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Beyoncé, Jay-Z, & Rihanna: The-Dream Names Best Songwriter, Best Vocalist, Most Tardy

By Terrell Smith Men's Journal

Updated May 6, 2026 9:03 PM

In this day and age, everyone wants to talk about the best and the GOATs of the various areas of expertise. Now, after being prompted by the hosts of the We Sound Crazy Podcast, legendary music producer The-Dream just handed out some superlatives of the "best" and "most" of his own. However, the scope of his superlatives was limited to the musicians he's worked with during his long career.

What makes The-Dream's list of superlatives incredibly intriguing is the fact that he's partnered with some major artists. He and Beyoncé have made Grammy-winning music together and are arguably one of the best producer/singer duos of all time, ranking up there with Quincy Jones/Michael Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis/Janet Jackson.

The Dream has also cranked out hit songs with other musicians like Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Ciara. So just who did The-Dream crown the "best pure vocalist," the "best songwriter," "the most challenging," and more?

The-Dream Mentions Beyoncé a Few Times

Again, The-Dream was on the We Sound Crazy Podcast, and hosts Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Phil Thornton, and Tamone Bacon asked him a series of questions, prompting him to hand out superlatives among the artists he's partnered with. So without further ado, here are the questions he was asked, and his responses.

"Who's the Best Pure Vocalist You've Ever Worked With?"

"Wow, Bey."

Who's the Best Songwriter You've Co-Written With?

"Hov [Jay-z]"

Who Brings the Vibes to the Studio Every Single Time?

"Wow, Ri [Rihanna]"

Who Suprised You with the Best Work Ethic?

"Wow, that's a pass. That's like nine people I know. Who surprised me with it, though? Oh geez, Tricky [Tricky Stewart is a frequent producing/writing collaborator of The-Dream]."

Who Is the Most Challenging Artist You've Worked with in the Best Way? Like Overly Pushed You Out Your Comfort Zone?

"Mariah"

"Who Made You Level Up the Most as Either a Writer or Producer?

"Bey"

"Which Artist Is Historically the Most Tardy to the Sets?"

"Ri…You said Tardy, yeah. [Laughing] I haven't worked with Lauryn Hill yet."

"Which Artist Cooked You the Best Damn Meal in the Studio?

"Kelly [Rowland]"

Now it's worth noting that The-Dream was also asked about who is the most fearless when trying something new and who has the best instincts when it comes to melodies, and he answered both questions by naming himself. You can check out his responses in the clip below.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 7:57 PM.