Jonathan Hay has built a long and diverse career in the music industry, earning recognition as a music producer and publicist who has worked with some of the most influential names in contemporary music.

Over the years, his projects have included collaborations with Rihanna, Johnny Depp, Nappy Roots, Eric Bellinger, Kim, The Notorious B.I.G., Drake, Kanye West, Prince, Eminem’s artist King Crooked from Slaughterhouse, DJ Khid, Sway Calloway, Wu-Tang Clan, and Twista, among many others.

He is known for his versatility and his ability to cross genres, bringing his unique perspective and creative vision to every project he touches.

In 2020 Jonathan embarked on one of his most ambitious projects to date, working with The Notorious B.I.G.estate.

Following the success of a jazz reimagining project with Eric Bellinger that reached number one on the Billboard Jazz charts and remained there for eleven weeks, Jonathan began considering his next steps.

Inspired by his connection to Brooklyn and his prior work with Eric Bellinger, he decided to reinterpret Biggie’s music in a contemporary style, blending house music with the legendary hip-hop sound.

The project moved quickly.

Jonathan recorded the initial material for Biggie’s music over eleven days in Louisville and shared it with a journalist friend simply for feedback.

To his surprise, the journalist passed it along to CJ Wallace, Biggie’s son, and Willie Mack, the estate administrator.

Both immediately expressed enthusiasm and invited Jonathan to meet them in Los Angeles.

He financed the trip himself, arranging accommodation and travel, and during the visit, he developed a personal rapport with them.

He described one memorable experience in which CJ Wallace presented a clothing rack containing some of Biggie’s iconic wardrobe pieces, allowing Jonathan to wear them as he had just worked on a house remix of Biggie’s music.

The experience was surreal, combining both personal and professional milestones.

This project marked the first time that The Notorious B.I.G.estate had entrusted a producer to reimagine Biggie’s catalog.

CJ Wallace and Willie Mack, while maintaining a professional demeanor, revealed their close and complicated relationship.

Jonathan noted that CJ Wallace identifies as bisexual and Willie Mack as gay, and their dynamic was characterized by jealousy and possessiveness.

Jonathan had to navigate this delicate situation as he continued working on the project, which included Zoom sessions and video calls during the pandemic.

These calls occasionally crossed professional boundaries when Willie Mack made inappropriate advances, including requests to engage in sexual acts on camera.

Jonathan handled the situation carefully, mindful of the sensitive nature of the relationship and the potential impact on the project, ultimately reporting the behavior to the estate and ceasing interactions with Willie Mack.

Despite these challenges, the collaboration produced significant results.

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One of the standout releases was the Big Papa house mix, which Jonathan produced alongside CJ Wallace, Sarah Rush, and Willie Mack.

The track went viral, receiving coverage from major outlets including Rolling Stone, Spin Magazine, Variety, and Hot 97.

Jonathan emphasized the creative synergy, noting that the project evolved as a group effort, combining his initial vision with contributions from the estate team.

While the pandemic limited in-person interactions, the team adapted, creating a project that honored Biggie’s legacy while bringing a fresh perspective.

Jonathan also reflected on the broader dynamics within the music industry, particularly involving Sean Combs, known professionally as Puff Daddy or Diddy.

He noted that Diddy remained actively involved in the estate and publishing of Biggie’s music and attended virtual sessions with Jonathan and the estate team.

Jonathan recalled that during these calls, Diddy criticized aspects of his production, at one point recommending that Jonathan use ketamine to better connect with the music and the audience.

This moment highlighted both the influence and eccentricity of Diddy in guiding artistic projects, illustrating the pressures and expectations within the industry.

The conversation also revealed insights into personal dynamics and alleged misconduct within the music industry.

Jonathan described how CJ Wallace and Willie Mack were deeply intertwined with Diddy’s personal and professional circles.

He suggested that both may have been complicit or aware of inappropriate behavior occurring at Diddy’s parties, referencing accounts shared by both during discussions of the project.

Jonathan emphasized that while he did not personally witness all activity, the information he received indicated that these parties involved complex social and sexual dynamics, including the use of substances like MDMA and ketamine.

He encouraged authorities to consider CJ Wallace and Willie Mack as potential sources of information regarding these events.

Jonathan further elaborated on his interactions with other high-profile figures, including Drake.

He discussed a home invasion incident linked to a hush money arrangement involving Drake and his then-partner, which included threats and coercion.

Jonathan explained that the perpetrators of the home invasion were fans of Booy Badass, an artist he had previously worked with, which influenced his decision to cease working with Booy despite a previously amicable relationship.

He emphasized that his decision was based on avoiding negative energy and prioritizing personal safety.

Throughout his narrative, Jonathan painted a vivid picture of the interplay between artistry, business, and personal relationships within the music industry.

He described the intense loyalty and protectiveness surrounding Biggie’s legacy, as well as the pressures faced by producers and collaborators navigating complicated dynamics with estate administrators, artists, and influential figures like Diddy.

He recounted instances of sexual harassment, substance use, and interpersonal tension, offering a rare insider perspective on the challenges and moral complexities of high-level music production.

Jonathan highlighted the contrast between public perception and private reality in the industry.

While Diddy and other figures are celebrated for their contributions to music, Jonathan’s experience revealed a darker undercurrent of manipulation, coercion, and secrecy.

He expressed concern about the influence of these dynamics on young artists and collaborators, noting that the industry’s emphasis on fame and success often overshadows ethical considerations.

Despite the challenges, Jonathan’s focus remained on creative work and honoring the artists he admired.

He continued to prioritize artistic integrity, carefully selecting projects and maintaining professional boundaries.

He described his collaboration with the Notorious B.I.G.estate as a career-defining opportunity, blending respect for the artist’s legacy with innovative reinterpretation.

The success of the Big Papa house mix underscored the potential for contemporary production to reimagine classic works while engaging a new audience.

Jonathan also emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency.

He detailed his efforts to report inappropriate behavior and maintain professional conduct despite personal risk.

The cessation of his relationship with Willie Mack, while difficult, was necessary to preserve the integrity of the project and protect himself.

Jonathan highlighted the importance of speaking out against harassment and unethical behavior, advocating for industry-wide awareness and reform.

Looking forward, Jonathan expressed a measured approach to his career, focusing on day-to-day progress and trusting in a higher purpose.

He acknowledged the role of influential figures like Jaguar Wright in shaping his current path, providing opportunities to engage with a broader audience and share insights.

Jonathan’s reflections emphasized resilience, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to creativity, suggesting a future in which he continues to bridge the gap between legacy artists and contemporary audiences while maintaining professional integrity.

In summary, Jonathan Hay’s experience with the Notorious B.I.G.estate illustrates the complexity of working within the music industry, particularly when dealing with high-profile estates, influential figures, and complicated interpersonal dynamics.

From reimagining Biggie’s music to navigating allegations of misconduct, Jonathan’s journey highlights both the creative potential and the ethical challenges inherent in the world of music production.

His account sheds light on the often unseen pressures and moral dilemmas faced by producers, providing an insider perspective on a world where artistry, legacy, and power intersect.

Through perseverance, professionalism, and careful navigation of these challenges, Jonathan has established himself as a versatile and respected figure in the industry, committed to both honoring musical legacies and maintaining personal and professional integrity.