For an era that has more super-producers than ever it’s surprising that the beatmakers still don’t get the respect they deserve. It’s the main reason why formerly prolific producer Sonny Digital a couple of months ago took to social media to explain why he himself became a vocal artist and suggested a union to settle the qualms had by producers. But it’s not only a monetary issue, its one that deals with recognition for the part they play in the music. This year's Grammy nominations included one glaring omission-- Metro Boomin for producer of the year. That’s just how substantial this problem is, that even rap’s most recognizable producer can’t seem to crack the code on how to get the credit he deserves.
Some producers solution to the problem is simply not to produce for any artists at all, and instead remain in the electronic lane, cranking out tapes where their production is the focal point and forcing recognition that way. Others have chosen only to produce for only a few artists who they really have faith in to help build their name, and then, of course, there are the producers who put quantity at the forefront, giving their beats out to anyone with a valid checking account. Whatever their solutions are it shouldn’t be necessary in an era where we know more about the music than ever. We should appreciate all of the producers out there blending genres, establishing the foundations for the tracks we love and making truly fascinating music.
In celebration of that, here's a run-down of 15 producers thriving on Soundcloud that you should become familiar with.
Slauson Malone
Artist we would like to see Slauson Malone work with: Earl Sweatshirt
Follow Slauson Malone on Soundcloud
New York producer Slauson Malone is insanely talented. Malone was one of the mind’s behind Standing On The Corner’s jazz, spoken word, African and hip hop fusion project Red Burns, and also exists as one half of the impressive rapper/producer duo Medslaus, both of which are on the rise. His production style is admirable, because his inventive approach attempting to blend a wide array of influences into one shouldn’t work, but he’s talented enough to make it all mesh. Most producers play it safe and thrive making beats they know the rap world will accept. Malone isn’t following any of the rap producer rules and sometimes it’s enjoyable watching a producer juggle all of these creative thoughts in real time.
Sam Gellaitry
Artist we would like to see Sam Gellaitry work with: Frank Ocean
Follow Sam Gellaitry on Soundcloud
Scottish producer Sam Gellaitry is an electronic music gem. Over the past couple of years Sam has built an absurdly dedicated following on Soundcloud through releasing some of the most consistently genre pushing music on the platform, all eventually leading up to his deal with Independent powerhouse XL Recordings. Sam Gellaitry has yet to work with rappers, but if his samples and DJ mixes illustrate anything its that he has a huge appreciation for the genre and maybe following in the path of another former electronic standout like Hudson Mohawke could be a direction Sam chooses to go in. But for now Sam seems content releasing his music as he currently does and waiting until the right artist comes around who can handle such lush production.
Monte Booker
Artist we would like to see Monte Booker work with: Isaiah Rashad
Follow Monte Booker on Soundcloud
Monte Booker’s style is true to the Soulection brand, but where he has a leg up on the rest of his contemporaries is the proven ability to assist a rapper in carving out a solid project. Producing almost the entire Smino debut Blkswn, his laid back and eclectic style is a bit strange for rap, but for artists who flourish over unconventional production, Monte Booker should become a reliable hand.
Oogie Mane
Artist we would like to see Oogie Mane work with: Lil Uzi Vert
Follow Oogie Mane on Soundcloud
Working On Dying producer, by the way of Philly, Oogie Mane has had his profile heightened along with the rest of his crew due to their work with Matt Ox, but regardless of your opinion on that Oogie is a producer on Soundcloud to keep your eye on. Oogie, with his signature bass that may very well blow out your speakers, and always-catchy melodies, has the ability to produce for a laundry list of artists, and its surprising he doesn’t have more placements. Still, the Working On Dying collective has always liked to keep their work in house so it’ll be interesting see if, and how, they expand in 2018.
Dylan Brady
Artist we would like to see Dylan Brady work with: Denzel Curry
Follow Dyan Brady on Soundcloud
Dylan Brady is an oddball with a versatile style that reaches far into the depths of both electronic and alternative music, while also happening to have solid hip hop production fundamentals that make him a complete beatmaker. Brady does a nice job taking the strangeness down a notch on tracks he produces for rappers, whereas his most creative songs might be tough for an artist to shine on. His use of the electric guitar works when paired with the right artist and its commendable that with all of his outside influences he still manages to create music that fits in the rap world.
Grimm Doza
Artist we would like to see Grimm Doza work with: Freddie Gibbs
Follow Grimm Doza on Soundcloud
New Jersey rapper/producer Grimm Doza has become known for his gritty production used by rappers such as Lucki and Wifisfuneral. Doza’s production leaves plenty of room for rappers to breathe and can work with a variety of artists, whether its a rapper who is more hook focused or one concentrated on lyricism. Doza’s output is prolific and putting on for a state that doesn’t get too much attention in the rap world should get him some shine.
Blank Body
Artist we would like to see Blank Body work with: Smokepurpp
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Mysterious producer Blank Body doesn’t release music often, but when he does his loyal following is all over it. The producer behind some of Night Lovell’s standout tracks such as the recent “RIP Trust,” Blank Body has become known for his distinct drum patterns and dystopian feel to his production. Normally his production is more fleshed out by the addition of an artist; the ominous tone can be interpreted in a number of ways depending on the direction the artist takes it in-- Night Lovell approaches it from the darker side while on the opposite end up and comer O Billz has a brighter take.
Lord Fubu
Artist we would like to see Lord Fubu work with: Curren$y
Follow Lord Fubu on Soundcloud
Recent addition to A$AP Ant’s Marino Infantry Records, Lord Fubu has been dropping some of Soundcloud’s best beat tapes for sometime now. Fubu has become synonymous on the platform for extremely smooth production rooted in r&b and irresistible sampling. It’s no surprise that he has collaborated with producers like Divine Council’s Icy Twat as they have similar styles-- although Fubu has a much larger discography. Fubu’s production is not only consistent but can also elevate artists, let’s hope he gets more chances in 2018.
Ryan Jacob
Artist we would like to see Ryan Jacob work with: Bryson Tiller
Follow Ryan Jacob on Soundcloud
Australian producer Ryan Jacob has been testing his creative limits working with artists such as Nessly and Aaron Cartier, and now it’s time for him to take that next step. He already has a few major collaborations under his belt such as one with Soundcloud electronic star Joji, and is only improving as his sound becomes more polished. Jacob can hang with the best and his production, perfect for some alternative autotune crooning, should start seeing more and more looks.
Melty Canon
Artist we would like to see Melty Canon work with: Partynextdoor
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Melty Canon, formerly known as Doujinshi, is another producer that has been grinding it out on Soundcloud for years now. His silky and ethereal production has found a substantial audience on the platform which has also lead to him becoming a frequent collaborator with Awful Records’ Father. Melty Canon has enough talent to effectively produce both rap and more traditional r&b tracks, it's just a matter of whether or not he gets the opportunity. And not to forget that his “Melty Canon saved the game” is one of the best producer tags on Soundcloud.
basedtj
Artist we would like to see basedtj work with: Unotheactivist
Chances are if you have ever clicked around on Soundcloud you most likely have come across a basedtj production. Basedtj is a young producer who has become the go to for Sahbabii, and had his beats used by rappers like Playboi Carti & Thouxanbanfauni, who seem to have appreciated the straightforwardness and accessibility of his production. And with one of the most talked about snippets in a while (Sahbabii’s “Anime World”) produced by basedtj, his 2018 should be a great one.
Tony Seltzer
Artist we would like to see Tony Seltzer work with: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
Follow Tony Seltzer on Soundcloud
Tony Seltzer has quickly become one of New York’s prominent producers and after a weighty 2017. His 2018 should keep the momentum going. Tony’s signature style is true to New York, while also incorporating elements that don’t stray too far from what’s hot. He has also proven that he can produce for rap in any figuration, whether it’s teaming up with Harry Fraud for a track with a throwback feel or creating something dreamier with New York’s Wiki. Tony Seltzer can do it all and New York rap is in good hands with him behind the boards.
Curtis Heron
Artist we would like to see Curtis Heron work with: Wifisfuneral
Follow Curtis Heron on Soundcloud
Team Sesh producer Curtis Heron has remained prolific on Soundcloud for years, thriving as one of Bones’ go to producers. Heron has become recognized on the platform for his consistency, with maybe the most important acknowledgement coming from the late A$AP Yams. Curtis Heron has tried his hand at the mainstream, producing A$AP Rocky’s “Multiply,” but he’s doing well where he is. Hopefully, more recognition for his melancholy sound is on the way.
Misogi
Artist we would like to see Misogi work with: Lil Skies
Versatile producer by the way of Dubai and the UK, Misogi has been consistently killing it on Soundcloud for years. Misogi has ventured out into a number of styles from hard-hitting trap instrumentals to easy going tracks implementing acoustic guitars, and even dropping a number of buzz catching remixes. Over the past couple of years he has collaborated with artists such as Night Lovell, and even found himself along Charlie Shuffler on Lil Yachty’s second birthday mix.
Lund
Artist we would like to see Lund work with: Corbin
Lund fits perfectly in the current era of music where the mid-2000s emo phase has once again found an audience that embraces it. His eerie and moody production has built a large following on Soundcloud and he could easily slot in as an addition to Gothboiclique if he ever desired. There is a level of appreciation deserved for producers who effectively capture that downbeat spirit, because we’re in a time where many want to do the same but have a hard time achieving it beyond thought.
