Music has played a major role in Drumma Boy’s life since birth. Born to a mother who was a classically trained opera singer and a father who was the first black person to hold the first chair in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Drumma Boy was destined to carve a spot for himself in the music industry. After attending the University of Memphis and honing his production skills, he moved to Atlanta and soon became one of the most sought after producers in hip-hop. In a recent interview with rolling out, Drumma Boy talked out about his rich musical background and the producers who inspire him. –a.r.
Beyond growing up in a family that embraced classical music, what other components have inspired your production?
I came up playing the piano and clarinet. I could’ve been in the orchestra, but I really wanted to mix the best of both worlds in hip-hop with the street aspect of what we had going on in Memphis, [Tenn.]. It was the hunger and pain of knowing that you have to make something out of nothing. That’s the foundation of gospel, blues, R&B and funk.
How has your background given you an advantage as a producer?
I started off making orchestra pieces and I did a couple joints for my school that helped teach kids how to remember quadratic formulas. But I was also capable of making music for acts such Yo Gotti, 8 Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia. I made a name for myself in rap, but now I’m exploring avenues with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Goapele, and Keyshia Cole. My background in music is really an advantage for me because I have done the hardest part by learning different forms of music. Everything else is now second nature.
Which producers have inspired you?
Quincy Jones wrote, arranged and coordinated a lot of orchestra compositions in to his music, which is something I do a lot. I also like Dr. Dre’s desire and his hunger to want to make his drums sound so clear and the technical aspect of him wanting things to be so perfect. P. Diddy has great marketing tactics, so you always have to respect him for keeping himself relevant.
