Metro Boomin

Leland Tyler Wayne (born September 16, 1993), professionally known as Metro Boomin (also known as Young Metro or simply Metro), is an American record producer, record executive, and DJ.[2][3] Raised in St. Louis, Wayne began a production career while in high school and became known for his successful recordings with Atlanta hip hop and trap artists such as Young Thug, Future, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane and Migos.[4] He is often regarded as one of the greatest producers of his generation.

Metro Boomin
Birth nameLeland Tyler Wayne
Also known as
  • Young Metro
  • Metro
  • Lil Metro
Born (1993-09-16) September 16, 1993
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • record executive
  • DJ
Years active2009–present
Labels
  • Boominati Worldwide
  • Republic
  • Freebandz[1]
Member of
  • So Icey Boyz
Websiteboominatiworldwide.com

Early production success for Wayne came with tracks such as ILoveMakonnen's 2014 hit "Tuesday" and Drake and Future's 2015 single "Jumpman". Since then, he has amassed over a dozen top 20 hits,[4] including "Mask Off" by Future, "Bank Account" by 21 Savage, "Congratulations" by Post Malone, "Tunnel Vision" by Kodak Black, "Bad and Boujee" by Migos, and "Heartless" by The Weeknd, with the latter two reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100[4][5][6][7] He has also released full-length collaborations, including Savage Mode (2016) and Savage Mode II (2020) with 21 Savage, Perfect Timing (2017), with Nav, Double or Nothing (2017) with Big Sean, and DropTopWop (2017) with Gucci Mane. His debut solo album Not All Heroes Wear Capes was released in November 2018, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. "Congratulations" by Post Malone featuring Quavo was his first diamond certification (10× platinum), being certified in 2019.[8]

Early life

Leland Tyler Wayne was born on September 16, 1993, in St. Louis, Missouri,[9] where he attended Parkway North High School. He has four siblings.[10] After a brief stint playing bass guitar in his middle school band, he turned to making beats in the seventh grade at age 13. This happened when his mother bought him a laptop and he got a copy of the music production software FruityLoops.[11] In high school, Wayne churned out five beats a day.[12] Initially, Wayne wanted to rap, and started making beats so that he could have music to rap over. However, he eventually turned his full attention toward hip-hop production.[13] As he continued to hone his production skills, while still in high school, he began to utilize online social media platforms, such as Twitter, to network with more established rap artists as well as beat submissions for potential music placements.[14]

Career

2009–2013: Career beginnings

During high school, Metro's mother would often drive him for over eight hours from St. Louis to Atlanta to collaborate with artists he met online. One of the first artists with whom he worked was Bricksquad Monopoly rapper Tay Don which then led him to collaborate with Bricksquad label artists such as OJ Da Juiceman, Gucci Mane, and eventually his frequent collaborator Future, an artist that he continues to collaborate with to this day.[13]

Metro Boomin first started traveling to Atlanta in the 11th grade to pursue a career in music.[15] In an interview with XXL, Metro says that Atlanta rapper OJ Da Juiceman was the first popular artist to rap on his beats, a string of collaborations that ultimately led to Metro meeting and working with Gucci Mane during the summer between his junior and senior years of high school.[16] Upon graduating high school, Metro Boomin moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College, studying Business Management. Ultimately however, he chose to take a hiatus from school after a semester, because the schedule demands of a full-time music career became too much to balance.[16] Since, Metro has collaborated with artists including Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, Juicy J, Yo Gotti, 21 Savage, Wiz Khalifa, Chief Keef, The Weeknd, YG, Young Jeezy, Meek Mill, Travis Scott, Ace Hood, Young Scooter, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Rich Homie Quan, Trinidad James, Drake, Lana Del Rey, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos, DJ Khaled, Schoolboy Q, Post Malone, Nav, Swae Lee, Gunna, Lil Wayne, Waka Flocka Flame, and Kanye West. Metro also regularly collaborates with other modern hip hop producers, including Sonny Digital, TM88, Southside, Zaytoven, Young Chop, DJ Spinz and most recently Tay Keith on Not All Heroes Wear Capes.[2]

Metro Boomin has also worked extensively with popular rapper Future. The two first worked together on a song called "Hard", included on DJ Esco's Welcome 2 Mollyworld mixtape,[11] and have collaborated on numerous songs since, including two singles from Future's second album, Honest, the album's lead single, "Karate Chop", and title track, "Honest", co-produced by DJ Spinz.[17]

2013–2016: Rise to fame

In May 2013, Metro formally announced his debut mixtape, 19 & Boomin.[18] Following warm-up singles, featuring artists like Trinidad James, Gucci Mane, and others, Metro released the mixtape, hosted by popular mixtape website LiveMixtapes, on October 7, 2013.[19] The mixtape, all original songs, included "Maison Margiela", featuring Future, and "Some More", featuring Young Thug, both of which were subsequently released as music videos.[20][21]

In March 2014, Metro and Young Thug announced that they would release a collaborative album, performed and released under the moniker "Metro Thuggin". The album was to be self-titled and was planned to be released sometime in 2015. Along with the announcement, Metro Thuggin released the collaborative track, "The Blanguage".[22] The 'Metro Thuggin' project was ultimately scrapped, however photographer Cam Kirk claims to have a copy of the complete, finished album. A few leaked tracks from the project were found circulating the internet in late 2015, yet an official mixtape has never surfaced.[23]

In 2014, Metro made an appearance on Nicki Minaj's third studio album, The Pinkprint, producing the track "Want Some More".[24]

In October 2014, Metro executive produced Future's Monster mixtape. This spawned the first appearance of the hit single, "Fuck Up Some Commas". Metro also produced the sixth single from Future's Honest, "I Won", which features Kanye West.[25] The song became a single a month after the album was released.

Metro served as executive producer for Drake and Future's collaborative mixtape What a Time to Be Alive, released on September 20, 2015. In addition, he produced or co-produced seven of the 11 tracks on the mixtape.[26]

Metro also served alongside DJ Esco as executive producer for Future's 2016 mixtape, Purple Reign. In 2016, he won Producer of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards.[27]

In 2016, Metro Boomin was credited with produced charting hits such as "Jumpman" by Future and Drake, "Bad and Boujee" by Migos, "Low Life" by Future and The Weeknd, and the 21 Savage collaboration "X". That year, he also contributed to Kanye West's The Life of Pablo, and he and 21 Savage released the EP Savage Mode. In 2017, he produced charting singles such as "Tunnel Vision" by Kodak Black, "Bounce Back" by Big Sean, "Mask Off" by Future, and "Bank Account" by 21 Savage.[4]

2017: Perfect Timing, Without Warning, Double or Nothing

On July 14, 2017, Metro and Canadian rapper and fellow record producer Nav released two singles, "Perfect Timing (Intro)" and "Call Me", the dual lead singles from their collaborative mixtape, Perfect Timing. The mixtape was released by Boominati Worldwide, XO, and Republic Records, exactly one week later, on July 21. It features guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Offset, 21 Savage, Belly, and Gucci Mane.[28]

On October 31, 2017 (Halloween), Metro and American rappers 21 Savage and Offset released their collaborative studio album, Without Warning, as a surprise release. On the same day, "Ric Flair Drip", performed by Metro and Offset was released as the lead single. The album features guest appearances from Travis Scott and Quavo.[29]

On November 3, 2017, Metro and American rapper Big Sean released a single titled "Pull Up n Wreck", featuring American rapper 21 Savage, the lead single from their collaborative studio album, Double or Nothing. The mixtape was released on December 8, 2017. It features guest appearances from Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Kash Doll, Young Thug, and Swae Lee. On February 13, 2018, "So Good", featuring American rapper Kash Doll became the lead single.[30]

2018–present: "Retirement", Not All Heroes Wear Capes and Savage Mode II

In January 2018, Metro Boomin was featured in a Gap campaign with American singer SZA, alongside a self-produced remix of "Hold Me Now".[31][32] The remix was released to digital platforms on the same day as the campaign.[33][34] In an interview with XXL, explaining the campaign with Gap and the remix, he stated;

To remix the song, it was really about the [original] track leading the direction, I kept the rhythm of the song more uptempo, more of their style, with that old-school feel. But I put the 808s on it just to have that bounce. It was about mixing both worlds but not really losing the essence of the original.[32]

In April 2018, Metro Boomin announced his "retirement" from rap on his Instagram page, changing his bio to "Retired record producer/DJ".[35] However, he since garnered production credits on American rapper Nicki Minaj's fourth studio album Queen, as well as Minaj's labelmate Lil Wayne, on his twelfth studio album, Tha Carter V, which both debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200.

On October 26, 2018, multiple billboards appeared in Atlanta and New York depicting Metro Boomin as a "missing person".[36] It was later revealed to be a teaser for his debut studio album, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, for his comeback, which he had been working on since 2015. The album was released on November 2, 2018, and features guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Swae Lee, Gunna, Young Thug, Wizkid, J. Balvin, Offset, Kodak Black, and Drake.[37] Not All Heroes Wear Capes debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and number 16 on the UK Top 40 Albums.[38]

On November 27, 2019, he co-produced Canadian singer The Weeknd's fourth Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, "Heartless", with Illangelo and Dre Moon. The song was released as the lead single from the singer's fourth studio album, After Hours (2020). Metro also helped produce three other tracks on the album, "Escape from LA", "Faith" and "Until I Bleed Out".[39]

On September 29, 2020, Metro and English-American rapper 21 Savage announced their fourth collaborative project, Savage Mode II, a sequel to their EP, Savage Mode (2016). It features guest appearances from Drake, Young Thug, and Young Nudy. On October 13, 2020, the dual lead singles became "Runnin" and "Mr. Right Now", the latter of which features Drake.[40] The album was released on October 2, 2020, and debuted atop on the Billboard 200 chart, earning both artists their second number-one albums, which were also back-to-back for both artists.[41]

Musical style

Specializing in the trap sub-genre of hip hop, Metro Boomin utilizes a distinctive mix of heavy bass, rattling synthetic percussion and dark, gothic melodies.[42] Metro Boomin hardly strays from hip hop, although he has produced 4 tracks from The Weeknd's R&B album After Hours;[43] in addition, he has also remixed pop songs such as "Hold Me Now" (produced as a Gap marketing collaboration).[32]

Producer tags

In Hip-Hop music, producers may choose to mark their work with a ‘producer tag’, a catchy shout-out usually placed at the beginning of a song which allows listeners to recognize and appreciate certain producers. Boomin is no exception, and is widely known for his extensive use of producer tags which have garnered him a large fan base over the years.

One of Boomin's tags, "Metro Boomin want some more, nigga",[44] originates from vocals of the Boomin-produced song "Some More" by Young Thug, and received widespread attention in early 2016.

Metro's most prominent and iconic tag "If Young Metro don't trust you I'm gon' shoot you" is performed by Future. The origin of the tag comes from the song "Right Now" by Uncle Murda, also produced by Boomin. The tag was first noticeably recognized by fans in Drake's 2015 song, "Jumpman" from the collaborative mixtape What a Time to Be Alive,[45] and gained widespread attention after its use in the Diamond-Certified Migos hit, “Bad and Boujee”.

Metro also is known for his tag "Young Metro, young Metro, young Metro" spoken by his longtime collaborator Future. Boomin' often references "3x" or "Young Metro 3x" as a nod to this signature tag.

Another one of Boomin's tags is just "Metro!", spoken by Young Thug. This can be most prominently heard at the beginning of the Metro produced song "Mr. Right Now" by 21 Savage and Drake, off the 2020 cut Savage Mode II.

Personal life

Wayne's mother, Leslie Joanne Wayne, was killed in a murder-suicide by his stepfather on June 5, 2022.[46]

Boominati Worldwide

Boominati Worldwide is a label owned by Metro Boomin. It was launched in June 2017 in partnership with Republic Records and Universal Music Group. Metro stated: "Launching Boominati Worldwide is the next step in my career as a producer, an artist and a businessman. I created the label to represent a collective of highly gifted individuals who have the shared gift of being able to influence the world through culture and art".[47]

Discography

Studio album

  • Not All Heroes Wear Capes (2018)
  • Heroes & Villains[48] (2022)

Collaborative albums

  • Without Warning (with 21 Savage and Offset) (2017)
  • Double or Nothing (with Big Sean) (2017)
  • Savage Mode II (with 21 Savage) (2020)

Mixtapes

  • 19 & Boomin (2013)
  • Perfect Timing (with Nav) (2017)
  • Droptopwop (with Gucci Mane) (2017)

Extended plays

  • Savage Mode (with 21 Savage) (2016)

Awards and nominations
YearAwardsNominated workCategoryResult
2016 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards[49] Himself Producer of the Year Won
BET Hip Hop Awards[27] Won
2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards[50] Won
BET Hip Hop Awards[51] Best Producer Award Won

References
  1. Mitchell, Gail (June 28, 2017). "Metro Boomin Launches Boominati Worldwide Label, Joins Bryson Tiller on Set It Off Tour". Billboard. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  2. Zeichner, Naomi (August 13, 2013). "Beat Construction: Metro Boomin". The Fader.
  3. Halperin, Shirley (August 27, 2019). "Music Moguls of the Year: The Weeknd Manager Sal Slaiby Swears He'll Be 'The Greatest Immigrant' Trump Ever Saw". Variety. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  4. Kellman, Andy. "Metro Boomin – Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  5. "The Weeknd's "Heartless" Song Reaches No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". XXL. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  6. "The Weeknd". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  7. "Migos". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  8. "Gold & Platinum – RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  9. "Metro Boomin Biography". TrapWorldHipHop. February 20, 2017.
  10. "How Metro Boomin Became The Most Trusted Guy In Rap". The Fader. April 12, 2016. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  11. Zeichner, Naomi (August 13, 2013). "Beat Construction: Metro Boomin". The Fader.
  12. Chris Richards (September 12, 2014). "The real rap stars of Atlanta: A new generation of producers working at the speed of sound". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  13. Agnew, Thomas (February 5, 2014). "Metro Boomin: Elevated Movements". Jenesis Magazine.
  14. Krishnamurthy, Sowmya (May 15, 2013). "Metro Boomin Talks Producing 'Karate Chop'". VIBE Magazine.
  15. "Metro Boomin Biography, Discography, Chart History". Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  16. Martinez-Belkin, Neil (February 6, 2013). "Meet Metro Boomin, The Producer Behind Future's 'Karate Chop'". XXL Magazine.
  17. Gleckman, Alexander (September 11, 2013). "Interview: Meet Metro Boomin Talks Working With Future, "Honest," and Sacrificing A Normal Life". Complex Magazine.
  18. Nostro, Lauren (May 30, 2013). "Premiere: Metro Boomin f/ Trinidad Jame$ & Curtis Williams "Serious"". Complex Magazine.
  19. Garvey, Meaghan (October 8, 2013). "Download Metro Boomin's 19 & Boomin Mixtape". FADER Magazine.
  20. Zeichner, Naomi (November 27, 2013). "Video: Young Thug "Some More"". FADER Magazine.
  21. DeVille, Chris (January 5, 2014). "Future – "Maison Margiela" Video". Stereogum.
  22. Minsker, Evan (March 26, 2014). "Young Thug and Metro Boomin Team Up as Metro Thuggin, Share The Blanguage". Pitchfork Media.
  23. "Cam Kirk Shares Photo of 'Metro Thuggin' Project: 'I Wish the World Got to Hear'". Complex. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  24. "Nicki Minaj — The Pinkprint — Standard Edition", December 15, 2014, retrieved May 20, 2021
  25. Frydenlund, Zach (April 7, 2014). "Future f/ Kanye West "I Won" (Prod. x Metro Boomin)". Complex Magazine.
  26. "Drake's Instagram". September 20, 2015. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
  27. "Here Are All The Winners From The 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards". The Fader. October 5, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  28. "Metro Boomin And NAV Announce Release Date For Perfect Timing Project". The Fader. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  29. "21 Savage / Offset / Metro Boomin – 'Without Warning'". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  30. "Big Sean / Metro Boomin – 'Double or Nothing'". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  31. "SZA Dances to Metro Boomin's Remix of an '80s Pop Song in New Gap Commercial". Complex. January 24, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  32. "METRO BOOMIN FLIPS A CLASSIC 1980'S POP SONG FOR GAP'S LOGO REMIX CAMPAIGN". XXL. January 24, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  33. "Hold Me Now (Metro Boomin Mix) – Single by Thompson Twins on Apple Music". January 25, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018 – via Apple.
  34. "Metro Boomin Releases "Hold Me Now (Remix)" From Gap "Logo Remix" Campaign". HotNewHipHop. January 24, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  35. "Metro Boomin Want More? Producer claims to have 'Retired from rap'". The Independent. April 13, 2018. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  36. "What is up with these weird Metro Boomin "missing person" billboards?". The Fader. October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  37. "Metro Boomin Drops New Album With Drake, Travis Scott, Young Thug, More: Listen". Pitchfork Media. November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
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  39. "Credits / After Hours / The Weeknd – TIDAL". Retrieved December 29, 2020 – via Tidal.
  40. Ellise, Shafer (September 28, 2020). "21 Savage and Metro Boomin Unveil New Album 'Savage Mode 2' With Help From Morgan Freeman". Variety. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  41. "21 Savage & Metro Boomin's 'Savage Mode II' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  42. Shah, Neil (December 2, 2017). "Metro Boomin: The Rap Producer Shaping Pop Music". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  43. "The Weeknd's "After Hours" Production Credits Revealed". HotNewHipHop. March 18, 2020.
  44. Pierre, Alphonse (November 7, 2018). "Metro Boomin Not All Heroes Wear Capes". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  45. Lee Yandoli, Krystie. "Here's The Story Behind The Phrase "If Young Metro Don't Trust You, they Gon' Shoot You"". Buzzfeed. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  46. "Metro Boomin's Mother Reportedly Killed by Her Husband".
  47. Bryan, Hahn (June 28, 2017). "Metro Boomin Launches Boominati Worldwide With Republic and UMG". XXL. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  48. "Metro Boomin's Upcoming Album Is Titled "Heroes & Villains"". HipHopGet. November 19, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  49. "BMI Honors Toni Braxton With President's Award at 2016 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards". BMI Awards. September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  50. "Patti LaBelle Saluted as Icon at BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards". Billboard. September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  51. "Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled, & Cardi B Lead BET Hip-Hop Awards 2017 Nominees". Rap-Up. September 14, 2017. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
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