In the ever-changing landscape of contemporary music, some innovators stand out for their unique capacity to influence the sounds that connect with their audience. Producers are not only working behind the scenes; they are leading the way in musical creativity, blending different styles and creating music that will stand the test of time. Classified Alias, a producer with a passion for music, has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Stellar and Dove.

Hailing from Birmingham, AL, Alias developed a love for music during his formative years in school. His dedication to his art has resulted in collaborations with prominent artists, including the renowned Christian vocalist, Lecrae.

Creative Foundation

Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Jacob Guyton, also known as Classified Alias, developed a passion for music at a young age. In third grade, his interest was sparked by listening to his dad’s record collection and learning about different artists and songs. This early exposure to music ignited his curiosity and led his parents to enroll him in music classes.

Raised in the Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, Guyton recalls a moment when a woman named Joy encouraged the community to take advantage of free music lessons offered at The Carver Theatre Jazz Hall of Fame on Saturdays. Intrigued by the opportunity, Guyton’s parents promptly took him to these classes. Despite initially disliking piano lessons, he was encouraged by his parents to persevere and continue with his musical education.

Though he wasn’t fond of the piano initially, he grew fond of the trumpet as he delved into learning music theory and playing instruments. By the time he reached sixth grade, Guyton noticed significant improvements in his piano and trumpet skills, particularly in grasping the fundamentals of music theory. Alongside attending complimentary classes at Carver Theatre, he also joined the marching band at Bush Middle School, where he showcased his trumpet skills. In seventh grade, he ventured into music production, thanks to his cousin and uncle introducing him to the software Fruity Loops. To earn extra cash for sneakers, Guyton started selling beat CDs for $30, drawing inspiration from the artists he admired back then. Reflecting on his early beats, he humorously describes them as “BAD” as he experimented with recreating sounds and finding his style.

Guyton attended Jackson Olin High School and became a member of the school’s marching band, where he showcased his talent playing the trumpet. Later, he pursued further education at Montevallo University with a music scholarship. Throughout his time at the university, he actively participated in the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, expanding his knowledge of various music styles and instruments.

Temporary Now Long Term

In addition, the moniker Classified Alias, was born out of necessity during his college days when he needed a Twitter username. Initially intended as a temporary alias, it eventually became his official producer name.

Reflecting on his time at Montevallo, he credits the university for shaping him into the artist he is today. He emphasized the importance of exploring different music genres and mentioned being inspired by musicians like Chuck Mangione, who played the flugelhorn. One particular song, “Feel So Good,” had a profound impact on him and influenced his musical journey significantly.

It wasn’t until his senior year in college that he began taking music production seriously. His dedication paid off when he achieved a significant milestone by winning both a Stellar and Dove award in 2023 for his work on Lecrae’s track “Can You Hear Me Now.” The opportunity arose when his business partner, Luke Crowder, approached him for a music session that led to the inclusion of horns in the song they collaborated on, completed in September 2022.

Although the song didn’t initially make it into Lecrae’s album “Church Clothes 4,” it was later included in the deluxe edition released by Christian artists in February 2023. The moment they received confirmation that their beat would be featured on the album was a validating and joyous occasion for Guyton, marking a significant achievement in his music career.

The Music Style

Guyton characterizes his music style as a cultural omnivore owing to his varied skills. He shared that his creativity is sparked spontaneously, often while working in the studio until something clicks. Watching music documentaries featuring artists he admires also fuels his creative process. The accomplished producer is currently immersed in multiple exciting projects, both solo and in collaboration with other producers. His ultimate aim is to find contentment and inspire those who may feel discouraged or different from him. Working with renowned artists like J.Cole, Beyoncé, and Kanye West is among his aspirations.

Giving Back

The creator is committed to supporting and uplifting fellow creatives by extending a helping hand with resources.

Guyton, together with Luke Crowder and Chris Anderson, established RJV Media Lab, a creative hub offering resources for individuals in need of equipment for podcasts, music, photography, and videography.