During his sophomore year in 2006, he immersed himself in music production while managing his coursework, setting up a makeshift studio in his dorm room at Baits II Residence Hall equipped with an MPC sampler, turntable, and keyboard. This environment fostered his early experimentation with beats, enabling him to secure production credits on tracks like Trey Songz's "Ur Behind" and Bun B's "Hold U Down" featuring Mike Jones, Birdman, and Trey Songz, all while gaining studio experience in Los Angeles with Atlantic Records artists such as Twista.[6] He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008, after which he immediately relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue opportunities in the music industry, including joining Ne-Yo's compound.[7][8] Maejor's initial musical influences stemmed from prominent hip-hop and R&B producers who shaped his beat-making approach. In a 2006 interview, he highlighted J Dilla, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, and Troy Taylor as the key figures who most impacted his style, noting their innovative production techniques during his formative college years. Additionally, his family's Jamaican heritage, despite growing up in Detroit's hip-hop scene, introduced cultural elements like rhythmic island vibes that subtly influenced his sound from an early stage. By the time of his post-graduation rise, Maejor also cited Stevie Wonder, Timbaland, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke as enduring inspirations for blending melody, rhythm, and pop sensibility.[6][7][9]Music career
Early career and mixtapes (2005–2010)
Maejor, then performing under the name Bei Maejor, began his music production career in his mid-teens in the early 2000s, teaching himself to produce beats using software like Fruity Loops while attending high school in Southfield, Michigan. By 2005, at age 17 and as a freshman at the University of Michigan, he secured his breakthrough opportunity by producing the track "Ur Behind" for Trey Songz's debut album I Gotta Make It, released that July on Atlantic Records. This early credit marked his entry into professional R&B production, blending smooth synths and rhythmic elements that aligned with the album's romantic themes.[10] Balancing academics and music during his undergraduate years, Maejor double-majored in communications and psychology at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2008. Immediately after, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue opportunities in the city's thriving music scene, joining Ne-Yo's Compound Entertainment production team. There, he contributed to high-profile projects, including co-producing "Never Knew I Needed" for Ne-Yo on the soundtrack to Disney's The Princess and the Frog in 2009, a soulful ballad that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. He also remixed Ciara's 2010 single "Ride," adding verses from André 3000 and Ludacris, which extended the track's club appeal and chart success. These collaborations honed his versatile style, incorporating pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences while building his reputation as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist.[11][8][10] In 2010, Maejor shifted focus toward his own artistry, signing with Jive Records and releasing his debut mixtape Upside Down on August 4 as a free digital download. Self-produced and featuring guests like Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Drake, and T-Pain, the 13-track project presented a narrative in reverse chronology, starting from the end of a relationship and working backward, with standout singles like "Gamez" showcasing his falsetto vocals over upbeat, synth-driven beats. Later that year, on November 26, he followed with Upside Down 2, hosted by DJs Clinton Sparks and DJ Ill Will, which included tracks like "Right Now" and "Upside Down" (featuring Jack Johnson), further emphasizing his experimental songwriting and production flair. These mixtapes, distributed via platforms like DatPiff, garnered attention for their innovative structure and polished sound, setting the stage for Maejor's transition from behind-the-scenes producer to recording artist.[12][13][14]Breakthrough productions and hits (2011–2015)
In 2011, Maejor, then performing as Bei Maejor, signed with Jive Records and released his debut single "Trouble," featuring J. Cole. The track, which showcased his blend of R&B and hip-hop influences, debuted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number 34, marking his entry into major commercial success as a recording artist. A remix featuring Wale, Trey Songz, T-Pain, and J. Cole further expanded its reach, highlighting Maejor's growing network in the industry.[15][16] Building on this momentum, Maejor released "Lights Down Low" in 2012, featuring Waka Flocka Flame, which peaked at number 68 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and emphasized his production style rooted in atmospheric beats and melodic hooks. That same year, he co-wrote and co-produced "One Love" for Justin Bieber's album Believe, contributing to the project's multi-platinum status and demonstrating his versatility in pop-R&B production. His work extended to other artists, including writing credits on Big Time Rush's "Windows Down," a summery pop track that became a fan favorite from their Elevate re-release.[17][18][19] The period's pinnacle came in 2013 with "Lolly," released under the name Maejor Ali and featuring Juicy J and Justin Bieber, which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart. The song's infectious, party-oriented sound solidified his breakthrough, amassing millions of streams and views. In 2014, Maejor released "Me and My Team" featuring Trey Songz and Kid Ink, which debuted at number 3 on Billboard's Twitter Top Tracks Emerging Artists chart, buoyed by endorsements from Bieber. By 2015, he produced "About You" for Trey Songz's Trigga Reloaded, a sensual R&B track that underscored his ongoing influence in the genre. That year, Maejor also contributed production to several tracks on Justin Bieber's album Purpose, including "Love Me Like You Do" and "Life Is Worth Living," earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. These releases and collaborations established Maejor as a key figure in contemporary R&B and pop production during the early 2010s.[20][21][22][23][1]AREA21 collaboration and EDM transition (2016–2021)
In 2016, Maejor co-founded the electronic music project AREA21 alongside Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix, marking a significant pivot from his earlier hip-hop and R&B production roots toward electronic dance music (EDM). The duo's debut single, "Spaceships," released that year via Garrix's STMPD RCRDS label, introduced their signature blend of futuristic pop-rap vocals—provided by Maejor—with Garrix's high-energy EDM drops, achieving over 10 million streams on platforms like Spotify within its first year. This collaboration allowed Maejor to explore vocal songwriting and co-production in a genre that emphasized electronic elements, contrasting his prior work on tracks like Justin Bieber's "Beauty and a Beat."[24][25][26] AREA21's output during this period built momentum through a series of singles that showcased evolving production styles, including future bass and dancehall influences. Follow-up releases included "Glad You Came" and "We Did It" in 2017, followed by "Mona Lisa" and "Pogo" in 2020, each accompanied by animated music videos featuring alien protagonists M and M as narrative devices. In 2021, the project signed to Hollywood Records, a Disney Music Group imprint, enabling a major push with singles like "La La La," "Followers," "Lovin' Every Minute," and "Own the Night." These tracks culminated in the release of their debut album, Greatest Hits Vol. 1, on November 12, 2021, a 12-song collection that narrated the fictional adventures of the duo's alter egos while garnering praise for humanizing electronica through Maejor's emotive lyrics. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Album Sales chart, underscoring the project's commercial impact.[27][28][29] Parallel to AREA21, Maejor's solo career reflected his deepening EDM transition, incorporating experimental elements like sound frequencies tuned to scientific pitches. In March 2018, he joined Virgin EMI Records' roster through an A&R partnership with Straight Forward Recordings, facilitating releases that bridged EDM with wellness themes. His 2017 singles "Vibrations," "Dance," and "Intuition" leaned into upbeat electronic production, while 2020's Vol. 1: Frequency EP explored therapeutic audio frequencies, such as 432 Hz tunings, for meditative effect. This culminated in 2021's Vol. 1.1: Frequency, further emphasizing world music-infused EDM, positioning Maejor as an innovator in frequency-based electronic soundscapes. These efforts highlighted his shift toward holistic, genre-blending EDM that prioritized emotional and vibrational resonance over traditional club anthems.[30][31][31]Recent projects and innovations (2022–present)
From 2023 to 2025, Maejor continued releasing singles that innovate by incorporating precise healing frequencies, including "Hear Me Out" (2023), "FADE" featuring Cocaine 90s (2024), "Tools" featuring JaeB (2025), and "Reflection 444 Hz" featuring NATURE and Maejor (April 2025). These works, often tuned to 432 Hz or 444 Hz, aim to align listeners with natural vibrations for stress relief and emotional balance, reflecting his evolution from traditional pop production to wellness-oriented artistry.[1] A landmark innovation came in 2025 with the release of "195," a collaborative single produced by Maejor as part of The Frequency School initiative, which set a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities (159) contributing vocals to a single song, featuring 195 women (one from each United Nations-recognized country). Tuned to the 528 Hz "love frequency," the track promotes global equality and uses sound healing elements to foster unity, amassing widespread acclaim for its cultural and therapeutic impact. This project earned Maejor recognition as a 2025 Music Has Power Awards honoree for advancing music's role in healing and innovation.[3][32][2]Sound healing and wellness ventures
Maejor Frequency podcast
The Maejor Frequency podcast is an Audible Original audio series hosted by Grammy-nominated music producer Brandon Green, known professionally as Maejor. Launched on January 20, 2022, it delves into the therapeutic potential of sound frequencies to enhance well-being, blending original music compositions with guided meditations and interviews.[33] Each of its 10 episodes centers on a specific frequency or theme, such as love, DNA repair, and stress relief, inviting listeners to engage in "musical meditation" for emotional and physical healing.[34][35] Maejor's creation of the podcast draws from his personal exploration of sound healing, which began in the Los Angeles yoga community and expanded through global travels into esoteric music traditions, including interactions with gong masters and frequency experts.[36] The format features Maejor-produced tracks tuned to intentional frequencies, alongside conversations with guests like DJ Martin Garrix on energy vibrations and Rohan Marley on spiritual resonance, emphasizing how sound can repair and balance the body at a cellular level.[33][34] Representative episodes include "Chapter 1: Tesla's Heart," which examines the 432 Hz frequency in relation to Nikola Tesla's mathematical insights through discussions with mathematician Robert Grant and podcaster Adam Curry, and "Chapter 2: Energy," tracing human-audible frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz with insights from Garrix and sound engineer Lou Maurer on techno music's roots in Detroit.[33] These segments highlight the podcast's focus on conceptual connections between science, spirituality, and music rather than exhaustive technical analysis. The series has been produced in Dolby Atmos for immersive listening and quickly achieved commercial success, ranking as the fourth most popular podcast on Audible Plus within its first 30 days of release, reflecting broad interest in frequency-based wellness practices.[33][37]Frequency School and frequency-based projects
In 2024, Maejor co-founded the Frequency School, a global initiative aimed at harnessing sound therapy and music to promote holistic development, particularly among youth and underprivileged communities. The program integrates healing frequencies and wellness resources to nurture mental, emotional, and physical well-being, drawing from Maejor's personal experience with sound therapy during his cancer recovery. Launched initially at Aiglon College in Switzerland, it marked the first educational institution to adopt the concept, with plans to expand to schools worldwide for curriculum-based sound healing sessions.[38] A flagship project of the Frequency School is the collaborative song "195," which unites 195 women, one from each of the world's 195 UN-recognized countries, representing 159 distinct nationalities, to advocate for gender equality and empowerment. Recorded on January 20, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland, and released in June 2025, the track incorporates vocals from participants across diverse nationalities—a simultaneous choral recording of the word "equality" in multiple languages—using natural sounds like birdsong and heartbeats as instrumental elements, tuned to the 528 Hz frequency, to emphasize harmony and global unity. This effort achieved a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities (159) contributing vocals to a single musical recording.[3][32][39] The Frequency School has extended its reach through partnerships and events, such as workshops at Carson Street Elementary School in California in 2025, supported by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation's Keys of Inspiration program, where Maejor led sessions on music's therapeutic frequencies for students. Additional collaborations include events with educational platforms like LearnStar and appearances at international forums, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, to promote sound healing as a tool for mental health and inclusivity. In November 2025, the Frequency School launched the first annual World Frequency Day on November 11, with the mantra "Tuned in Together," inviting global participants to pause at 11:11 AM and PM local time for meditation or tuning into the 528 Hz frequency to foster unity and collective wellness. These projects prioritize accessible, frequency-tuned audio experiences to raise collective consciousness and support wellness in educational and community settings.[40][41]Discography
As lead artist
Maejor, under his earlier moniker Bei Maejor, began releasing material as a lead artist in the late 2000s, primarily through independent mixtapes and label-backed singles with Jive Records. His debut mixtape, Upscale, arrived on March 29, 2012, featuring 18 tracks blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences, with guest appearances from artists like Keri Hilson, Drake, and T-Pain. The project showcased his self-production skills and songwriting, establishing a foundation for his dual role as performer and creator.[42][43] Prior to the mixtape, Maejor issued several standalone singles that highlighted his vocal style and production flair. "Trouble" featuring J. Cole was released on August 12, 2011, as his first Jive single, peaking at number 34 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and marking his entry into mainstream R&B.[44] This was followed by "Lights Down Low" featuring Waka Flocka Flame on March 23, 2012, which reached number 68 on the same chart and emphasized his melodic hooks over trap-influenced beats.[45] In 2013, he dropped "Lolly" featuring Juicy J and Justin Bieber on September 17, a playful pop-rap track that peaked at number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and benefited from Bieber's rising fame.[46][47] By the mid-2010s, Maejor's output as a lead artist slowed amid his production commitments, though he collaborated on high-profile tracks like the 2017 single "Vai Malandra" with Anitta and MC Zaac, featuring Tropkillaz and DJ Yuri Martins, released December 18, 2017, which topped Brazilian charts and introduced him to Latin markets.[48] His return to leading releases came in 2020 with the album Vol. 1: Frequency, a 14-track project issued May 1 via Virgin EMI, recorded in 432 Hz tuning for therapeutic sound healing effects; it included singles like "Let Me Be the One" and explored themes of wellness and introspection.[49][50][51] Subsequent frequency-focused works built on this shift. Vol. 1.1: Frequency followed in 2021 as an expanded edition with additional tracks emphasizing vibrational healing.[52] In 2023, Maejor released Psychedelic Frequency (The Maejor Audible Original Soundtrack), a soundtrack album tied to his wellness ventures, featuring experimental soundscapes.[52] Recent singles include "Followers" in 2021, "Hear Me Out" in 2023, "Tools" featuring JaeB in 2025, and "195" produced for The Frequency School, featuring vocals from women across 159 nationalities and setting a Guinness World Record, continuing his blend of pop accessibility and frequency-based innovation.[53][54][55][3]As featured producer
Maejor has established himself as a prolific featured producer, contributing beats and instrumentation to albums and singles by major artists in R&B, hip hop, and pop. His early breakthrough came with production credits on Bun B's debut solo album Trill (2005), including the track "Hold U Down" featuring Trey Songz, Mike Jones, and Birdman, which helped the album achieve platinum status. He earned a gold plaque for his work on the project while still a student at the University of Michigan.[56][57][11] Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Maejor frequently collaborated with Trey Songz, providing production for tracks across multiple albums. On Songz's debut I Gotta Make It (2005), he co-produced "Ur Behind". Later contributions include "Love Faces" from Passion, Pain & Pleasure (2010) and "About You" from Chapter V (2012), both showcasing his signature melodic R&B style. His work on Passion, Pain & Pleasure earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album in 2011.[58][59][23][1] Maejor's partnership with Justin Bieber represents one of his most impactful collaborations, spanning writing, production, and featured appearances. He produced several tracks for Bieber's Believe Acoustic (2013), including "Heartbreaker" (co-produced with Vain, Bieber, Chef Tone, and T-Minus) and "One Life" (co-produced with Chef Tone), as well as "Trust Me." Additional credits include "Wait for a Minute" on Tyga's Hotel California (2012) featuring Bieber and "Memphis" (co-produced with Diplo). On Bieber's multi-platinum Purpose (2015), Maejor contributed production across tracks, earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year—the first for a Bieber project. Recent leaks and unreleased material, such as "Been You" (co-produced with Alexander "AC" Castillo, Oligee, and Josh Abraham) and "POPPIN' MY SHIT" (co-produced with DubMagicRoe), highlight their ongoing creative synergy.[60][61][62][63][64][1][65][66][67] Beyond these core artists, Maejor's credits extend to projects like Monica's Still Standing (2010), where he served as producer and provided additional backing vocals, contributing to the album's R&B resurgence for the singer. He also produced "1 More Shot" for Ne-Yo's Non-Fiction (2015) and tracks for Jhené Aiko's Sail Out EP (2013), including "July" (featuring Maejor as vocalist and producer). These efforts underscore his role in blending soulful elements with contemporary production techniques.[1][68][69][70]| Artist | Album/Single | Selected Tracks Produced | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bun B | Trill | "Hold U Down" (feat. Trey Songz, Mike Jones & Birdman) | 2005 | Co-producer with Trey Songz; album certified platinum.[56] |
| Trey Songz | I Gotta Make It | "Ur Behind" | 2005 | Co-produced with Trey Songz.[58] |
| Trey Songz | Passion, Pain & Pleasure | "Love Faces" | 2010 | Grammy-nominated album.[59] |
| Tyga feat. Justin Bieber | Hotel California | "Wait for a Minute" | 2012 | Single peaked at No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100.[63] |
| Justin Bieber | Believe Acoustic | "Heartbreaker", "One Life", "Trust Me" | 2013 | Compilation album tracks.[60][61][62] |
| Jhené Aiko | Sail Out | "July" (feat. Maejor) | 2013 | EP peaked at No. 8 on Billboard 200.[70] |
| Justin Bieber | Purpose | Various (production contributions) | 2015 | Album certified diamond; Grammy-nominated for Maejor's work.[1][67] |
| Ne-Yo | Non-Fiction | "1 More Shot" | 2015 | Album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200.[69] |