
DJ Mustard (born Dijon Isaiah McFarlane) is an American record producer, known for his collaborations with California-based artists YG and Ty Dolla Sign. In 2014, YG's debut album My Krazy Life, which was mostly produced by Mustard, sparked accusations of plagiarism. Specifically, rapper Mistah F.A.B. accused Mustard of stealing the Bay Area sound, a claim that YG denied, stating that his album did not sound like Bay Area rappers. Additionally, in 2024, DJ Mustard himself accused Iggy Azalea's song Fancy and Jidenna's Classic Man of ripping off his style, further asserting that he was keeping the West Coast sound alive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| DJ Mustard's claim | He is the true originator of the sound used in Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" and Jidenna's "Classic Man" |
| Accusations against DJ Mustard | Mistah F.A.B. accused DJ Mustard of stealing the Bay Area sound |
| YG's response to the accusations | YG defended DJ Mustard, stating that his debut album "My Krazy Life" does not sound like Bay Area rappers |
| DJ Mustard's production style | Up-tempo, club-oriented, rudimentary, and melodic |
| YG and DJ Mustard's collaboration | They created a dancing sound |
| DJ Mustard's influence | He has influenced the sound of both mainstream and West Coast hip-hop productions during the early to mid-2010s |
| YG and DJ Mustard's relationship | YG is one of the first people to use DJ Mustard's beats, and they have collaborated on multiple mixtapes and singles |
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What You'll Learn

DJ Mustard's production style
Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, better known as DJ Mustard (or simply Mustard), is an American record producer. He is known for his frequent collaborations with fellow California-based artists YG and Ty Dolla Sign.
DJ Mustard's signature sound has been credited as influential in shaping the West Coast Hip Hop era post-2010. His style is characterised by heavy basslines, sharp snares, and catchy melodies. He has produced several street anthems and club bangers, showcasing his versatility in shaping the rap soundscape.
DJ Mustard has also been accused of stealing the "Bay Area sound". Mistah F.A.B. accused him of taking the Bay Area sound, specifically comparing his style to that of Bay Area rappers Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik. However, YG defended DJ Mustard, stating that his debut album 'My Krazy Life' did not sound like Bay Area rappers.
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YG's defence of DJ Mustard
In an interview with MTV, rapper YG defended DJ Mustard against accusations of stealing the Bay Area sound. YG stated that Mustard's production on his debut album, "My Krazy Life", did not resemble the sound of Bay Area rappers. He denied that there was any "hood versus hood" conflict, dismissing the idea that Mustard had appropriated the Bay Area sound. YG argued that comparisons were instead drawn towards artists like Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik, rather than hyphy pioneers like Keak Da Sneak. He emphasized that the Bay Area sound is characterized by artists like Mac Dre and Keak Da Sneak, which was the sound they grew up listening to. YG also highlighted the positive reception they received in the Bay Area, including radio play and invitations to perform, indicating that their sound was not perceived as stealing from the region.
Additionally, YG has credited DJ Mustard for the success of specific songs and albums. YG acknowledged the impact of Mustard's production on their collaboration, "My N*a" (or "My Nigga"), which became a mega-anthem and one of the most influential street anthems of the decade. Mustard's catchy beat and production style contributed to the song's popularity and resonance with hip-hop fans. YG also recognized the importance of Mustard's production on his debut album, "My Krazy Life," which helped launch Mustard's career and established him as a sought-after producer in hip-hop.
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Accusations of stealing the Bay Area sound
Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, better known by his stage name Mustard (formerly DJ Mustard), is an American record producer, rapper, and recording artist. He is known for his up-tempo, club-oriented, and melodic production style, which has been influential in the sound of both mainstream and West Coast hip-hop productions.
Mustard has had a successful career as a producer, working with prominent acts in hip-hop and R&B, such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Ty Dolla Sign, and YG. He is particularly known for his collaborations with YG, including the single "My Nigga" from YG's debut studio album "My Krazy Life", which peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard charts.
Despite their successful collaboration, YG and Mustard have also faced accusations of stealing the Bay Area sound. In 2014, Mistah F.A.B. accused Mustard of stealing the Bay Area sound for YG's album "My Krazy Life". In an interview with MTV, YG addressed these accusations, stating that Mustard's production on the album does not sound like Bay Area rappers. He also pointed out that any comparisons he hears are directed towards artists such as Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik rather than hyphy pioneers like Keak Da Sneak, who he considers to be the true representatives of the Bay Area sound. YG also mentioned that he and Mustard receive love and support from the Bay Area, and their songs are played on the radio without any negative comments.
Mustard himself has also addressed accusations of stealing the Bay Area sound. In an interview with The Fader magazine, he stated that he is trying to create his own sound with his "ratchet music" and wants it to become a lasting part of music culture. While some have criticized Mustard and artists who employ similar production styles for lack of originality and plagiarism, others have credited him with keeping the West Coast sound alive.
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My Krazy Life album
My Krazy Life is the debut studio album by American rapper YG. It was released on 18 March 2014, through CTE World and Pushaz Ink, and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla Sign, Schoolboy Q, Meek Mill, Jay Rock, Tory Lanez, Jeezy, TeeFlii and RJ. The production was primarily handled by frequent collaborator DJ Mustard, along with production from Ty Dolla Sign and Terrace Martin.
DJ Mustard has stated that he is trying to create his own sound, which he calls "ratchet music". He has described it as "hypnotic, skeletal, trunk-rattling", with heavy use of synthesizers, claps, and frequent, reverberated use of a "hey!" voice clip. Mustard's production style has been described as up-tempo and club-oriented, but also rudimentary and melodic.
YG has defended DJ Mustard against accusations of stealing the Bay Area sound on his debut album, My Krazy Life. In an interview with MTV, YG stated that Mustard's production on the album does not sound like Bay Area rappers. He also pointed out that any comparisons he hears are directed towards Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik rather than hyphy pioneers like Keak Da Sneak. YG also noted that he and Mustard receive love and airplay from the Bay Area all the time.
DJ Mustard, however, has been accused of stealing the sound himself. In a July 2014 interview, YG stated that Iggy Azalea's song "Fancy" 'jocked' Mustard's style. Mustard himself has also claimed that he is the true originator of the sound used in "Fancy" and Jidenna's "Classic Man". He has also stated that he is keeping the West Coast sound alive.
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My Nga anthem
"My N*a" is a mega-anthem produced by DJ Mustard for YG's debut studio album "My Krazy Life". The song peaked at number 5 on the U.S. charts and is considered one of the most influential street anthems of the decade. It is characterized by a catchy and rhythmic production style, with a tough yet celebratory nature, and showcases YG's direct, no-nonsense delivery.
DJ Mustard, born Dijon Isiah McFarlane, is an American record producer known for his up-tempo, club-oriented, and melodic production style. He has worked with several prominent acts in hip-hop and R&B, including Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and Ty Dolla Sign. Mustard's signature style often includes heavy use of synthesizers, claps, and reverberated "hey!" voice clips.
In an interview with Sway's Universe, DJ Mustard described his collaboration with YG, stating that they created a dancing sound together. He also mentioned that he started his career by producing YG's mixtapes and that their collaboration on "My N*a" was a natural progression of their partnership.
Despite the song's success, there have been accusations of DJ Mustard stealing the Bay Area sound. Mistah F.A.B. claimed that Mustard's production on "My Krazy Life" resembled the style of Bay Area rappers like Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik. However, YG defended Mustard, stating that their sound was influenced by Mac Dre and Keak Da Sneak, and that they did not feel they were taking on the Bay Area sound.
DJ Mustard has also faced criticism for claiming ownership of a specific sound, with some arguing that most hip-hop beats sound similar and that it is challenging to claim ownership of a particular genre. Nevertheless, "My N*a" remains a significant collaboration between DJ Mustard and YG, showcasing their unique artistic synergy and contributing to the evolution of West Coast hip-hop.
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Frequently asked questions
No, DJ Mustard and YG are frequent collaborators, with Mustard producing YG's debut studio album, "My Krazy Life". Mustard has also produced singles by YG such as "Snitches Ain't Shit" and "You Broke".
Mistah F.A.B. accused DJ Mustard of stealing the Bay Area sound for YG's debut album, "My Krazy Life".
In an interview with MTV, YG said that Mustard's production on "My Krazy Life" does not sound like Bay Area rappers. He also said that the comparisons he hears are directed towards Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik, rather than hyphy pioneers like Keak Da Sneak.
The Bay Area sound is characterised by the work of artists such as Mac Dre and Keak Da Sneak.
DJ Mustard's production style has been described as up-tempo and club-oriented, with heavy use of synthesizers, claps, and a reverberated "hey!" voice clip.











































