Producer Deep Focus - Metro Boomin
Leland Tyler Wayne or professionally known as Metro Boomin a.k.a “Young Metro” or just “Metro” was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1993. Metro Boomin is considered one of the most influential producers of the 21st century working with some of the biggest rap artists of the period.
As a teenager, he was gifted Fruity Loops, a DAW where he could create and arrange full songs from just his laptop. After posting his beats online, he started making connections in Atlanta, GA, a huge hotspot for rap. In just a few years, his career blew up. He would then go on to work with mainstream artists such as Post Malone, Future, Drake, 21 Savage, Kanye West, and more.
He is also well-known for his collaboration tapes, especially his 2015 executively produced record, “What a Time to Be Alive,” with Drake and Future. He has also found success in collaboration albums with Big Sean, 21 Savage, Nav, and Offset.
He also has two of the most recognizable producer tags in the genre. Between “If young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you,” and “Metro Boomin want some more!” audiences instantly know they are in for a quality track.
In the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards, he took home a win for Producer of the Year, and the following year he won the Best Producer Award.
As of early 2022, he only has one solo record, his major-label debut, “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES” (2018). Here, he once again collaborates with familiar artists and is completely behind the board for the whole project.
With plenty of accolades under his belt, it is apparent that Metro Boomin has changed the rap game. It should only be a short time before listeners can hear what he has planned next.
5 Essential Metro Boomin Songs:
“X” - 21 Savage (ft. Future) (2016)
The first single from Metro Boomin and 21 Savage’s collaboration tape, “Savage Mode,” may still be one of the most replayable hip hop tracks of 2016. Future and 21 Savage recollect their misadventures with women of their previous relationships over a dark, ominous beat that is also gorgeous. They switch bars effortlessly thanks to clean beat transitions from Metro. The song went 3x Platinum and is Savage’s third highest selling track to date.
“Bad and Boujee” - Migos (ft. Lil Uzi Vert) (2016)
Migos' “Culture” would have been more insignificant without the release of their most streamed song to date. The track runs nearly six minutes long, yet it still finds its way on repeat. It contains quotable lyrics, great performances by all four rappers, and a simple but memorable beat that guides them along. “Bad and Boujee” went 4x Platinum and is a major fan favorite.
“Bounce Back” - Big Sean (2016)
This single is arguably one of the catchiest Big Sean tracks in his discography. The chorus is heavily quotable and used for numerous Instagram captions. “Bounce Back” went 5x Platinum, and it is his second best-selling song to date.
“Congratulations” - Post Malone (ft. Quavo) (2016)
The breakthrough “Stoney” track is tied for most units sold in Post Malone’s discography. Certified 11x Platinum, “Congratulations” is a force to be reckoned with. The instrumentation is almost surreal, using an array of instruments accompanied by hard-hitting drums. Lyrically, the track is filled with self-congratulation, but the man behind the board deserves more of that appraisal.
“Mask Off” - Future (2017)
From the vocal sample to the flute, to the drums, “Mask Off” represents a perfect trap song. The beat was so stellar that even Kendrick Lamar had to hop on it. Future gives a stellar performance, and there is a massive chance that the song will become even more relevant shortly. A hit is a hit, and this is it.
Essential Metro Boomin Album:
“Without Warning” - 21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin (2017)
The collaboration between three of the massive artists in rap marked something special. “Without Warning” was dark, and unrelenting, something that Metro had explored in previous works, but perfected here. This seemed fitting considering its Halloween release date, and even the album cover set the tone for the record.
Lyrically, it contained lots of references to murder and weapons. “Without Warning” peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200, and their lead single, “Ric Flair Drip” sold over six million copies.
The record received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success overall. The album wastes no time with the tracklist of 10 songs, totaling just over half an hour. With minimal features, the trio holds its own and delivers some of its best work. Despite its dark tone, “Without Warning” is arguably the most replayable project to come out of any of their discographies yet. Quality music from front to back.
Caelan Chevrier is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email cjc6789@psu.edu.
