MY TOP 5 PRODUCERS OF 2021: THE FUTURE OF RAP.
Producing in rap has to be one of the most unique attributes to the overall feel of a song or project. This may include the use of samples or specific instruments that may give the listener an overall feel. But, who are some of the best (in the 21st century) to encapsulate this experience? This is my top 5 producers in rap.
Each producer is unique in their own way. There is no producer who is absolutely better or worse than the other. This means that my list is based on opinion. It is safe to say that this list may be a reflection to the type of music I listen to, which also may sway my opinion. Because of this, I would say that there is no order in which I rank these 5 producers. They are all great.
MY TOP 5 PRODUCERS (AS OF 2021):
1. METRO BOOMIN
Metro Boomin has been at the forefront of production, or at least for the 2010s until now. I think he knows how to curate a certain sound to perfection and emulate a certain mood. I like his nametags as he received them from Young Thug and Future. His instrumental are very trap-oriented. I started listening to Metro around the time of What a Time to Be Alive with Drake and Future and while his production on that album was excellent, he continued to flourish.
SONGS PRODUCED BY METRO BOOMIN:
- Savage Mode 2 (Project)- 21 Savage
- Perfect Timing (Mixtape)- Nav
- Not All Heroes Wear Capes (Project)- Metro Boomin
2. NICK MIRA/ TAZ TAYLOR OF INTERNET MONEY
Nick Mira and Taz Taylor are both the founders of Internet Money. Growing from selling instrumentals from the Internet, I think they best express the understanding of one’s worth. With their association with many upcoming rappers, they help many artists grow from the underground scene to superstardom. Many of their instrumentals are ver emotion because of their utilization of specific instruments. This includes sparkly acoustic guitars, xylophones, and traditional pianos. In the present day, I appreciate their contribution to helping other producers with their tutorials on their Youtube channel.
SONGS PRODUCED BY NICK MIRA/ TAZ TAYLOR:
- Lemonade- Feat. Nav, Gunna and Don Toliver
- His and Hers- Feat. Don Toliver, Gunna and Lil Uzi Vert
- Lucid Dreams- Juice Wrld (Prod. by Nick Mira)
3. WHEEZY
In the past couple of years, I think Wheezy has been someone that has captured my attention. Many of his productions have been on Billboard within the past couple of years. With his association with the likes of Gunna, Nav, and Lil Baby, there is no doubt that he shouldn’t be on my list. With his trap-oriented instrumentals and name tag from the one and only Future, the listener knows what they are in for.
SONGS PRODUCED BY WHEEZY:
4. KANYE WEST
Kanye West is the best sampler in my opinion. Throughout his career, I like how he was able to transition from a producer into a rapper. I think this has paved the way for others like Pierre Bourne, who has done the same. I compare much of Kanye West to art itself. There is nothing else that any of his projects are comparable to. I think this is also a reflection of his production.
SONGS PRODUCED BY KANYE WEST:
- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Project)- Kanye West
- Daytona (Project) – Pusha T
- Kids See Ghosts (Project)- Kid Cudi
5. MURDA BEATZ
Murda Beatz has been making many hits over the past decade. Working with the likes of Travis Scott and Drake, it wouldn’t be illogical for him to appear on my top 5 list in production. His production style is very commercial, in a way that he knows will do exceptionally well on charts. I think this can be seen with Butterfly Effect by Travis Scott. To mirror that, Travis also made the song mostly radio-friendly, and it was catchy, so the song was bound to do well on Billboard charts.
SONGS PRODUCED BY MURDA BEATZ:
TOP 5 PRODUCERS: HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. PIERRE BOURNE
I first noticed Pierre bourne at the same time I heard from Playboi Carti on Magnolia. His signature nametag (Yo Pierre! You wanna come out here?) is infectious. Being in the rap industry for a while gave Pierre was way to expand his skills and talents. With the recent release of his album The Life of Pierre 5, I really enjoyed the sparkly instrumentals that he used. I would compare his sound to the colors that Takashi Murakami utilizes in his artwork. I think his instrumentals are unique, almost cartoony in a way, but he also has production on more mainstream instrumentals.
SONGS PRODUCED BY:
- Magnolia- Playboi Carti
- The Life of Pierre 5 (Project)- Pierre Bourne
- Pain 1993- Drake Feat. Playboi Carti
2. SOUTHSIDE OF 808 MAFIA
Southside has worked with the likes of Lil Uzi Vert, Future etc. I also think he has a commercial and trap-oriented sound. Similar to Metro Boomin, I think Southside also knows how to encapsulate an experience for the listener. This can be shown on sinister instrumentals like 21 Savage’s No Heart, or Future’s Wicked. I think he knows which artist works best on specific instrumentals, or he has the ability to cater instrumentals to specific artists. Similar to Metro, I don’t believe many producers have this ability.
SONGS PRODUCED BY SOUTHSIDE:
- I’m The Plug- Drake and Future
- Black and Chinese- Travis Scott and Quavo
- G Herbo- Swervo
3. KENNY BEATS
Like Internet money, Kenny beats has also been utilizing Youtube to the best of his potential. He as worked with the likes of Ski Mask the Slump God, Rico Nasty, and Denzel Curry. His instrumentals are very experimental and unique. I also think this is reflective of the people he works with. This can be heard in songs like Roaring ’20s by Flo Milli and Jesus is the One (I Got Depression) by Zack Fox.
SONGS PRODUCED BY:
MY TOP 5 PRODUCERS: CONCLUSION
To conclude, every producer on this list are unique. I like how the listener can hear the differences within their sounds instead of relying specifically on a certain sound. Will this list change in the near future? We will have to wait to see the next upcoming producers!
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