Hip-Hop is ever-evolving, each year there’s a captivating new sound. As the internet expands the audio palette, new visionaries enter the fray blessing our ears with eclectic sounds. Rap music is the most malleable form of music on the globe and a large part of that is due to the producers of the world. Some producers opt for a more melodic styling while others rattle the world around you, but all of them play an important role in the musical environment and the cultural zeitgeist as a whole. With the plethora of sounds bubbling over, it’s about time we take a look at some of the producers elevating the game and changing the soundscape.
Monte Booker
Chicago’s Monte Booker knows how to make it bounce. As a part of the Zero Fatigue crew, Monte has played an immense role in the career explosions of both Smino and Ravyn Lenae offering springy yet soulful production for his crewmates. Outside of the squad, Monte has blessed several of his fellow Chicagoans like Taylor Bennett, Mick Jenkins, Noname, and Saba with his liquid, T-1000-esque production. Whether it be food for the soul or beats for your feet, Monte got groove.
Notable Jams: ‘Kolors’ by Monte Booker, ‘Anita’ by Smino, ‘Free Room’ by Ravyn Lenae, ‘Sunny Duet’ by Noname
Kenny Beats
Formerly known as DJ LoudPvck in his EDM days Kenny Beats soon became one of Hip-Hop’s favorite sons. His trunk rattling production, sonic range, and his nature for crafting beats specifically for an artist’s sound makes him one of the most dynamic producers of the day. Kenny once tweeted “I just want people to hear that ‘
Notable Jams: ‘Dubai Shit’ by Huncho Jack, ‘Smack A Bitch’ by Rico Nasty, ‘Slick Talk’ by J.I.D., ‘Square Up’ by Zack Fox, ‘Toronto’ by Key!, ‘Fun!’ by Vince Staples
Buddah Bless
When you need the trap to say ‘Amen!’
Notable Jams: ‘Call Casting’ by Migos, ‘Big Amount’ by 2 Chainz, ‘Insomnia’ by Takeoff, ‘Pass Out’ by Quavo, ‘Slave Owner’ by Young Dolph, ‘On My Soul’ by Key Glock
ChaseTheMoney
If you want your bones to vibrate and have a penchant for kooky, interstellar production, St. Louis’ ChaseTheMoney is the one for you. ChaseTheMoney is so nice that you gotta say his name twice. ChaseTheMoney partners frequently with Chicago’s
Notable Jams: ‘Off Deez’ by J.I.D. ft. J.Cole, ‘Faucet Failure’ by Ski Mask the Slump God, ‘Are U Live’ by Jeremih and Chance the Rapper, ‘Piped Up’ by Comethazine, ‘I Got Whatever’ by Valee
Teddy Walton
GRAMMY award-winning producer Teddy Walton is one of Memphis’ heaviest hitters. After getting his first major placement on ScHoolboy Q’s “Electric Body” featuring A$AP Rocky, Teddy took off following it up with the oozingly cool production of A$AP Rocky’s “LSD,” taking it to the 502 with a group of tracks on Bryson Tiller’s sophomore album True to Self, then joining The Marathon with a slew of tracks on Nipsey Hussle’s GRAMMY-nominated Victory Lap album. He’s truly become transcendent after constructing Goldlink’s now 3X Platinum hit “Crew” and earning
Notable Jams: ‘LOVE.’ by Kendrick Lamar, ‘King’s Dead’ by Jay Rock ft. Kendrick Lamar, Future, & James Blake, ‘Double Up’ by Nipsey Hussle ft DOM KENNEDY, ‘Crew’ by Goldlink, ‘Set It Off’ by Bryson Tiller, ‘Spoil My Night’ by Post Malone, ‘Pop Another’ by Maxo Kream
Turbo
The “run that back, Turbo” tag that graces Turbo’s production couldn’t be more appropriate. The guitar-laden samples that he incorporates in most of his production strum their way to your soul and you just can’t help but to play it over and over again. Known best for his work with the dripped out wordsmith Gunna, Turbo’s resume is growing every day–he’s worked with Lil Yachty, Young Thug, 03 Greedo,
Notable Jams: ‘Drip Too Hard’ by Gunna and Lil Baby, ‘Yosemite’ by Travis Scott, ‘Sold Out Dates’ by Gunna ft. Lil Baby, ‘Do You Understand?’ by Shy Glizzy, ‘Wat U On’ by Moneybagg Yo, ‘Slimed In’ by Young Thug
Quay Global
If you hit play and hear that “cook that up, Quay” you know it’s ‘bout to bang. QC’s 20-year old hitmaker extraordinaire is the one responsible for most of Lil Baby’s thumping production including his breakout hit “My Dawg.” In an interview with Fader magazine, the young ATLien detailed how his first producer placement came through a chance meeting with Gucci Mane just days after quitting his job. Now, he’s chalked up credits for burgeoning stars like City Girls, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Yella Beezy, and Young Scooter.
Notable Jams: ‘My Dawg’ by Lil Baby, ‘No Time’ by City Girls, ‘Walk Thru’ by Hoodrich Pablo Juan, ‘Hook Up’ by Quality Control, ‘Life Goes On’ by Lil Baby
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