Trap music is a global phenomenon and has been a cornerstone of hip-hop production for more than a decade. The distorted drums and hi-hat rolls have made their way to every continent from Africa to Asia with no sign of slowing down. This couldn’t have happened without the producers we’ve listed below. Drop a comment on who you think should be in part two.
Note: For this first edition we’re covering mostly the early 2000s. We’ll get the 2010’s later. Lastly, this list is in no particular order…
1. Shawty Redd
Shawty Redd is often credited as one of the founding pioneers of trap music and is most notably known for his work with Young Jeezy on his debut album Let’s get It: Thug motivation 101. An album that sonically laid a foundation for what would ultimately become a full-blown subculture of hip-hop. His unique chord progressions combined with the horror-like element that he brought to the production scene instantly changed the sound of hip-hop, especially in 2005, where Atlanta was known more for his dance and club music than anything. In the years since TM101 Redd went on to work with artists like Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg, etc., and without his contributions to Trap Music There’s no telling where the genre would be.
2. Zaytoven
Zay is another producer who helped pioneer the trap sound is touted as Gucci Mane’s right-hand man (especially in the early 2000’s). At a time where many artists were branching off getting several songs from multiple producers, Gucci was working closely with Zaytoven, and with that, they crafted a sound that became unique to Atlanta’s soundscape and helped catapult the city to stardom. Zaytoven has worked with burgeoning acts artists in ATL and along with his peers on this list, he is one of the most underappreciated producers have today. He’s most notably known for hit records including “First Day Out” from Gucci Mane’s “Writing On The Wall” mixtape and more recently Versace by the Migos. Without Zaytoven.
3. DJ Toomp
There’s no telling where Trap Music & Atlanta as a whole would be without DJ Toomp. Toomp is most notably known for his work with rapper T.I., specifically on Trap Muzik, Urban Legend, and KING. DJ Toomp’s career started in the 80s where he became one of the first DJs to break out from Atlanta. After him, the doors opened for many others including OutKast, Jermaine Dupri, etc. Some of his biggest singles include ’24’s’ & ‘Be Easy.’ You don’t know me and what you know. He’s still active today in the music scene and has worked with everyone from Wale to Mariah Carey
4. Lex Luger
Lex is one of the Godfathers of Trap Music. Lex Luger’s sound dominated the 2010’s and he first got his start in the game playing drums in the church during his early teens and shortly after his uncle bought him an MPC to help jumpstart his musical dreams. Upon connecting with Waka Flocka (who at the time was signed to Gucci Mane’s imprint Brick Squad) the two created a monster record that catapulted Lex’s sound into the mainstream. His work soon caught the ears of artists like Kanye West, Rick Ross, Curren$y & more where he ultimately shifted the sound of hip-hop for years to come. Along with the producer we’re listing below Trap Music became a full genre because of their collective influence.
5. 808 Mafia
No list is complete without 808 Mafia. While the trap genre grew in the early 2000s It reached its maturity when Southside got together with Lex Luger, TM88, & Fuse. This union created space for a new sound complete with syncopated high hats rolls, hard-hitting drums, and distorted 808 bass; All characteristics that have become the standard for trap music as we know it today. All of this can be brought back to 808 Mafia, and the Godfathers of modern trap music. Southside and Lex Luger’s work started in 2010 with Waka Flocka, one of his early Flockaveli mixtapes, and has since evolved into them working with the likes of Kanye West. 2 Chainz, and many more. Listening to Atlanta’s current soundscape and the way production has changed since then there is no doubt that every producer’s style has been influenced in some way, by the work of 808 Mafia.
6. Drumma Boy
Last but not least, we have to talk about Drumma Boy. Drumma hails from Memphis has been producing hits for artists for a long time. He’s worked with a slew of artists, including Gucci mane, T.I., & Monica each time bringing his unique Memphis production style and sound to the scene. While many producers shifted over to digital Drumma is also known for his affinity for drum machines the result of which can be heard from his hard-hitting snares & lush brass instruments. Drumma has been at this for a while and is currently working with a new generation of artists including Rod Wave. He’s even opened up a clothing shop in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.
Overall, these are the producers we have to credit with the innovation of Trap Music as we see it today. And, we have to give them their flowers while they are here. If you happen to run across this post, and they cross your mind, feel free to add them and let them know you appreciate their music and their contributions. Peace.
— Drum Machine Addicts
