Explore Metro Boomin's rise as a producer and his collaborations. Discover his unique sound and production approach. Learn about his versatility and collaborations across different genres. Compare Rihanna's 'Creepin' with Mario Winans' 'I don't want to know'. Dive into the transformation of tracks into darker versions. Reflect on Metro Boomin's impact and get a preview of an upcoming episode on another Atlanta artist.
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Quick takeaways
Metro Boomin has had a significant impact on the music industry by collaborating with a wide range of artists and consistently producing eerie soundscapes.
His dark and brooding production style, characterized by overbearing 808s and atmospheric synthesizers, has become a hallmark of contemporary hip-hop.
Deep dives
Metro Boomin's Versatility and Influence in Hip-Hop
Metro Boomin, one of the biggest figures in hip-hop and pop music, has a sound that is not easy to pin down. His dark, brooding production has become a hallmark of contemporary hip-hop. From his early collaborations with artists in Atlanta's trap scene, like Gucci Mane and Future, to his work with A-listers like Drake and The Weeknd, Metro Boomin has consistently pushed the boundaries of his sound. He has also shown his versatility by producing tracks in different genres, from the remix of the Thompson Twins' "Hold Me Now" to collaborations with John Legend and James Blake. With his thematic albums "Not All Heroes Wear Capes" and "Heroes and Villains," Metro Boomin has solidified his position as one of the biggest producers of the 21st century.
Metro Boomin's Early Career and Influences
Metro Boomin's career began in Atlanta's hip-hop scene, where he collaborated with artists like Tatum, OJ the Juice Man, and Future. These collaborations, along with his driving force from St. Louis to Atlanta for studio sessions, helped shape his sound and expose him to the trap scene. His breakthrough came in 2014 with Drake's remix of "I Love Macon" and the song "Tuesday." Metro Boomin's production credits expanded to include artists like Kanye West, Big Sean, and Migos, cementing his role in Atlanta's hip-hop dominance in the 2010s.
Metro Boomin's Sound and Production Style
Metro Boomin's production style is characterized by dark, brooding beats, eerie textures, and unconventional percussion. His beats create a distinct atmosphere that complements the lyrics and themes of the songs he produces. He is known for using signature elements like overbearing 808s, atmospheric synthesizers, and unique production quirks. Even as he explores different genres and collaborates with diverse artists, Metro Boomin's sound remains identifiable and impactful.
Metro Boomin's Evolution and Impact in Music
Metro Boomin has evolved as a producer, continuously pushing himself creatively and exploring new sonic territories. He has expanded his collaborations beyond hip-hop, working with artists like Solange, James Blake, and even scoring the soundtrack for Marvel's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. His ability to adapt and diversify his production style has solidified his position as one of the most influential producers in music today. Metro Boomin's impact extends beyond his own hits, as his distinctive sound has become a reference point for contemporary hip-hop and has shaped the landscape of music in the 21st century.
Few producers have had such a demonstrated impact on the the last decade of music as Metro Boomin. Described by GQ as the “architect of Atlanta rap,” Metro has netted collaborations as far-ranging from Coldplay to Gucci Mane, garnered three #1 projects on the Billboard 200, and is credited with bolstering trap music’s presence both in and out of the South. From “Jumpman” to “Bad & Boujee” to “Creepin’,” we’ve been hearing his productions for years – all of which manage to capture the ear due to his penchant for eerie soundscapes and light and dark dichotomy.
This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a closer look at Metro Boomin’s career, highlighting what makes his production style so versatile.
Songs Discussed:
Metro Boomin, John Legend – On Time
ILOVEMAKONNEN, Drake – Tuesday (feat. Drake)
Future – Radical
Drake, Future – Jumpman
Kanye West – Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
Big Sean – Bounce Back
Migos, Lil Uzi Vert – Bad and Boujee (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
21 Savage, Metro Boomin, Future – X (feat. Future)
Future – Wicked
Future – Mask Off
Metro Boomin, 21 Savage – Don't Come Out The House (with 21 Savage)
Metro Boomin, J Balvin, Wizkid, Offset – Only You (feat. Wizkid, Offset & J Balvin)
Thompson Twins, Metro Boomin – Hold Me Now (Metro Boomin Remix)
Solange – Stay Flo
James Blake, Moses Sumney, Metro Boomin – Tell Them (feat. Moses Sumney & Metro Boomin)
The Weeknd – Heartless
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage – Creepin' (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage)
Mario Winans, Enya, Diddy – I Don't Wanna Know (feat. Enya & P. Diddy)