Ali Dee Theodore


Ali Theodore, known professionally as Ali Dee Theodore, is an American rapper, composer, songwriter, business owner, and music producer, based in Manhattan, New York City. He is also the founder and owner of the now-closed DeeTown Entertainment and, with partner Dave Jordan, founder of the publishing company Canvas 1 from 2002 to 2012, which was affiliated with BMI.

Early life and education

Ali Theodore was born in Manhattan, New York City, United States in 1970. His mother was Broadway director, choreographer and performer Lee Theodore and his father Paris Theodore was a covert weapons designer for the CIA and NSA. Actress Cyd Charisse was his aunt.

Career

Theodore released hip hop recordings in the late 1980s and 1990s before focusing on composition and production for film and television. He led DeeTown Entertainment, a New York-based music production company.
According to the box-office database The Numbers, Theodore is credited as executive music producer on three films in the Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise; those films collectively grossed over $1.15 billion worldwide, and the site lists him as ranked #3 by worldwide box office among executive music producers it tracks.
For Disney’s global Mickey Mouse 90th celebration, Theodore wrote and produced the original single "It's a Good Time" for use across Disney parks and around ABC’s Mickey's 90th Spectacular broadcast. In addition, published credits and industry listings cite Theodore's Disney work on multiple franchises and series, including co-writing/producing the Disney Channel single “BAMM” from Zombies and producing "All the Way Up" for Shake It Up: Break It Down. Other Disney titles he has worked on include Descendants, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Kickin’ It, Teen Beach Movie, and Hannah Montana.
His work also appears on major studio soundtracks such as Despicable Me 4.

Businesses

Theodore is the founder and owner of the New York–based music production company DeeTown Entertainment. He has also operated the publishing entity Canvas 1, noted in industry profiles as affiliated with BMI.
Since 2021, Theodore has been affiliated with Music Nation Copyrights Management in the United Arab Emirates.

Recognition and accolades

  • Named to Crain’s New York Business “40 Under 40”.
  • The soundtrack to Alvin and the Chipmunks won Favorite/Top Soundtrack at the 2008 American Music Awards.

    Discography

''Ali Dee and the Forty Thieves''

Ali Dee and the Forty Thieves ; EMI Records Group North America, EMI
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Boom bap, Hardcore Hip-Hop
Released: 1992

New rapper Dee breaks a sweat on this fun and danceable pop/hip -hop romp. His rapid -fire phrasing is a good contrast to the track's air -punching chants at the chorus. Crisp beats and slowly insinuating melody add up to a potential hit at several formats -but don't be surprised if urban is first to jump aboard. Also, check out "Bring It On" on the flipside.
— Larry Flick, editor for Billboard Singles Reviews pg. 107, November 28, 1992, 11:45pm

''Bring It On''

Released: 1993 on EMI America Records
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Boom Bap, Hardcore Hip-Hop
Total album play time: 39:40

Other album versions

These were other release versions in 1993.
Bring It On ; EMI Records USA, EMI Records Group North America