Who Is Burt Blackarach?
Amani "Burt Blackarach" Smith is a music supervisor, composer, music producer and DJ. Currently, the music supervisor for ABC's re-imagining of "The Wonder Years", Burt also recently held double duties as both music supervisor and composer for Showtime's "Passion Play: Russell Westbrook" released in 2021. Burt is on board as music supervisor for Vice's "Running While Black" and Netflix's "Stamped From the Beginning" while also wrapping up "Playground L.A." with Megan Thee Stallion and The Pussycat Dolls' Robin Antin.
Burt's composing contributions have been featured in major projects for clients like James Cameron's "Dark Angel", Brian Grazer's "Local Boys", Will Gluck's "Luis", and Ryan Murphy's "Popular". As a producer, Burt has worked with iconic artists like Aerosmith, Method Man, KRS One, Redman and Andre 3000. As an authentic turntablist, Burt has spun all over the world, opening for acts like Jay Z, Nas, and Jurassic 5. His masterful scratching skills can be heard on countless albums, movie soundtracks and national commercials.
Burt has had a 20+ year writing partnership with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Public Enemy and front man Chuck D. Burt and Chuck D have written music for Public Enemy albums as well as theme songs and original music for television and film projects for ESPN, MTV, FOX, and most recently for LeBron James' "Shut Up and Dribble" on Showtime.
Burt owns and manages publishing catalog, Salamani Music. Founded by his songwriting parents in 1971, Salamani Music was one of the first Black-owned publishing companies of its time. Original music from the catalog has been sampled and/or covered by hundreds of artists including DJ Premier, J Dilla, D'Angelo, A$AP Rocky, Dionne Warwick, Maurice White, Chaka Khan, and Etta James.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Burt also holds a Canadian dual citizenship. He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. His credits can be found on IMDB and Discogs. A full list can be requested.