Poo Bear

Poo Bear – Life, Career, and Musical Impact


Poo Bear (Jason Boyd) is an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with Justin Bieber and a long track record of hit songwriting. Learn about his journey, creative philosophy, key works, and influence.

Introduction

Jason Paul Douglas Boyd, better known by his stage name Poo Bear, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer.

Though his face might not always be in the spotlight, his fingerprints are all over modern pop and R&B — especially through his frequent collaborations with Justin Bieber and other top artists.

He has also released his own music, but his reputation is largely built upon crafting songs that resonate across genres and audiences.

Early Life & Background

  • Boyd was born in New Haven, Connecticut.

  • When he was around 9 years old, his family’s home was damaged (reportedly by a tornado), and he moved with his mother to Atlanta, Georgia.

  • In Atlanta’s vibrant R&B environment, he began writing songs at a young age, eventually connecting with R&B acts like 112.

His early success included collaborating with 112 on tracks such as “Dance with Me” and “Peaches & Cream.”

Career & Key Achievements

Songwriting and Production Work

Poo Bear’s primary domain is songwriting and production. His contributions have shaped many global hits:

  • He co-wrote Usher’s “Caught Up” (from Confessions) — a song that charted in the Top 10.

  • His collaboration with Justin Bieber has been especially prolific: he has writing credits on Every Bieber album since Journals (2013).

  • He helped craft Bieber’s hit singles like “What Do You Mean?”, “Where Are Ü Now”, “All That Matters”, “Intentions”, “Forever”, and “I Don’t Care”.

  • He also co-wrote “Despacito (Remix)” (Bieber’s involvement in the Latin hit) and DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One”.

  • Apart from Bieber, he has written for many artists including Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, Sam Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and more.

His songwriting is often praised for its melodic clarity, emotional resonance, and ability to match an artist’s voice.

As a Recording Artist

Though primarily a behind-the-scenes figure, Poo Bear has stepped into the spotlight as a performing artist:

  • His debut studio album Poo Bear Presents Bearthday Music was released on April 27, 2018.

  • Notable singles include “Hard 2 Face Reality” (featuring Justin Bieber & Jay Electronica) “Would You Ever” (with Skrillex)

  • His newer album The Book of Nabeel was released November 18, 2022.

  • In 2023, he also launched a music distribution platform named Fwaygo.

Though he releases music, he typically remains more prominent as a songwriter than as a front-facing star.

Style, Philosophy & Influence

  • Poo Bear has described his approach as melodic and universal, seeking simplicity and emotional clarity in his songwriting.

  • He often writes in collaboration, adapting to the strengths of the artist with whom he is working.

  • Despite his success, he tends to maintain a lower public profile, allowing his work to speak.

  • His influence is seen in how many modern pop and R&B songs balance electronic production with intimate vocal lines — a signature in many Bieber-era songs he co-wrote.

Notable Quotes & Insights

While Poo Bear isn’t as frequently quoted as performers, in interviews he’s shared reflections that reveal his mindset:

“I moved with my mother to Atlanta when I was 9, and I started writing songs when I was 11.”

On working with Bieber:
“Over the past six years … he co-wrote nine of the 13 songs on the original Purpose album, and 14 of 18 on the deluxe edition.”

These comments underline his sustained commitment, long-term collaboration, and foundational role in many hit records.

Legacy & Impact

  • Through his songwriting, Poo Bear has helped define key moments in 2010s pop—especially through his work with Bieber.

  • His songs have topped charts across genres (pop, Latin, R&B, country crossover) and multiple markets.

  • He serves as a model for how one can remain largely “behind the scenes” yet exert lasting influence in modern music.

  • By moving into the artist role and establishing his own label/distribution initiatives, he’s exploring how creators can extend their control across music’s value chain.