Bangladesh Tells All: The Stories Behind His Biggest Hits

The superproducer behind "A Milli" talks about working with Ludacris, M.I.A., Beyonce, and more.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Armed with an infectious sample and trunk slapping bass, Lil Wayne's "A Milli" is not only one of Weezy's biggest songs, but also one of the definitive songs of its era. The man credited with producing the beat is none other than Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford.

An Iowa native who moved to Atlanta during his teenage years, Bangladesh's beats come loaded with futuristic sounds and undeniable crunk. Besides "A Milli," his production credits include hits like Ludacris' "What's Your Fantasy," Beyonce's "Diva," and Gucci Mane's "Lemonade."

He also happens to be working with Pusha T on his upcoming G.O.O.D. Music debut. That's why we just had to get Bang to tell the stories behind some of his biggest hits. He was kind enough to explain why Lil Wayne's "A Milli" was a double-edged sword for him, how Sean Garrett can make your song tighter, and how one rude comment inspired one of his first beats. *Spaced-out voice screams "BANGLADESH!"*

Ludacris f/ Shawnna "What's Your Fantasy" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

Ludacris "Ho" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

8Ball & MJG "Don't Make" (2004)

Not Available Interstitial

8Ball & MJG "You Don't Want Drama" (2004)

Not Available Interstitial

8Ball & MJG f/ Lloyd "Forever" (2004)

Not Available Interstitial

Kelis f/ Too $hort "Bossy" (2006)

Not Available Interstitial

M.I.A. "Hit That" (2007)

Not Available Interstitial

Lil Wayne "A Milli" (2008)

Not Available Interstitial

Beyonce "Diva" (2008)

Not Available Interstitial

Beyonce f/ Lady Gaga "Videophone" (2009)

Not Available Interstitial

Mario f/ Sean Garrett & Gucci Mane "Breakup" (2009)

Not Available Interstitial

Gucci Mane "Lemonade" (2009)

Not Available Interstitial

Gucci Mane f/ Lil' Wayne & Cam'ron "Stupid Wild" (2009)

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Music