The Hit List: 7 Producers Killing the Game

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 ‘woah kenny’ and know for the next 2 minutes and 30 seconds I got your back.” Just last year Kenny produced a majority of Rico Nasty’s album Nasty, the entirety of Key!’s 777 album, Allblack’s 2 Minute Drills, a healthy chunks of Vince Staples F.M., and Freddie Gibbs’ Freddie in addition to a gluttony of singles by some of the most popping artists like J.I.D, Zack Fox, and Huncho Jack. Recently, Kenny just started up The Cave, a YouTube series where Kenny will recruit other artists and producers to create a beat and freestyle over it, once again showcasing his love for the collaborative effort.

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!’ Buddah Bless is the one to call. Buddah Bless’ strongest suit may be his ability to flip soul samples into some of the hardest beats. His work on Huncho Jack’s “Modern Slavery” resonates with the soulful twang of Otis Redding’s “Cigarettes and Coffee,” his production on 2 Chainz “Trap Check” masterfully interpolates T.I.’s “ASAP.” Buddah Bless is a master at chopping samples, even though he doesn’t need them. As one of 2 Chainz, Migos, and Young Dolph’s go-to producers, Buddah Bless is sure to continue his ascent to the highest levels of the music industry.

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 Valee an MC as off-kilter as ChaseTheMoney’s production. His rumbling, ambient production has captured the ears of J.I.D., Ski Mask the Slump God, Smokepurpp and Blocboy JB. With beats that hit like thunder on the blackest night, there’s no wonder why rappers chase his production.

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 GRAMMYs for his production on Kendrick Lamar’s “LOVE.,” from his Best Rap Album winning project DAMN. and Jay Rock’s Black Panther smash “King’s Dead” featuring Kendrick, Future, and James Blake, which won Best Rap Performance.

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, Moneybagg Yo and co-produced the Gunna-assisted standout track record “Yosemite” from Travis Scott’s Grammy-nominated Astroworld album. After a spectacular year that included a platinum plaque, the “Drip Too Hard” producer is sure to be running it back to the top of the charts soon.

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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