Chicago’s production community is proving to be as diverse and competitive as its rap scene. With the many genres and sub-genres of the scene, there are many producers that have been making a name for themselves. Many people fail to realize that, with the right producer you can create your own lane and fan base. Many people fail to realize the importance of production, where would we be without them? Take a look at our list below of some of the most influential faces of the city.
Plu2o Nash would have to top this list. Plu2o helped craft the alternative trap sound that developed the careers of the likes of rising star Lucki Eck$, and rap veteran A$AP Rocky. It also baffles me that he is very young, yet he has received cosigns from the likes of Pharrell and Justin Timberlake. Just to think that these very diverse artists are in the same paragraph is amazing. Plu2o’s style consists of droopy, dreamy samples, coupled with gritty 808/kick drums, reverb heavy snares and cymbals. This combination is the bittersweet contradiction that has allowed Plu20 Nash to catch the ear of an ever growing fan base.
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Mulatto Beats is also an incredibly notable name as he has been powering the Hurt Everybody movement. Mulatto’s production makes it hard to pinpoint the genre Hurt Everybody embodies time and time again. Mulatto has also worked with Lucki Eck$ & Mick Jenkins on a hometown hit or two. He’s proven to be capable of adding his flavor to a wide variety of styles. Mulatto’s style features trap-like drum sounds with stretched samples that leave you time to take in the soothing waves of his production.
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Vela Seff is another young producer that is crafting his own sound. He’s worked with a few of the 197 artists that have gained a few thousand listens on SoundCloud. He has recently been creating special selections with Joey Destino. This pair fit together seamlessly, reminiscent of how easy Chance and Nate Fox just seem to fit. He also released a beat tape around this time last year that opened a lot of ears. He’s set to release another project before it gets too cold in the city. Vela’s style relies heavily on looped samples and solid drum kits. He separates himself from others by never releasing iffy material. He also doesn’t over saturate the market.
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Another top notch producer you can’t miss out on is Flight. The in-house producer for Feo Mob really does do his thing on the beat; he has easily put out some of the most diverse pieces of production I have come across in the past year. Although this is an artist who likes to stay true to his team, I wouldn’t doubt that he has something up his sleeve for the city. He has released some heavy, high tempo beats as well as some soft & soothing tunes – you really can’t put this guy in a box.
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Lastly, Monte Booker has been making major solo moves. I first heard of him a few months ago through a friend who that is particularly great with the aux cord. Monte also exclusively produced Chicago singer Ravyn Lenae’s project that has gained her a tangible fan base both locally and nationally. Monte’s style is great for any weather and background listening. He uses crisp keys and neo soul influenced drums with a more up beat feel. His sounds say alot, proving to demand a certain level of skill from his choice of vocalist.
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All of these producers are in shape to make the jump to mainstream music and a bigger listener demographic. Keep an eye out for their next move.