Who Is Burt Blackarach?

Amani "Burt Blackarach" Smith, DJ, music producer, composer and also music supervisor for projects like Roger Ross Williams' and Mara Brock-Akil's "Stamped From the Beginning" (Netflix), is a bona fide music expert, in all of its facets.

Known for his music supervision work for ABC's 2021/2022 re-imagining of "The Wonder Years" with Saladin Patterson, Burt is currently working with Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood on Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's award-winning "Genius: MLK/X", the Disney+ anthology series from National Geographic, while also wrapping up "Playground L.A." with The Pussycat Dolls' Robin Antin.

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.

While rare in the business, Burt is known for holding double duties as both music supervisor and composer on film and TV projects. Examples include Showtime's 2021 "Passion Play: Russell Westbrook" and Vice TV's "Running While Black" in conjunction with adidas and Religion of Sports released in 2022 (including Main Title creator with Chuck D).

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 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 for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Public Enemy as well as movie soundtracks and national commercials.

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. His credits can be found on IMDB and Discogs. A full list can be requested.