Drumma Boy is a Grammy award-winning multi-platinum producer from Memphis. He’s been making hit after hit for over a decade and has worked with the likes of Atlanta trap artists such as Young Jeezy, T.I, and others.
Drumma Boy spoke with rolling out about why he decided to become a producer and the evolution of music throughout his career.
How did you learn to start producing?
I started to learn about producing when I was in Memphis and we went to church. My father was in the orchestra and my mom was in the opera. People in the streets of Memphis inspired me such as Three 6 Mafia, and there were so many different influences such as Playa Fly and Project Pat. My older brother helped me as well. It’s like a pot of gumbo, as far as just all the different dimensions of elements of music in Memphis. We have country music right up to the street in Nashville, and we’re the Home of the Blues. It’s just like a big melting pot. One moment led to the next, and my brother introduced me to somebody and I ended up making some music for their album. I’ve done a lot of stuff for Yo Gotti and Gangsta Boo and I took what I learned and came to Atlanta. Pastor Troy was one of the first artists I worked with here, and then I started working with rappers such as Jeezy, Rocko, and Plies, and it just became a process.
What role does versatility play in being a producer?
Versatility is essential, and I think that’s the dope thing about working with so many different people. That’s what makes everything such a blessing When I work with Dre or I listen to Master P or Birdman, you have so many different colors and versatility of artists. I think if you put those people in the room, it helps them, and now you see Lil Wayne starting to sing a lot more once he got around Drake or other artists. Before that, he was just rapping. With that, you see and learn how to develop and make a hook and a full song. Your environment helps you become more versatile. Traveling, reading, and understanding other people’s stories can help you become versatile as well.
What’s your favorite part of being a producer?
Touching the people. Seeing the reaction when I walk out and see 20,000 people out there and that song drops and they know it word for word. People getting happy, crunk, and turnt up is one of the best feelings. That’s the best transfer of emotion that I can see and visualize. I appreciate it and it helps you want to do more and make music for the world.
