Design Better
Design Better
Marcus Bell: Producer and songwriter for Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland on music and creativity in the age of AI
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Marcus Bell: Producer and songwriter for Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland on music and creativity in the age of AI

Episode 123 of the Design Better Podcast

There aren’t many kids who start a record label when they’re 12 years old. Or play piano professionally at the age of six. But our guest today, Marcus “Bellringer” Bell, is the kind of polymath that did those things, and went on to create a successful career in the music industry, as a producer and composer who has worked with musicians like Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg.

Marcus has also created one of the first AI-driven artists, fusing his own musical skills with GenAI persona Rayvn Lyte. We talk with Marcus about what inspired him to do this, as well as the ethics of AI-generated music. We also discuss his creative process, and how he manages to fit in creative time amidst raising a family and other domestic duties.

Bio

Marcus “Bellringer” Bell is a renowned American music producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his vast influence across the entertainment industry. From working with superstar artists like Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland to writing and producing music featured by brands such as McDonalds and General Mills, Bell’s credits reflect both his creative versatility and his business acumen. As CEO of Bellringer Productions LLC, he oversees an expansive catalog of over 30,000 songs and has released a best-selling book on musician branding, all while receiving notable recognition, including Beyoncé performing one of his productions on the “On the Run II Tour.”

Beyond music, Bell has made significant strides as an AI technologist and crypto investor, applying advanced technology to revolutionize music production and social media strategies. He launched the world’s first AI music character, Ravyn Lyte, who quickly became a viral sensation with hundreds of thousands of followers and over 150 million impressions across platforms. Committed to democratizing access to these tools, Bell mentors communities on how to leverage AI and crypto for wealth building through his AI course, Wealth and Impact AI.

Rooted in a family legacy of excellence, Bell discovered his passion for music at a young age, eventually attending Berklee College of Music and later working with major labels like BMG (Arista, Jive, RCA). His entrepreneurial pursuits have led him to start multiple ventures, give keynote speeches at influential conferences, and mentor artists worldwide. Now, with an unwavering commitment to helping others unlock their potential, Bell remains an inspiring force—combining artistry, technology, and community impact to transform the lives of countless people around the globe.

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Design Better
Design Better
Design Better co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter explore the intersection of design, technology, and the creative process through conversations with inspiring guests across many creative fields. Whether you’re design curious or a design pro, Design Better is guaranteed to inspire and inform. Episodes are released semi-weekly for free subscribers, weekly for premium subscribers. Vanity Fair calls Design Better, “sharp, to the point, and full of incredibly valuable information for anyone looking to better understand how to build a more innovative world.”