Multi-platinum hip-hop producers Mike Smith and Jonathan Hay have a jazz duo that goes by Smith and Hay. They've had two Billboard charting jazz projects with Jazz [Deluxe] and then the albums' stellar sequel Jazz Part Two. Brain Zimmerman of JAZZIZ Magazine called Smith and Hay "the genre-busting production team". The duo has received critical acclaim for their new cover album of Eric B. & Rakim's classic Follow the Leader, re-imagined in the style of jazz. For this tribute to the iconic Follow the Leader album, the duo collaborated with Mani Ajami, Mike Baker, Atlas Jenkins and master saxophonist Benny Reid, and they released it on the 31-year-anniversary of the original release date.
Aside from their jazz domination, Mike Smith and Jonathan Hay were just nominated for a Dove Award, an accolade by the Gospel Music Association to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The Dove Award nominated single "Beautiful Day" is from the upcoming album Illusion Delusion. Their faith based single has also been remixed by southern rap legend Bubba Sparxxx. Stepping into the country music genre, Smith and Hay recently went viral with "Don't You Wanna" a crossover single they co-produced for Denny Strickland and Juicy J that debuted on WorldStarHipHop.
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