25 New Producers To Watch Out For
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Alexander Spit
Twitter: @AlexanderSpit
From: San Francisco, CA
Has Produced For: Bago, CBG, himself
Signature Song: Alexander Spit "Campaign"
San Francisco-raised rapper/producer Alexander Spit is an up-and-coming West Coast artist who doesn't conform to the standards of pop music but is still working his way to the mainstream. His resumé includes Bago's impressive Sunday's Best mixtape and his own EP, A Breathtaking Trip.
His best work is the instrumental album, Mansions. Spit samples speeches from guys like Bill Cosby and Joe Rogan and mixes them with soul samples, somehow crafting awesome, complete songs out of them.
Anthony Lee
Twitter: @LeeOnTheBeats
From: Queens, NY
Has Produced For: French Montana, Kid Ink, Meek Mill, Freeway
Signature Song: French Montana f/ Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne "Pop That"
It took rapper-turned-producer Anthony Lee three hours to produce French Montana's 2 Live Crew-sampling posse cut "Pop That," one of the year's hottest party anthems. Additional credits to the 22-year-old's resume include Kid Ink's "Is It You" and co-production on Freeway's Superstar featuring Meek Mill. Apparently, he wanted to be an A&R back in high school, but it looks like he's better off now.
Cardo
Twitter: @CardoGotWings
From: Minnesota, MN
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Big Sean, Curren$y, Mac Miller
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "In The Cut"
We first got familiar with Cardo on Wiz Khalifa's Kush & OJ, when he produced the excellent "In The Cut." Since then he's been getting busy alongside artists like Sir Michael Rocks, Ty Dolla $ign, and Dom Kennedy. Most recently, he turned heads with his instrumental debut, Everything I$ Gold. Cardo is definitely established, but he's far from a household name. If he continues to churn out bangers, however, superproducer status won't be far off.
Chuck Strangers
Twitter: @Chuck_Strangers
From: Brooklyn, NY
Has Produced For: Joey BadA$$
Signature Song: Joey Bada$$ f/ Chuck Strangers "FromdaTomb$"
Rarely do debut mixtapes explode onto the masses the way Joey Bada$$'s 1999 project did. A good portion of the mixtape featured Joey rapping over classic beats from MF Doom and Lord Finesse, and then, there were beats from Chuck Strangers.
Strangers is a member of Joey's Pro Era crew, and he's produced several fan favorites including "Suspects," "FromdaTomb$," and "Daily Routine." Other projects he's been involved in include Joey's Rejex and his own mixtape, Freebass.
D.R.U.G.S.
Twitter: @tydollasign/@DjDahi/@nate_3d/@BuddahShampoo/@jameskoo
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: YG, Kid Ink, Iggy Azalea, Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Dom Kennedy
Signature Song: Ty Dolla $ign "My Cabana"
Dirty Rotten Underground Sound (D.R.U.G.S) first caught most people's attention with Iggy Azalea's viral hit "Pu$$Y." Then they impressed us once again with their production on Ty Dolla $ign's Beach House mixtape, including standout single "My Cabana."
The collective originally began with Ty Dolla $ign and Chordz 3D, but has since grown into seven-man team with the additions of Buddah, Nate 3D, James Koo, Fuego, and DJ Dahi (who recently produced Kendrick Lamar's "Money Trees"). Now that Ty is signed to Atlantic, their sound should continue to take off.
Digi + Phonics
Twitter: @daveisfree / @SounwaveTDE / @taebeast / @ichibanWillie
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock
Signature Song: Schoolboy Q "There He Go"
Top Dawg Entertainments in-house production collective, Digi+Phonics, consists of Dave Free, Willie B, Taebeast, and Sounwaveall of whom have contributed one way or another to each of TDEs multiple releases this year. Sounwave produced Kendricks bytch Dont Kill My Vibe" and Schoolboys There He Go," with Dave Free. Meanwhile, Dave Free provided the backdrop for Ab-Souls Terrorist Threats and Willie B worked on Schoolboys Gangsta In Designer (No Concept). Taebeast also gave Ab an anthem with Track Two. As long as TDE is winning, these guys will continue to as well.
DJ Mustard
Twitter: @DJmustard
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Tyga, Y.G, Nipsey Hussle, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz
Signature Song: Tyga "Rack City"
DJ Mustard's 808s and heavy barrage of claps have made him a pioneer of the "ratchet" sound best exemplified on Tyga's infectious strip club anthem, "Rack City." The Los Angeles native often stays true to his roots by providing sounds for locals such as YG, Nipsey Hussle, Ty Dolla $ign, and E-40. He's also produced Meek Mills "I'm Rollin'" and 2 Chainz Im Different."
DJ Spinz
Twitter: @SpinzHoodrich
From: Atlanta, GA
Has Produced For: Ca$h Out, Waka Flocka, Future, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Travis Porter
Signature Song: Ca$h Out "Cashin' Out"
DJ Spinz's production was a huge reason why Ca$h Out's "Cashin' Out" became a radio smash overnight. He's new to the game, working as a DJ in the late 2000s before making his way to the boards. The Hot 107.9 radio host has already crafted beats for some of the South's biggest artists, but it appears as if his best days as a producer are still ahead of him.
FKi
Twitter: @fkimusic
From: Atlanta, GA
Has Produced For: Travis Porter, Tyga, Ludacris
Signature Song: Travis Porter "Make It Rain"
FKi are the beatsmiths behind Iggy Azalea's "I Think She Ready" as well as her latest mixtape, Trapgold, and Travis Porter's strip club anthem, "Make It Rain." The ATL duo provides a new, refreshing sound for bass-lovers and they've also worked with party-music heavyweight, Diplo. Next up for them is a sequel to their own mixtape, Transformers N The Hood.
Harry Fraud
Twitter: @HarryFraud
From: Brooklyn, NY
Has Produced For: French Montana, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Action Bronson, Curren$y
Signature Song: French Montana f/ Charlie Rock "Shot Caller"
From his signature "La Musica de Harry Fraud" drop to his production on French Montana's "Shot Caller" and Juicy Js Stoners Night 2, Fraud is not to be taken lightly. His hard-hitting drums, eclectic sampling, and work alongside many of hip-hops best makes him not only a hot producer in the Empire State, but also throughout hip-hop. Beyond hip-hop, he's been composing original music for the International Emmy Awards for the past seven years.
Hudson Mohawke
Twitter: @HudMo
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Has Produced For: TNGHT, G.O.O.D. Music
Signature Song: Teyana Taylor and John Legend "Bliss"
Hudson Mohawke is one of the year's breakout stars. The producer and DJ spent years connecting with underground audiences through YouTube remixes and solo EPs while staying true to his electronic sound. His biggest exposure to American audiences came when he was called on to help produce numerous tracks on G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer.
Mohawke also paired up with Montreal's Lunice to form TNGHT, in hopes of changing the sonic landscape of hip-hop and giving it a more minimal, futuristic sound. That was applied on TNGHT's self-titled EP, which has also earned him acclaim in music circles this year.
Jahlil Beats
Twitter: @JahlilBeats
From: Chester, PA
Has Produced For: Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Diggy Simmons
Signature Song: Meek Mill f/ Big Sean "Burn"
The 23-year-old is responsible for cooking up one of the year's hottest tracks, Meek Mill's "Burn." Hes also been working high profile names like Jay-Z, J. Cole, Rick Ross, and No I.D. after signing with Roc Nation last year. Now his little brother, The Beat Bully, is another hot commodity in the game. Talent runs in the family.
KeY Wane
Twitter: @Key_Wane
From: Detroit, MI
Has Produced For: Meek Mill, Big Sean, Tyga, Chevy Woods
Signature Song: Meek Mill f/ Jeremih & Drake "Amen"
The 21-year-old Detroit native provided several beats on Big Sean's Detroit mixtape. Wane also laced Meek Mill with the "Amen" instrumental. In the meantime, he's still attending college at Tennessee State University. He recently signed a co-publishing deal with Sean and is expected to contribute heavily to Seans upcoming sophomore album.
Lifted
Twitter: @Lifted_NewFos
From: Phoenix, AZ
Has Produced For: G.O.O.D .Music, Swizz Beatz, Game, Lil Wayne, Baby, Cory Gunz, Los
Signature Song: G.O.O.D. Music "Mercy"
The DJ-turned producer started buzzing after crafting Game's HoodMorning (No Typo): Candy Coronas mixtape and working with Bad Boy signee, Los. The musically-diverse Lifted is now an in-house producer for G.O.O.D. Music, famously helping with much of the production on the crew's hit, "Mercy."
Michael Uzowuru
Twitter: @michaeluzowuru
From: Cypress, CA
Has Produced For: Domo Genesis, Hodgy Beats, Vince Staples
Signature Song: Domo Genesis Cashmere
Uzowuru has made some great contributions to Odd Future projects, but he also holds his own outside of the crew, most notably with rapper and frequent collaborator, Vince Staples. His soothing, moody productions are at their best on recent mixtape, Winter In Prague.
Mike Finito
Twitter: @MikeFinito
From: Queens, New York
Has Produced For: Heems, Das Racist
Signature Song: Heems f/ Lakutis & Kool A.D. "SWATE"
Heems of Das Racist set his high school buddy Mike Finito up for success when he showcased the producer's work on his Nehru Jackets mixtape. The beats obviously stood out because an instrumental version of the mixtape was later released. Finitos sound is so crucial because it captures the sound and feeling of a real place: Jackson Heights, Queens, an area dominated by Desis. Finito is largely able to do this by sampling Hindi films and songs, but his grungy drums and filtered sounds add so much more. The authenticity can't be beat.
Ryan Lewis
Twitter: @RyanLewis
From: Seattle, WA
Has Produced For: Macklemore
Signature Song: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ ScHoolBoy Q & Hollis "White Walls"
The past few weeks have been good for Macklemore's partner Ryan Lewis. He's coming off the release of his and Macklemore's debut studio album, The Heist, which sold over 74,000 copies in its first week of releaseimpressive for an indie project. After making that type of splash, there's no doubt that his sound will catch on outside of Macklemore and the Seattle hip-hop scene.
Sledgren
Twitter: @ImSledgren
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Chevy Woods, Kid Ink
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "Never Been"
Often you'll hear Wiz Khalifa shout out "Sledgro!" on his records. That's an ode to Sledgrengiven the moniker after former NFL star Edgerrin Jamesthe Taylor Gang producer who clicked with Wiz the second they met. The Pennsylvanian known for for his heavy use of samples has produced for Wiz dating back to Kush & Orange Juice. More recently, Sledgren crafted beats for Taylor Allderdice and has also worked alongside long-time friend Chevy Woods. Now, the world awaits his highly-anticipated contributions to Wiz's next LP, O.N.I.F.C.
THC
Twitter: @PRODUCEDBYTHC
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Chris Brown, Dom Kennedy, Tyga
Signature Song: Kendrick Lamar f/ Gunplay "Cartoon & Cereal"
The L.A. production duo made their mark on the West Coast by crafting beats for ScHoolboy Q ("Oxy Music"), Dom Kennedy ("The Ways"), and Kendrick Lamar. It's with Kendrick that "Cartoon & Cereal" was born, catapulting the two to national recognition. Don't be surprised if their names pop up on the next West Coast hit.
The Beat Bully
Twitter: @TheBeatBully
From: Chester, PA
Has Produced For: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled
Signature Song: Rick Ross f/ French Montana & Drake "Stay Schemin'"
True to his name (and not to be confused with Atlanta's The Beat Bullies), the 21-year-old has provided the sounds to Rick Ross hits "Stay Schemin" and "So Sophisticated," as well as Meek Mill's "House Party." Now that he's under the tutelage of New Orleans legend, Kenoe, one can only expect more major looks for him in the near future.
The Maven Boys
Twitter: @zalezy/@BretRyan
From: Toronto, ON
Has Produced For: Childish Gambino, Slaughterhouse, MMG, DJ Drama, J.Cole, Meek Mill, Drake
Signature Song: Childish Gambino f/ Nipsey Hussle "Black Faces"
The trend of rising musical talent in Toronto continues with the success of Zalezy and Bret Ryan, a.k.a. The Maven Boys. The duo are protégés of Boi-1da, and have co-produced Childish Gambino's "Black Faces" and MMG's posse cut "I Be Puttin' On" with him. They have a record on the way on Nicki Minaj's upcoming The Re-Up album, plus the title track to Game's Jesus Piece (which features Kanye West), and placement on French Montana's Excuse My Frenchall co-productions with Boi-1da as well.
The Watcherz
Twitter: @TheWatcherZLLC
From: Jersey City, NJ
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Lloyd Banks, Bow Wow
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "Spotlight"
The Watcherz have produced records like Mac Miller's "Don't Mind If I Do" and Lloyd Banks' "On The Double," in addition to working with Bow Wow, Lil B, and Sir Michael Rocks. Their biggest production to date is Wiz Khalifa's "Spotlight," a '70s-inspired beat on Kush & Orange Juice. Wiz explains their appeak best during the track's opening moments: "This beat go perfect with my belt."
Travi$ Scott
Twitter: @trvisXX
From: Houston, TX
Has Produced For: G.O.O.D Music, Kanye West
Signature Song: G.O.O.D. Music "Sin City"
We were all thinking "Who is Travi$ Scott?" when the rapper/producer appeared on G.O.O.D Music's Cruel Summer album. The 20-year-old's production was introduced to the world on album cuts "Sin City," "To The World," and "The Morning." He's currently finishing up his EP, Owl Pharaoh, and after his turn on Cruel Summer, expectations are rightfully high.
Young Chop
Twitter: @Youngchopbeatz
From: Chicago, IL
Has Produced For: Chief Keef, Drake, Gucci Mane, Lil Reese
Signature Song: Chief Keef f/ Lil Reese "I Don't Like"
Young Chop isn't old enough to (legally) get into the clubs, but his sound sure is a staple there. The Chicago producer is best known for hooking up with Chief Keef to make one of the years best songs, "I Don't Like."
Since then, he's turned out a multitude of bangers for Chicago artists. Lil Durk's "Right Here" and Lil Reese's "Us" are standouts, but he has plans to move beyond his region. Apparently, he's working with Drake, too. Plus, Chief Keef's latest jam "Love Sosa" has us anticipating Chop's beats on Keef's debut, Finally Rich, more than ever.
Twitter: @AlexanderSpit
From: San Francisco, CA
Has Produced For: Bago, CBG, himself
Signature Song: Alexander Spit "Campaign"
San Francisco-raised rapper/producer Alexander Spit is an up-and-coming West Coast artist who doesn't conform to the standards of pop music but is still working his way to the mainstream. His resumé includes Bago's impressive Sunday's Best mixtape and his own EP, A Breathtaking Trip.
His best work is the instrumental album, Mansions. Spit samples speeches from guys like Bill Cosby and Joe Rogan and mixes them with soul samples, somehow crafting awesome, complete songs out of them.
Anthony Lee
Twitter: @LeeOnTheBeats
From: Queens, NY
Has Produced For: French Montana, Kid Ink, Meek Mill, Freeway
Signature Song: French Montana f/ Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne "Pop That"
It took rapper-turned-producer Anthony Lee three hours to produce French Montana's 2 Live Crew-sampling posse cut "Pop That," one of the year's hottest party anthems. Additional credits to the 22-year-old's resume include Kid Ink's "Is It You" and co-production on Freeway's Superstar featuring Meek Mill. Apparently, he wanted to be an A&R back in high school, but it looks like he's better off now.
Cardo
Twitter: @CardoGotWings
From: Minnesota, MN
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Big Sean, Curren$y, Mac Miller
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "In The Cut"
We first got familiar with Cardo on Wiz Khalifa's Kush & OJ, when he produced the excellent "In The Cut." Since then he's been getting busy alongside artists like Sir Michael Rocks, Ty Dolla $ign, and Dom Kennedy. Most recently, he turned heads with his instrumental debut, Everything I$ Gold. Cardo is definitely established, but he's far from a household name. If he continues to churn out bangers, however, superproducer status won't be far off.
Chuck Strangers
Twitter: @Chuck_Strangers
From: Brooklyn, NY
Has Produced For: Joey BadA$$
Signature Song: Joey Bada$$ f/ Chuck Strangers "FromdaTomb$"
Rarely do debut mixtapes explode onto the masses the way Joey Bada$$'s 1999 project did. A good portion of the mixtape featured Joey rapping over classic beats from MF Doom and Lord Finesse, and then, there were beats from Chuck Strangers.
Strangers is a member of Joey's Pro Era crew, and he's produced several fan favorites including "Suspects," "FromdaTomb$," and "Daily Routine." Other projects he's been involved in include Joey's Rejex and his own mixtape, Freebass.
D.R.U.G.S.
Twitter: @tydollasign/@DjDahi/@nate_3d/@BuddahShampoo/@jameskoo
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: YG, Kid Ink, Iggy Azalea, Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Dom Kennedy
Signature Song: Ty Dolla $ign "My Cabana"
Dirty Rotten Underground Sound (D.R.U.G.S) first caught most people's attention with Iggy Azalea's viral hit "Pu$$Y." Then they impressed us once again with their production on Ty Dolla $ign's Beach House mixtape, including standout single "My Cabana."
The collective originally began with Ty Dolla $ign and Chordz 3D, but has since grown into seven-man team with the additions of Buddah, Nate 3D, James Koo, Fuego, and DJ Dahi (who recently produced Kendrick Lamar's "Money Trees"). Now that Ty is signed to Atlantic, their sound should continue to take off.
Digi + Phonics
Twitter: @daveisfree / @SounwaveTDE / @taebeast / @ichibanWillie
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock
Signature Song: Schoolboy Q "There He Go"
Top Dawg Entertainments in-house production collective, Digi+Phonics, consists of Dave Free, Willie B, Taebeast, and Sounwaveall of whom have contributed one way or another to each of TDEs multiple releases this year. Sounwave produced Kendricks bytch Dont Kill My Vibe" and Schoolboys There He Go," with Dave Free. Meanwhile, Dave Free provided the backdrop for Ab-Souls Terrorist Threats and Willie B worked on Schoolboys Gangsta In Designer (No Concept). Taebeast also gave Ab an anthem with Track Two. As long as TDE is winning, these guys will continue to as well.
DJ Mustard
Twitter: @DJmustard
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Tyga, Y.G, Nipsey Hussle, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz
Signature Song: Tyga "Rack City"
DJ Mustard's 808s and heavy barrage of claps have made him a pioneer of the "ratchet" sound best exemplified on Tyga's infectious strip club anthem, "Rack City." The Los Angeles native often stays true to his roots by providing sounds for locals such as YG, Nipsey Hussle, Ty Dolla $ign, and E-40. He's also produced Meek Mills "I'm Rollin'" and 2 Chainz Im Different."
DJ Spinz
Twitter: @SpinzHoodrich
From: Atlanta, GA
Has Produced For: Ca$h Out, Waka Flocka, Future, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Travis Porter
Signature Song: Ca$h Out "Cashin' Out"
DJ Spinz's production was a huge reason why Ca$h Out's "Cashin' Out" became a radio smash overnight. He's new to the game, working as a DJ in the late 2000s before making his way to the boards. The Hot 107.9 radio host has already crafted beats for some of the South's biggest artists, but it appears as if his best days as a producer are still ahead of him.
FKi
Twitter: @fkimusic
From: Atlanta, GA
Has Produced For: Travis Porter, Tyga, Ludacris
Signature Song: Travis Porter "Make It Rain"
FKi are the beatsmiths behind Iggy Azalea's "I Think She Ready" as well as her latest mixtape, Trapgold, and Travis Porter's strip club anthem, "Make It Rain." The ATL duo provides a new, refreshing sound for bass-lovers and they've also worked with party-music heavyweight, Diplo. Next up for them is a sequel to their own mixtape, Transformers N The Hood.
Harry Fraud
Twitter: @HarryFraud
From: Brooklyn, NY
Has Produced For: French Montana, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Action Bronson, Curren$y
Signature Song: French Montana f/ Charlie Rock "Shot Caller"
From his signature "La Musica de Harry Fraud" drop to his production on French Montana's "Shot Caller" and Juicy Js Stoners Night 2, Fraud is not to be taken lightly. His hard-hitting drums, eclectic sampling, and work alongside many of hip-hops best makes him not only a hot producer in the Empire State, but also throughout hip-hop. Beyond hip-hop, he's been composing original music for the International Emmy Awards for the past seven years.
Hudson Mohawke
Twitter: @HudMo
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Has Produced For: TNGHT, G.O.O.D. Music
Signature Song: Teyana Taylor and John Legend "Bliss"
Hudson Mohawke is one of the year's breakout stars. The producer and DJ spent years connecting with underground audiences through YouTube remixes and solo EPs while staying true to his electronic sound. His biggest exposure to American audiences came when he was called on to help produce numerous tracks on G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer.
Mohawke also paired up with Montreal's Lunice to form TNGHT, in hopes of changing the sonic landscape of hip-hop and giving it a more minimal, futuristic sound. That was applied on TNGHT's self-titled EP, which has also earned him acclaim in music circles this year.
Jahlil Beats
Twitter: @JahlilBeats
From: Chester, PA
Has Produced For: Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Diggy Simmons
Signature Song: Meek Mill f/ Big Sean "Burn"
The 23-year-old is responsible for cooking up one of the year's hottest tracks, Meek Mill's "Burn." Hes also been working high profile names like Jay-Z, J. Cole, Rick Ross, and No I.D. after signing with Roc Nation last year. Now his little brother, The Beat Bully, is another hot commodity in the game. Talent runs in the family.
KeY Wane
Twitter: @Key_Wane
From: Detroit, MI
Has Produced For: Meek Mill, Big Sean, Tyga, Chevy Woods
Signature Song: Meek Mill f/ Jeremih & Drake "Amen"
The 21-year-old Detroit native provided several beats on Big Sean's Detroit mixtape. Wane also laced Meek Mill with the "Amen" instrumental. In the meantime, he's still attending college at Tennessee State University. He recently signed a co-publishing deal with Sean and is expected to contribute heavily to Seans upcoming sophomore album.
Lifted
Twitter: @Lifted_NewFos
From: Phoenix, AZ
Has Produced For: G.O.O.D .Music, Swizz Beatz, Game, Lil Wayne, Baby, Cory Gunz, Los
Signature Song: G.O.O.D. Music "Mercy"
The DJ-turned producer started buzzing after crafting Game's HoodMorning (No Typo): Candy Coronas mixtape and working with Bad Boy signee, Los. The musically-diverse Lifted is now an in-house producer for G.O.O.D. Music, famously helping with much of the production on the crew's hit, "Mercy."
Michael Uzowuru
Twitter: @michaeluzowuru
From: Cypress, CA
Has Produced For: Domo Genesis, Hodgy Beats, Vince Staples
Signature Song: Domo Genesis Cashmere
Uzowuru has made some great contributions to Odd Future projects, but he also holds his own outside of the crew, most notably with rapper and frequent collaborator, Vince Staples. His soothing, moody productions are at their best on recent mixtape, Winter In Prague.
Mike Finito
Twitter: @MikeFinito
From: Queens, New York
Has Produced For: Heems, Das Racist
Signature Song: Heems f/ Lakutis & Kool A.D. "SWATE"
Heems of Das Racist set his high school buddy Mike Finito up for success when he showcased the producer's work on his Nehru Jackets mixtape. The beats obviously stood out because an instrumental version of the mixtape was later released. Finitos sound is so crucial because it captures the sound and feeling of a real place: Jackson Heights, Queens, an area dominated by Desis. Finito is largely able to do this by sampling Hindi films and songs, but his grungy drums and filtered sounds add so much more. The authenticity can't be beat.
Ryan Lewis
Twitter: @RyanLewis
From: Seattle, WA
Has Produced For: Macklemore
Signature Song: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ ScHoolBoy Q & Hollis "White Walls"
The past few weeks have been good for Macklemore's partner Ryan Lewis. He's coming off the release of his and Macklemore's debut studio album, The Heist, which sold over 74,000 copies in its first week of releaseimpressive for an indie project. After making that type of splash, there's no doubt that his sound will catch on outside of Macklemore and the Seattle hip-hop scene.
Sledgren
Twitter: @ImSledgren
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Chevy Woods, Kid Ink
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "Never Been"
Often you'll hear Wiz Khalifa shout out "Sledgro!" on his records. That's an ode to Sledgrengiven the moniker after former NFL star Edgerrin Jamesthe Taylor Gang producer who clicked with Wiz the second they met. The Pennsylvanian known for for his heavy use of samples has produced for Wiz dating back to Kush & Orange Juice. More recently, Sledgren crafted beats for Taylor Allderdice and has also worked alongside long-time friend Chevy Woods. Now, the world awaits his highly-anticipated contributions to Wiz's next LP, O.N.I.F.C.
THC
Twitter: @PRODUCEDBYTHC
From: Los Angeles, CA
Has Produced For: Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Chris Brown, Dom Kennedy, Tyga
Signature Song: Kendrick Lamar f/ Gunplay "Cartoon & Cereal"
The L.A. production duo made their mark on the West Coast by crafting beats for ScHoolboy Q ("Oxy Music"), Dom Kennedy ("The Ways"), and Kendrick Lamar. It's with Kendrick that "Cartoon & Cereal" was born, catapulting the two to national recognition. Don't be surprised if their names pop up on the next West Coast hit.
The Beat Bully
Twitter: @TheBeatBully
From: Chester, PA
Has Produced For: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled
Signature Song: Rick Ross f/ French Montana & Drake "Stay Schemin'"
True to his name (and not to be confused with Atlanta's The Beat Bullies), the 21-year-old has provided the sounds to Rick Ross hits "Stay Schemin" and "So Sophisticated," as well as Meek Mill's "House Party." Now that he's under the tutelage of New Orleans legend, Kenoe, one can only expect more major looks for him in the near future.
The Maven Boys
Twitter: @zalezy/@BretRyan
From: Toronto, ON
Has Produced For: Childish Gambino, Slaughterhouse, MMG, DJ Drama, J.Cole, Meek Mill, Drake
Signature Song: Childish Gambino f/ Nipsey Hussle "Black Faces"
The trend of rising musical talent in Toronto continues with the success of Zalezy and Bret Ryan, a.k.a. The Maven Boys. The duo are protégés of Boi-1da, and have co-produced Childish Gambino's "Black Faces" and MMG's posse cut "I Be Puttin' On" with him. They have a record on the way on Nicki Minaj's upcoming The Re-Up album, plus the title track to Game's Jesus Piece (which features Kanye West), and placement on French Montana's Excuse My Frenchall co-productions with Boi-1da as well.
The Watcherz
Twitter: @TheWatcherZLLC
From: Jersey City, NJ
Has Produced For: Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Lloyd Banks, Bow Wow
Signature Song: Wiz Khalifa "Spotlight"
The Watcherz have produced records like Mac Miller's "Don't Mind If I Do" and Lloyd Banks' "On The Double," in addition to working with Bow Wow, Lil B, and Sir Michael Rocks. Their biggest production to date is Wiz Khalifa's "Spotlight," a '70s-inspired beat on Kush & Orange Juice. Wiz explains their appeak best during the track's opening moments: "This beat go perfect with my belt."
Travi$ Scott
Twitter: @trvisXX
From: Houston, TX
Has Produced For: G.O.O.D Music, Kanye West
Signature Song: G.O.O.D. Music "Sin City"
We were all thinking "Who is Travi$ Scott?" when the rapper/producer appeared on G.O.O.D Music's Cruel Summer album. The 20-year-old's production was introduced to the world on album cuts "Sin City," "To The World," and "The Morning." He's currently finishing up his EP, Owl Pharaoh, and after his turn on Cruel Summer, expectations are rightfully high.
Young Chop
Twitter: @Youngchopbeatz
From: Chicago, IL
Has Produced For: Chief Keef, Drake, Gucci Mane, Lil Reese
Signature Song: Chief Keef f/ Lil Reese "I Don't Like"
Young Chop isn't old enough to (legally) get into the clubs, but his sound sure is a staple there. The Chicago producer is best known for hooking up with Chief Keef to make one of the years best songs, "I Don't Like."
Since then, he's turned out a multitude of bangers for Chicago artists. Lil Durk's "Right Here" and Lil Reese's "Us" are standouts, but he has plans to move beyond his region. Apparently, he's working with Drake, too. Plus, Chief Keef's latest jam "Love Sosa" has us anticipating Chop's beats on Keef's debut, Finally Rich, more than ever.
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mortuus est
Veteran
You guys need to check out Alexander Spit, got some sexy instrumentals
Pool_Shark
Can’t move with me in this digital space
Mac Casper
@adonnis - pull up, there's refreshments
So for production, let's use a mixing board for the article's image 
So for production, let's use a mixing board for the article's image
mixing boards play a large part in production.
Mac Casper
@adonnis - pull up, there's refreshments
Ya...
in mixing aspects
thats 50% of the battle to make a dope beat; imagine your fav beat with the bass too low or too high snares/high hats
a beat has to be leveled correctly and mixed to the producers liking in order for it to work.
Mac Casper
@adonnis - pull up, there's refreshments
thats 50% of the battle to make a dope beat; imagine your fav beat with the bass too low or too high snares/high hats
a beat has to be leveled correctly and mixed to the producers liking in order for it to work.
No doubt, mixing is one of the most important aspects of any record (or combination of sound for that matter) ... but I'm still not looking at anyone who identifies a mixing board with a producer as credible
With that said, I do understand a mixing board looks a hell of a lot cooler than some software plug-in or a keyboard and is probably more recognizable to the average read than a drum pad. I get it, just don't agree with it
Djalminha
Pro
Ilajide & Kankick
Clapsteel O'Neal
put a red dot on your head like a hindu
hudson mohawke
new?
new?
Ghpstface
Kanye West fan
thats 50% of the battle to make a dope beat; imagine your fav beat with the bass too low or too high snares/high hats
a beat has to be leveled correctly and mixed to the producers liking in order for it to work.
That's more engineering than producing, though.
Torrential
LWO
No love for Illangelo?