August 25, 2024
If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.
Read moreAugust 23, 2024
Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...
Read moreJuly 17, 2024
Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...
Read moreJuly 8, 2024
Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...
Read moreIn the changing landscape of hip-hop, few producers have done more than Metro Boomin. His signature sound and sonic innovation have made him not only the most popular star in the industry but has changed the perception of contemporary rap. In everything from chart-topping singles to innovative collaborations, Metro Boomin has established himself as one of the most prolific producers of his generation.
The Journey Begins
The musical star of Metro Boomin, Leland Tyler Wayne was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He began making beats when he was 13, on the then-hot digital audio studio, FruityLoops. What began as a pastime was soon turned into a passion, and by high school Metro was already making a name for himself, contacting emerging artists and sharing his music on social media.
Though far from hip-hop’s centres of gravity in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Metro’s passion and passion were palpable. As a high school student, he travelled to Atlanta a lot and met some of the leading rappers. He got his big break collaborating with Atlanta’s budding young stars, and before long he was producing Future and Young Thug, sounding the way that a new rap culture was to emerge.
The Metro Boomin Sound
What separates Metro Boomin from other producers is his signature sound: heavy atmospheric beats, dense 808s, hi-hats and melancholic lyrics. This sound became the core of many huge successes, from Future, 21 Savage and Travis Scott. Metro’s production is a no-brainer, be it the ghostly piano notes of Future’s "Mask Off" or the grinding beats of 21 Savage’s "Bank Account", there is no denying his work.
Metro Boomin want some more, nigga," as sung by the rapper Future, is the producer tag of a hit song. This is a promise to the audience that they are in for something special and Metro rarely lets you down.
A Hitmaker and Innovator
It wasn’t just beats that brought Metro to the fore; it was reinventing the sonic landscape of hip-hop. His productions for Future’s "DS2" and the cult album "What a Time to Be Alive" featuring Drake took him to superstardom. As his career continued to boom, Metro was well known for his blend of hard-groove trap with a movie soundtrack feel that made his work sound more like an experience than just songs.
Among Metro Boomin’s most famous projects has been his 21 Savage produced "Savage Mode" and "Savage Mode II". These initiatives showed how Metro can play with an artist’s image and lyrics, seamlessly enhancing the entire package for listeners worldwide. With the eerie instrumentals and 21 Savage’s gutsy performance, the record was an original that defined the genre for decades to come.
Expanding His Legacy
And Metro Boomin, even with all his glitz and glory, has not let up. Over the last few years, he’s diversified outside of production to be an executive producer on several projects and even outside of music. He was a cultural force and his record still inspires producers and artists.
Besides his music, Metro also has utilised his fame to promote causes he cares about. He’s been outspoken on mental health, and open about putting one’s body first in an industry that can expect constant productivity.
The Future of Metro Boomin
The legacy of Metro Boomin continues, but he has made hip-hop a legend. Every project he pushes the definition of what production can be, constantly introducing new standards and reinventing the norm. Either producing anthems that fill the airwaves or curating whole albums with a narrative, Metro is someone you can count on for decades to come.
Fans are just waiting to see what he’ll pull up next: until Metro Boomin retires, the music industry will still see the power of an original. If you’re familiar with him as a producer, hit-maker, or founder of hip-hop today, Metro Boomin has left an imprint, and he’s not finished yet.