Midi Mafia - Initial Success

Initial Success

In 2002 Dino Devalie, who was preparing to sign 50 Cent to his label, approached Midi Mafia about using some of their beats for 50 Cent’s debut record. Midi Mafia agreed, and though 50 Cent ended up signing to Interscope Records instead, their beats were used for the song 21 Questions, which was featured on Get Rich Or Die Tryin'.

After the success of 21 Questions, Midi Mafia signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a label and production deal with Elektra Records. They were also offered A&R positions at Elektra and were being groomed to run Black Music

In 2006, Midi Mafia launched FamilyTies, an imprint label that allows them to sign and develop their own roster of talent. Singer/songwriter Deemi was the first artist signed to their label.

Midi Mafia introduced themselves in to the Pop/R&B world when they produced "When I See U", (song originally written for Tori Kelly when she was signed to Geffen Records) the second single from Fantasia Barrino's self-titled album Fantasia which held the number one spot for eight weeks on the U.S. Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. The song was written by Grammy award-winning songwriter Jane’t Sewell (which Midi Mafia discovered and developed), Bruce Waynne, and Erika Nuri.

In 2008, the duo worked with Jennifer Lopez on her track Hold It Don't Drop It, contributing as both writers and producers.