Los Angeles, CA – Donelle Smith, professionally known as Phyzic, is not just a recording and mixing engineer — he has become a significant figure in shaping the sound of modern music. Hailing from the British Virgin Islands, Phyzic’s journey from a small island upbringing to receiving a Grammy Award and achieving multi-platinum, Billboard-charting success reflects his ambition, talent, and steady perseverance.
Early Career and Rise to Recognition
Phyzic’s professional journey began in May 2018 when he started as an intern at Neighborhoodwatche Studios in Los Angeles. Armed with determination and a keen ear for sound, he quickly began developing the technical expertise that would define his career. Within a short period, he collaborated with a range of artists, including Soulja Boy, Polo G, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Silkk The Shocker, Diggy Simmons, and Tyler Reign.
Despite facing early challenges navigating the competitive music industry, Phyzic’s dedication and innovative approach to engineering helped him stand out. He has earned recognition for his ability to capture an artist’s unique voice while elevating their sound.
Grammy Recognition and Career Milestone
Phyzic’s career reached new levels in 2023 with his engineering work on the Barbie Movie soundtrack. He recorded Kaliii on track 17, “Barbie Dreams,” which went on to receive Platinum certification, peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 200, and topped the Billboard Soundtrack charts. The soundtrack’s cultural impact was underscored when it won the Grammy Award for Best Compilation for Visual Media at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
“The Barbie soundtrack wasn’t just about music; it became a cultural moment,” Phyzic shared. “Being part of that experience and helping shape a project that resonated with people globally was truly unforgettable.”
Chart-Topping Hits and Viral Success
Following the Grammy recognition, Phyzic continued to engineer tracks that captured attention from both fans and industry professionals. He contributed to Sexyy Red’s breakout single “SkeeYee,” which peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieved Platinum status, and was featured on her Gold-certified Hood Hottest Princess project, which also charted on the Billboard Hot 200.
In February 2025, Phyzic engineered Bhad Bhabie’s viral diss record “Ms. Whitman,” aimed at Alabama Barker. The song gained widespread attention, trending on YouTube for over a month, peaking at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earning Gold certification. His ability to produce tracks that resonate across both digital and traditional platforms demonstrates his versatility and understanding of the evolving music landscape.
A Vision Beyond Music
Phyzic’s influence extends far beyond chart success. His approach to engineering merges technical expertise with creative innovation, ensuring that every project he touches retains artistic integrity while appealing to a broad audience. As an artist from the British Virgin Islands, he also represents underrepresented communities in the global music scene, encouraging young creatives to pursue careers in sound and production.
Looking forward, Phyzic is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers, expanding access to music education, and continuing to push the boundaries of his craft. He views his work not just as a career but as a platform to impact culture and uplift artists around the world.
Connect with Phyzic
From Grammy wins to viral hits, Donelle “Phyzic” Smith has shown that his influence on music is both tangible and enduring. For fans, aspiring artists, and industry professionals, his story serves as a testament to talent, perseverance, and innovation.
Stay updated on Phyzic’s latest projects by following him on Instagram: @phyzic.
