Mike Dean, born Michael George Dean on March 1, 1965, in Angleton, Texas, is a highly influential American record producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. He began his career in the early 1990s, initially gaining recognition for pioneering the Dirty South sound through his work with artists like Scarface and the Geto Boys. Dean's extensive skill set includes playing guitar, bass, piano, and synthesizers, which he has utilized in productions for high-profile artists such as Kanye West, Travis Scott, and Beyoncé. His collaboration with Kanye West has been particularly notable; he contributed to nearly all of West's albums, including The College Dropout and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, earning multiple Grammy Awards for his work. In addition to production and mixing, Dean has also served as a live guitarist and keyboardist for major tours. In 2017, he launched his own label, M.W.A., and continues to be a sought-after figure in the music industry, known for his innovative sound and ability to blend genres seamlessly. With a discography that spans various styles and a reputation for excellence, Mike Dean remains a pivotal force in contemporary music.