Producer No ID's 7 Biggest Hits

Being dubbed the “Godfather of Chicago Hip Hop” is no easy feat, but No ID is more than deserving of the title. The producer worked his way to become one of the most acclaimed hit-makers of the 2000s and 2010s. Beyond it all, his music knowledge earned him the Presidency seat at G.O.O.D. Music between 2008 and 2011. Known for his collaborations with collaborations with Jay-Z and Kanye West, No ID has churned out a ton of hits over the years. However, these seven stand as some of the biggest songs he’s put his magic on. 

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“Bound 2” was never actually released as a single, but it evidently became one of the highlights on Yeezus. No ID was not the primary producer on the album, however, but a secondary co-producer, alongside Kanye West, Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein, Ché Pope, and Erick Danchick. The song was met with overwhelming praise and is considered one of Ye’s best tracks. “Bound 2” also enjoyed viral success after the release of its music video. West and Kim Kardashian, who were engaged at the time, both appeared in the passionate video. Kim, who was seen topless, rode atop Kanye’s motorbike while facing him directly. “Bound 2” peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Before Drake’s eventual world domination, he was on quite the rise in 2010. He released “Find Your Love” in May, right before the summer and it became a summer staple. Originally intended for Rihanna, the song appeared on Drake's debut album, Thank Me Later. “Find Your Love” was a joint production venture. No ID, Kanye West, and Jeff Bhasker each contributed to the song’s distinct dancehall feel. The single performed very well in the United States, peaking at the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, it has been certified 3x platinum for over three million units sold. 

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Big Sean’s debut album was a lauded effort, and its success was largely in part its lead single. “My Last” was released in March 2011, but still enjoys a healthy rotation at many clubs and parties today. The single featured Chris Brown, who took on the infectious chorus. “My Last” was solely produced by No ID, who was also the President of G.O.O.D. Music at the time. “My Last” peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, but reached the summit on the Hot Rap Songs chart. As aforementioned, it is one of No ID’s most notable tracks that has stood the test of time. 

No ID and Ye both co-produced this track. Furthermore, the former is credited as his birth name, Ernest Wilson, for co-writing as well. “Heartless” was released in 2008 and was one of West’s earlier notable tracks. It was released as the second single on Ye’s acclaimed, experimental fourth album, 808s & Heartbreak. Following the lead single, “Love Lockdown,” “Heartless” follows Ye’s auto-tune sung-rap style. Lyrically, the song details his sadness over his breakup with Alexis Phifer. “Heartless” was a hit upon release, also enjoying success on the charts of other countries. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at the penultimate spot.

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Upon release, “Run This Town” was lauded by fans. At the 2010 People’s Choice Awards, it took home the Favourite Music Collaboration award. The song also went on to win two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. No ID produced the song alongside Ye, and co-wrote with Hov, Rihanna, and Jeff Bhasker. “Run This Town” is one of the most popular tracks in No ID’s discography. Beyond the United States, the track peaked atop the UK Singles Chart. It also performed well in other parts of Europe, as well as in Canada. 

Perhaps his first major hit as a producer, No ID scored mainstream success with Bow Wow’s “Let Me Hold You.” The track, which featured Omarion, became a huge radio favorite in 2005, and through the 2000s. “Let Me Hold You” was written by Jermaine Dupri, No ID, who also worked on the song’s production. “Let Me Hold You” was also met with critical praise, particularly for the two artists’ evolving sounds. Brenda Russell was also credited as a songwriter, as the song sampled Luther Vandross’ version of her song, “If Only For One Night.” The song eventually peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached the summit on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

The Grammy-winning “Holy Grail” is widely considered one of the best rap songs of the 2010s. Jay-Z is joined by Justin Timberlake on the lauded track. At the beginning of the year, Timberlake had already featured Hov on another Grammy-winning track, “Suit & Tie.” Their second time around evidently proved to be yet another success. “Holy Grail” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, and finished the year as the 22nd most popular hit. No ID co-produced the song alongside The-Dream, Timbaland, and J-Roc.

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