Today we’d like to introduce you to Tani Renee
Hi Tani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I don’t think I ever really “started.” Pretty sure the second my spaceship landed, I was already on the mission, honey. My life has always been full of “all the things” since I was in single digits. I was writing songs before I even knew how to spell, using crayons and markers on paper plates right after daycare snacks. Then, I’d sneak out of bed before my parents woke up just to catch some music videos on MTV—literally at the lowest volume, face almost pressed to the screen, ready to flip to cartoons if they walked in.
Skipping recess in elementary school to write songs turned into skipping lunches in high school, and eventually, skipping the whole school day to hit sessions—until they just handed me a diploma. Honestly, I don’t even know what put this battery in my back from the start, but it’s always been there. Looking back, this was the only plan I ever gave myself.
How I got where I am today? Probably by being just shy of insane. I mean, you’ve gotta be to sign up for this business, right? But honestly, I’ve put everything into this. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t, but here we are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’m not even sure “smooth” is a real thing in this business. There’ve been plenty of challenges—starting with balancing my creative ambitions against the realities of how the industry actually works. There were times where it felt like I was taking one step forward and two steps back. Dealing with setbacks, navigating gatekeepers, being counted out, having music stolen, misunderstood, and then those looong 24-48 hour days, just pushing through when the vision felt out of reach—it’s been far from easy.
People love to put you in a box, slap a label on you, and try to control you—mostly because they’re scared you might actually be everything you say you are, or maybe even more than you realize. But I don’t belong in a box, and that’s not always the most likeable trait to have. Those roadblocks, though? Pushed me to figure it out, no matter what, until making things happen became second nature.
But honestly, those obstacles shaped me. They made me resourceful, forced me to learn on the fly, and kept me resilient no matter what. At the end of the day, those struggles make the wins that much sweeter. So yeah, the road’s been bumpy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This is a loaded baked potato of a question. I’ve always been a creative, but my work goes way beyond just coming up with ideas—I’m all about bringing them to life and out in the world. I’m blessed to be master writer and super producer Malik Yusef’s creative director, and over the past year, I’ve worked on everything from four Kanye West albums to five Malik Yusef projects, so many more in between, plus a couple of big film soundtracks and scores. On top of that, I’m involved in the business development of dozens of companies, making sure they’re growing and moving in the right direction. It’s a mix of creativity and strategy, and I love the challenge of balancing both.
What I really do is connect the dots—whether it’s writing songs, overseeing visuals, or pulling together the right people to make things happen. My days are never the same. One day I’m in the studio running sessions, and the next I’m working on album art or handling partnerships. I’m still a songwriter, but I’ve become known for being able to take big ideas and actually get them done, without losing the vision along the way.
What sets me apart is that I listen and I’m organized, and it just happens to be, I don’t stay in just one lane. I’ve never fit neatly into a box, and that’s worked to my advantage. Having to adapt, figure things out, and make things happen no matter what comes my way. I’m proud of the range of projects I’m involved in, like executive producing on Malik Yusef’s Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Sonic Sinema albums (Episodes 1, 2, 3, & 4). Of course, Bad Kids Klass, where we’re supporting new talent, and GnumGnum gummies, a fly new wellness project that’s really close to my heart. At the end of the day, I get to live this life from sun up to sun down, doing what I love, and I’m grateful for that every day.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about hitting certain milestones or checking boxes. It’s about being able to wake up every day and do what I love—whether that’s creating, building something new, or helping others along the way. Success is seeing ideas come to life and knowing I had a hand in making that happen. It’s also about growth—both personal and professional—and pushing myself to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward no matter what.
At the end of the day, success means feeling fulfilled in what I do, while staying true to myself, and being able to share that with the people around me and the world. It’s about living with purpose, making an impact, and creating something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtanirenee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtanirenee
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/iamtanirenee
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tanirenee
- Other: https://join.badkidsklass.com
