Metro Boomin: Trap Architect

Metro Boomin builds the cavernous, macabre sound of contemporary rap, shaping Atlanta trap with Future, Young Thug, and Migos through eerie synths and booming 808s.

Tracklist

  1. Ric Flair Drip — Offset & Metro Boomin
  2. Thought It Was a Drought — Future
  3. Hercules — Young Thug
  4. X — 21 Savage & Metro Boomin ft. Future
  5. Bad and Boujee — Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert
  6. 10 Freaky Girls — Metro Boomin ft. 21 Savage
  7. Tunnel Vision — Kodak Black
  8. Creepin' — Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Ric Flair Drip — Offset & Metro Boomin

Offset & Metro Boomin opens with 'Ric Flair Drip' — a defining moment in the story of Dive into Metro Boomin's production influence in Atlanta's trap scene, tracing his collaborations and signature sound across the genre..

Thought It Was a Drought — Future

Leland Tyler Wayne, better known as Metro Boomin, started making beats at 13 in St. Louis and by 16, was traveling to Atlanta to connect with artists like Future. He even dropped out of Morehouse College, telling his mom, "I knew I had to make a choice, rather than slacking in both these areas." This work ethic led to an undeniable bond with Future, shaping the sound of trap. Here’s one of their early collaborations, "Thought It Was a Drought."

Hercules — Young Thug

Metro Boomin's genius extended beyond just one artist. During the mid-2010s Atlanta mixtape era, he was churning out bold, experimental music at a breakneck pace with many artists. He credits this period as when he went "from a beatmaker to a full-fledged producer," often standing in the vocal booth with artists like Gucci Mane. This next track, Young Thug's "Hercules," showcases that raw, shapeshifting energy Metro helped cultivate.

X — 21 Savage & Metro Boomin ft. Future

Metro’s ability to create a cohesive sonic universe with specific artists became a hallmark of his career. His collaborative albums are legendary, including projects like Savage Mode II with 21 Savage. He has a unique approach, as his tour bus director Vladimir “V Live” Samedi notes, "A lot of times an artist will say, ‘I want to work with you, but send me beats.’ With Metro, it’s the opposite. He wants to create with you at a very intentional level." Hear that synergy on "X" by 21 Savage & Metro Boomin, featuring Future.

Bad and Boujee — Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert

By 2017, Metro Boomin had solidified his place at the top, becoming the architect of contemporary rap's cavernous, macabre sound. He achieved a number-one hit by age 23 with Migos’ "Bad and Boujee," featuring Lil Uzi Vert, which went on to be certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. This track perfectly encapsulates the eerie synth loops and booming 808s that became his signature, spreading from Atlanta to define hip-hop at large.

10 Freaky Girls — Metro Boomin ft. 21 Savage

Metro Boomin isn't just a producer; he's a movement, known for his signature tag – "Metro Boomin want some more." His solo ventures proved equally impactful, with his debut studio album Not All Heroes Wear Capes going platinum by age 25. He continued to build on this success with collaborative projects, including "10 Freaky Girls" from his album Not All Heroes Wear Capes, featuring his frequent collaborator 21 Savage.

Tunnel Vision — Kodak Black

Even when not releasing full collaborative albums, Metro Boomin's influence permeated the genre, making him the go-to producer for countless artists. He's produced 115 Billboard Hot 100 songs, including 10 top 10 hits. His distinctive production, characterized by soulful samples and orchestral finishes, often elevated tracks to new heights. Here’s an example of his pervasive sound, Kodak Black's "Tunnel Vision."

Creepin' — Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage

Metro's evolution continued, moving from rugged trap sounds to grander, more cinematic production, as demonstrated on his 2022 album Heroes & Villains. This expansion led him to executive produce Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack in 2023, showcasing his ability to take over pop music without compromising his signature sound. This track, "Creepin'," featuring The Weeknd and 21 Savage, highlights his continued innovation and widespread appeal.

Thanks for joining us on OffStereo. His visionary production forever reshaped a genre, urging us to consider the enduring power of sound.

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