Heather Zuhlke: The Visionary Showrunner Behind Hit TV Series BMF
This week on The Man Behind the Music, we sit down with the brilliant Heather Zuhlke—writer, executive producer, and showrunner behind hit shows like BMF, Power Book IV: Force, The Purge, and Southland. In this powerful episode, Heather opens up about her creative journey from writing in coffee shops to running major television sets. She shares how personal experiences shaped her voice, how she balances character-driven storytelling with high-stakes drama, and what it really takes to lead a writers’ room in today’s industry.
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a music creator hoping to break into sync licensing, or just a fan of gripping TV, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and raw honesty. Heather doesn’t hold back—and neither do your hosts. Tap in as the crew goes deep into the art, the grind, and the soul behind the screen.
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Discover the Legendary Producers Behind the Biggest Platinum Hits!
In this special bonus episode of The Man Behind the Music, we take a deep dive into the lives and journeys of the three legendary producers who host the show: Denaun "Mr. Porter" Porter, Rockwilder, and Big Tank. You’ve heard their beats on platinum records and iconic film/TV scores — now hear their personal stories, creative battles, and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers behind the scenes.
From early studio sessions and career-defining hits to wild industry tales and lessons learned the hard way, this episode gives fans a rare and intimate look at the heart, hustle, and humor that power these musical heavyweights. Whether you’re a music lover, an aspiring producer, or just curious about the minds behind the hits — this one’s for you.
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Hailey Kilgore Talks Raising Kanan & DNA Makes the Podcast Anthem
The debut episode of The Man Behind the Music kicks off with a bang as battle rap legend DNA and actress/singer/songwriter Hailey Kilgore step into the spotlight. Watch DNA craft the official podcast theme song from scratch, then sit down with the hosts to unpack his evolution from battle stages to placing music in hit TV and film.
Next, Tony-nominated powerhouse Hailey Kilgore joins the conversation to share her journey from Broadway to Raising Kanan. She reflects on the hustle and perseverance behind her rise—and even hits the booth to record a brand new song live. To top it all off, 1500 or Nothin’ co-founder and music icon Larrance Dopson drops in to discuss the scene in Raising Kanan where Hailey shines, breaking down how music and emotion collide on screen. This is the raw, real, and revealing conversation that sets the tone for everything to come.
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Trailer
Welcome to Man Behind The Music, where we go beyond the beats and into the real stories behind music production, composition, and sound for film and television. I’m your host, Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton—a producer, music supervisor, and composer whose decades-long career includes collaborations with icons like Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera. I’ve also helped shape the musical tone of hit series like BMF, Power, The Chi, and The Boondocks, with extensive experience in both the executive and creative sides of the industry.
Joining me are two powerhouse co-hosts: Grammy-winning producer Denaun “Mr. Porter” Porter and legendary hitmaker Rockwilder. Denaun’s journey from his early days with D12 as Kon Artis to becoming a visionary producer has been marked by evolution and excellence. With credits spanning Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Sting, and Rapsody, and nearly 40 million records sold, his sound has defined eras and crossed genres. His film and television scoring work includes Fast 5, Waist Deep, Godfather of Harlem, and the Straight Outta Compton trailer, all while continuing to break new ground through his label, Planit Dope.
Rockwilder, the architect of hip-hop staples like Method Man and Redman’s “Da Rockwilder” and Jay-Z’s “Do It Again,” brings a legacy that bridges classic and crossover. His signature sound has powered tracks for everyone from Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J to Janet Jackson, Pink, and Christina Aguilera. From underground anthems to Grammy-winning smashes like “Lady Marmalade,” his production credits define a generation. Together, we’ll unpack the craft, culture, and business of music—and give aspiring producers and artists the chance to submit work through our Patreon for potential placement in major TV and film projects.
Welcome to The Man Behind The Music, a podcast that goes beyond the beats and into the real
stories behind music production, composition, and sound for film and television. Hosted by
Derryck “Big Tank” Thornton, a producer, music supervisor, and composer whose decades-long
career includes working with icons like Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera.
He’s also helped shape the sound of hit series like BMF, Power, The Chi, and The Boondocks.
Joining Big Tank are two industry powerhouses. Grammy-winning producer Denaun “Mr.
Porter”, known for his work with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Sting, and nearly 40 million records
sold, plus film and TV scoring credits like Fast 5, Godfather of Harlem, and the Straight Outta
Compton trailer. And Rockwilder, the legendary hitmaker behind classics like “Lady
Marmalade,” Method Man & Redman’s “Da Rockwilder,” and tracks for Janet Jackson, Pink,
Christina Aguilera, and more.
Together, they break down the craft, culture, and business of music, sharing insider stories and
giving aspiring producers and independent artists the chance to submit their work through
Patreon for potential placement in major TV and film projects.
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s the ultimate backstage pass to the sound of success.
USA