Derek Ali (MixedByAli), the Grammy-winning engineer behind some of hip-hop’s most celebrated albums, sat down for Episode 140 of the R&B Money Podcast to discuss his journey from self-taught teenager to one of the most respected names in music production. Known for shaping the sound of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and working closely with Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Jay Rock, Ali shared insights into his technical evolution, business ventures, and philosophy on engineering.
Ali’s career began in high school, where he crafted custom ringtones using basic equipment. Without any formal training, he relied on curiosity and trial and error to develop his skills. His break came through MySpace, where he connected with TDE’s Punch. That opportunity led to him moving in with Top Dawg and becoming the in-house engineer for the label’s rising stars.
His defining moment came while working on Section.80, when he realized his ability to shape sound uniquely. Initially mixing two-track beats, he quickly advanced to full multi-track compositions, spending countless hours refining his craft alongside TDE’s roster.
When TDE partnered with Aftermath, Ali found himself working alongside Dr. Dre—one of the greatest producers in hip-hop history. Dre insisted on having Ali in the mixing room to preserve the distinct TDE sound. Under Dre’s guidance at No Excuses studio in Santa Monica, Ali mastered analog console mixing. Dre would personally review his mixes, offering invaluable lessons on refining sound, an experience Ali credits as transformative.
Ali sees mixing as an art form—”painting with sound”—where different elements act as colors on a canvas. He advocates for creative freedom, encouraging engineers to experiment before focusing on financial gain. His philosophy is clear: become an irreplaceable asset before demanding high rates.
Over the years, he’s observed a shift in engineering trends, from the clarity-driven mixes of the early 2010s to today’s bass-heavy, distorted sounds, popularized by artists like Travis Scott. He also noted a growing trend of engineers handling both mixing and mastering, though he personally prefers outsourcing mastering to specialists like Mike Bozzi or Nicholas D Parcel.
Ali’s influence extends beyond engineering. During the pandemic, he acquired Can-Am Studios—renaming it No Name Studios—a historic space that once hosted legends like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. His love for vintage equipment led him to purchase an SSL 4000 console, which he modified to fit his space, comparing its maintenance to keeping a classic car in pristine condition.
Beyond the studio, Ali is revolutionizing the industry with his platform Engineers (engine.com), which raised $10 million in funding. Designed as a LinkedIn-style network for music professionals, it offers studio booking services, project management tools, and direct-to-consumer features for artists. He also runs No Name Recordings, focusing on collaborative projects rather than signing individual artists.
Ali’s approach to business mirrors his philosophy on engineering—creativity, innovation, and long-term sustainability. He emphasizes the importance of building an ecosystem where all elements of music production and business are vertically integrated. He’s not just mixing records; he’s shaping the future of how music is created, distributed, and monetized.
